Jamaica Agua Fresca - Hibiscus Iced Tea

Jamaica is a very common drink made throughout Mexico.  It is a bright red, tart and flavorful tea which is often used not only to quench thirst but also commonly used as a diuretic.  Diuretics remove excess water from the body.  In concentrated form can also be used as a mild laxative.  Jamaica 

is dried Hibiscus Flower that is easily reconstituted.  This recipe makes a 

strong concentrate... 

4 Cups Dried Hibiscus Flower

8 Cups of Water 

1/2 Cup Fresh Lemon or Lime Juice

Simple Syrup to Taste

Bring the 8 cups of water to a boil... Measure your hibiscus...

In a large bowl seep the hibiscus in the water for at least 30 minutes... 

I like to cover with some plastic wrap... 

This is what it looks like after 30 minutes... 

Using a strainer... pour into a pitcher...

This is a very strong concentrate ... 

1 Cup of Concentrate to 4 Cups of Water... 

I save the left over hibiscus... Put them in a freezer bag... 

And re-steep... but with 4 cups next time. 

So now... You take a new pitcher... Pour 1 Cup Jamaica Concentrate and 4 Cups of Water...

Add 1/2 Cup Lemon Juice...  Add simple syrup to taste (recipe below) 

Serve with plenty of ice... 

Ahhhhhhh...... 

SIMPLE SYRUP RECIPE

3 Cups Sugar 

3 Cups Water

Combine sugar and water in a saucepan... 

Turn heat on med/high... 

Once the sugar is dissolved... You are done! 

 Allow to cool and store in a bottle with cover...