Sunday, February 05, 2012

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... 
  






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