Agua de Jamaica

A COOL DRINK FOR A HOT SUMMER PARTY

crisp, TART, refreshing
and HEALTHY !

a few quarts for less than .50 cents

whip up a batch of this for your next BBQ throw-down instead of spending all that $$$ on sugary store bought "contains 10% fruit juice" cranberry drink.

HEALTH BENEFITS?!...known to lower cholesterol, regulate high blood pressure, contains vitamin C and A, aids water retention...blah blah blah...

IT'S DELICIOUS !
it's pretty...
IT'S A LITTLE OUT OF THE ORDINARY...

you can find bags of the Jamaica (dried Hibiscus flowers) for about 3 dollars or buy it out of the bins at any Mexican super market.  i always keep an apothecary jar filled on the counter...it looks pretty and it's an easy beverage to whip up.  i boil some water before bed and throw in a handful of blossoms with a cinnamon stick and a bag of ginger tea or a few cardamom pods, let steep over night, strain through cheesecloth and chill the next day.

SIDE NOTE...if you don't sweeten it too much and leave out the cinnamon, this could possibly be a good alternative to red wine for the non-drinker/designated driver.

AGUA de JAMAICA

8 cups filtered water

 1 to 1 1/2 oz dried hibiscus flowers (a big handful)

1 cinnamon stick (optional, see side note above)
a few slices of ginger (optional)
or...a bag of Yogi Ginger Tea

sugar or sweetener to taste 

no need to use exact measurements. this is the way i throw it together.  after the first batch you will make it to suit your taste.

bring water to a boil, remove from heat and add hibiscus and cinnamon stick.  let steep for 20 minutes or let come to room temp.  strain and squeeze blossoms through a few layers of cheesecloth or a paper towel and sweeten to taste.  stir until sugar is dissolved.  i prefer this drink a little tart.

refrigerate and serve chilled as is...
if it is too strong add water or serve over ice.
blend with some sparkling water, fresh juice...pineapple, orange, apple or Trader Joe's Pomegranate Blueberry Ice Tea?...
i like to add a splash to Sobe Lifewater with a squeeze of lime.

or...MY NEW FAVORITE MIXER...Homemade Probiotic Fermented Lemonade

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