Agua de Jamaica
Hibiscus Cooler
Dried hibiscus flowers steep in cinnamon- and orange-peel-scented boiling water for a deep-ruby, tart concentrate that's diluted, chilled, and served over ice with lime.
Agua de Jamaica
✦ Antes de Empezar
Before you cook
What can I do with the strained hibiscus flowers instead of tossing them?
Don't discard them — the spent flowers can be sautéed with onion and chile and used as a tangy taco filling.
Ingredientes· 4View
The Brew
- 1.5 cupsDried Hibiscus Flowers (Flor de Jamaica)
- 8 cupsWaterdivided
- 1Mexican Cinnamon Stickoptional, for warm spice note
The Sweetener
- 3/4 cupGranulated Sugaradjust to taste (hibiscus is very tart)
Instrucciones
6 pasosEnjuaga la jamaica
Rinse the hibiscus
Rinse the hibiscus flowers quickly in a fine-mesh strainer to remove any dust.
Hierve con especias
Boil with spices
Bring 4 cups of the water to a boil with the cinnamon and orange peel, if using. Add the hibiscus, return just to a boil, then remove from the heat.
Deja reposar
Steep the hibiscus
Cover and steep for 15 to 20 minutes — the longer it steeps, the stronger the tannins and the more astringent the drink.
Cuela el concentrado
Strain the concentrate
Strain into a heatproof pitcher, pressing lightly on the flowers without crushing them.
Endulza y diluye
Sweeten and dilute
Stir in the sugar while the concentrate is still warm, then add the remaining 4 cups cold water.
Enfría y sirve
Chill and serve
Chill thoroughly. Taste and dilute or sweeten as needed, then serve over ice with lime.