Agua de Jamaica

Though prolific in Mexico, flor de Jamaica, or hibiscus flower, is actually from West Africa and has been used in tea for thousands of years. Today, the tea infusion is part of cultures all over the world, and Mexico is one of the largest producers of the flower because of the popularity of the drink here.

Tart, sweet, and refreshing, Agua de Jamaica is one of our favorite drinks here!

Makes: 30 cups

Time: 5 minutes prep, 1 hour waiting

Ingredients:

-1 cup jamaica flowers (also known as roselle flowers)

-3 gallons of water

-sugar, to taste

Directions:

1) In a small pot, cover the flowers with water and boil on high for 10 minutes.

2) Remove the pot from heat and let cool to room temperature, about an hour

3) Fill a large pitcher or bucket with 2 gallons of water.

4) When the flower-water has cooled, use a strainer to pour the tea into the pitcher, letting the strainer catch the flowers. Then, pour the remaining one gallon of water over the flowers and into the pitcher as well.

5) Add sugar to your liking, making sure to stir thoroughly to allow the sugar to dissolve.

Enjoy!