What is the name of the Mexican beverage made from hibiscus flowers?

The Mexican beverage made from hibiscus flowers is called agua de Jamaica, or agua de jamaica. It is a chilled infusion prepared from the crimson calyces of roselle, Hibiscus sabdariffa, and is usually sweetened with sugar.

Agua de Jamaica is one of Mexico’s widely served aguas frescas, beverages made by diluting fruit juices, flower infusions, or other flavor extracts with water. Its deep ruby-red color and tart, cranberry-like flavor come from the hibiscus calyces, which are often steeped and then strained before serving over ice.

The drink is not unique to Mexico. Related hibiscus beverages include bissap in parts of West Africa, karkadé in Egypt and Sudan, and sorrel in the Caribbean. The name can be confusing because “Jamaica” refers to the Spanish name associated with the flower, not necessarily the drink’s country of origin. Tamarindo, tepache, and horchata are different Mexican beverages.