Jamaica Agua Fresca
 

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.