Jamaica Agua Fresca

Jamaica flowers (dried hibiscus) can be found in Mexican, Latin
American, or Asian grocery stores or in the ethnic section of
supermarkets. The flowers make a very refreshing, bright red drink.
Jamaica is often used as a tea as well.

Ingredients:

1 quart water
2/3 cup (1 ounce) dried hibiscus flowers
1 vanilla bean, sliced lengthwise
3/4 to 1 cup sugar (to taste)
1 quart cold water

Preparation:

In a large saucepan, bring the quart of water to a boil. Add flowers
and vanilla bean to the boiling water, remove from stove and allow to
steep for at least 20 minutes. Strain the mixture into a 2 quart
pitcher, saving the vanilla bean for another use. Add the sugar and
stir to dissolve. Add cold water and adjust sweetening. Chill and
serve over ice.

Variation: Cut cold water to 1 pint and add 1 quart cold ginger ale.