---
title: "Bougainvillea Flower Drink — Homemade Agua de Bugambilia"
description: "Versión en Español. Bougainvillea flower drink, or agua de bugambilia, is a cup of washed bougainvillea bracts simmered in a liter of water for 5 to 10 minutes, strained, and sweetened with honey and..."
url: https://www.chileanfoodrecipes.com/bougainvillea-flower-drink-agua-de-bugambilia-recipe/
date: 2026-10-05
modified: 2026-10-05
author: "Carlos Uhart M."
image: https://www.chileanfoodrecipes.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/bougainvillea-flower-tea-agua-de-bugambilia-featured.jpg
categories: ["Beverages"]
type: post
lang: en
---

# Bougainvillea Flower Drink — Homemade Agua de Bugambilia

[Versión en Español](https://comidaschilenas.com/receta-de-agua-de-bugambilia-natural-casera-y-saludable/)

![Purple bougainvillea flower drink in a glass](https://www.chileanfoodrecipes.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/bougainvillea-flower-tea-agua-de-bugambilia-featured.jpg)*Bougainvillea flower drink*

Bougainvillea flower drink, or agua de bugambilia, is a cup of washed bougainvillea bracts simmered in a liter of water for 5 to 10 minutes, strained, and sweetened with honey and lemon juice, served hot or over ice. It takes 10 minutes of preparation and 10 minutes of cooking, and serves 4.

A Mexican folk drink with a mild flavor and striking color, traditionally used as a home remedy for coughs and colds.

Contents

- [1. How to Make Bougainvillea Flower Drink?](#How_to_Make_Bougainvillea_Flower_Drink)
- [2. Nutritional Information](#Nutritional_Information)
- [3. Homemade Bougainvillea Flower Drink Recipe](#Homemade_Bougainvillea_Flower_Drink_Recipe)
  - [3.1. Ingredients](#Ingredients)
  - [3.2. Instructions](#Instructions)
- [4. Additional Tips](#Additional_Tips)
  - [4.1. Use lemon ice cubes](#Use_lemon_ice_cubes)
  - [4.2. Use unsprayed flowers](#Use_unsprayed_flowers)
  - [4.3. Do not over boil](#Do_not_over_boil)
- [5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)](#Frequently_Asked_Questions_FAQs)
  - [5.1. 1. Which part of the plant is used?](#1_Which_part_of_the_plant_is_used)
  - [5.2. 2. How long does it keep in the fridge?](#2_How_long_does_it_keep_in_the_fridge)
  - [5.3. 3. Is bougainvillea drink a medicine?](#3_Is_bougainvillea_drink_a_medicine)
- [6. History of Bougainvillea Drink](#History_of_Bougainvillea_Drink)
- [7. Did You Know?](#Did_You_Know)
- [8. Recommended](#Recommended)

## How to Make Bougainvillea Flower Drink?

Fresh or dried bougainvillea is infused in hot water and finished with honey or lemon. It can be enjoyed cold or hot.

## Nutritional Information

Each serving of bougainvillea drink contains approximately 25 kcal, 6 g of carbohydrates, 0 g of fat, 0 g of protein, 0 g of fiber, 6 g of sugars, and 0 mg of sodium. These values are estimates and may vary depending on ingredients and portion sizes.

## Homemade Bougainvillea Flower Drink Recipe

**Preparation:** 10 minutes
**Cooking:** 10 minutes
**Servings:** 4

### Ingredients

- 1 cup of bougainvillea flowers (bracts), unsprayed
- 1 liter (4¼ cups) of water
- 2 tablespoons of honey
- 1 lemon

### Instructions

1. Carefully wash the bougainvillea to remove any impurities. Bring a liter of water to a boil in a pot and add the flowers.
2. Lower the heat and simmer for 5 to 10 minutes so the flowers release their color and aroma. Remove from the heat, strain, and let cool.
3. Sweeten with honey or sugar to taste and add lemon juice for a citrus touch. Serve hot, warm, or cold over ice.

## Additional Tips

### Use lemon ice cubes

Freeze lemon juice in ice cube trays to chill the drink and add a subtle citrus note.

### Use unsprayed flowers

Only use bougainvillea that has not been treated with pesticides.

### Do not over boil

Simmer gently for no more than 10 minutes to keep the color bright.

| Original ingredient | Substitute | Ratio | Flavor note |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Honey | Sugar | 2 tablespoons | Neutral sweetness |
| Lemon | Lime | 1 | More aromatic |
| Fresh bracts | Dried bracts | ½ cup | Pantry option |
| Hot | Iced | To serve | Refreshing |

## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

### 1. Which part of the plant is used?

The colorful bracts, the modified leaves around the small flowers, fresh or dried. The drink is a home remedy traditionally used for coughs, phlegm, and colds.

### 2. How long does it keep in the fridge?

Up to 4 days. After that the flavor fades and the color can start to oxidize.

### 3. Is bougainvillea drink a medicine?

It is a traditional folk remedy in Mexico, not a substitute for medical treatment. See a doctor for persistent symptoms.

## History of Bougainvillea Drink

Bougainvillea is native to South America and has long been used in Mexico in folk medicine and cooking, where its infusion is a popular remedy for respiratory complaints.

## Did You Know?

Besides being an ornamental plant, bougainvillea has been used in some cultures to dye fabrics thanks to its vivid purple pigment.

## Recommended

- [Homemade Kombucha Recipe](https://www.chileanfoodrecipes.com/homemade-kombucha-fermented-tea-recipe/)
- [Homemade Ginger Beer Recipe](https://www.chileanfoodrecipes.com/homemade-ginger-beer-cerveza-de-jengibre-recipe/)
- [Turmeric and Ginger Shots Recipe](https://www.chileanfoodrecipes.com/turmeric-ginger-shots-shot-de-curcuma-recipe/)
- [Chilean Digestive Herbal Infusion Recipe](https://www.chileanfoodrecipes.com/chilean-bariatric-tea-digestive-herbal-infusion-recipe/)