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.
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
- Carefully wash the bougainvillea to remove any impurities. Bring a liter of water to a boil in a pot and add the flowers.
- 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.
- 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.
How to adapt this recipe to a vegan or vegetarian version?
How to adapt this recipe to a gluten-free version?
How to adapt this recipe to a keto (ketogenic) version?
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