Té de Bugambilia: Mexico’s bougainvillea flower tea

Bougainvillea is best known for splashing colour across walls, balconies and courtyards. But in many Latin American homes, especially in Mexico, the vibrant flowers are also brewed into a soothing herbal tea called Té de Bugambilia. Mildly floral and comforting, this infusion has long been part of home remedies, often prepared when someone is dealing with coughs, congestion or throat irritation.

What is Té de Bugambilia?
Té de Bugambilia is an herbal infusion made using the petals (bracts) of bougainvillea flowers. The tea is caffeine-free and has a light, earthy floral flavour. Traditionally, it is sweetened with honey and sometimes paired with cinnamon or citrus peel.

Only the coloured bracts are used. The leaves and stems are avoided.

Here’s how to make this traditional tea at home.

Ingredients
6 to 8 fresh bougainvillea bracts (any colour)
2 cups water
Honey or jaggery, to taste
Optional:
1 small piece of cinnamon
A strip of orange or lemon peel

Preparation
Rinse the bougainvillea bracts thoroughly to remove dust or insects
Bring the water to a boil in a small saucepan
Add the bracts and any optional ingredients
Reduce heat and let it simmer for 8 to 10 minutes
Turn off the heat and allow the tea to steep for another 5 minutes
Strain into a cup
Sweeten lightly with honey or jaggery and serve warm.

Taste and colour
The tea turns a soft golden or pale pink hue depending on the flower colour. The flavour is subtle and floral, not overpowering. Honey works especially well as it rounds out the mild bitterness.

When is it usually consumed?
Traditionally, Té de Bugambilia is consumed:

• In the evening
• During seasonal weather changes
• As a warm, comforting drink before bedtime

It is often prepared fresh and consumed warm rather than stored.

A note of caution
Use only unsprayed, edible-safe flowers grown away from roads or pollution. Bougainvillea varieties are many; while the flower tea is widely used in traditional practices, it should be consumed in moderation. If you are pregnant, on medication or unsure, it’s best to consult a healthcare professional before trying herbal infusions regularly.

Simple variations

• Bugambilia ginger tea: Add a few slices of fresh ginger while boiling
• Citrus bugambilia tea: Add orange peel for brightness
• Iced version: Cool the tea, strain and serve over ice with a squeeze of lime