Agua de Jamaica

Aqua de Jamaica is a beverage I mentioned this beverage in a previous post.   (Refresher:  Mexican cooking class, red drink with lamb taco for breakfast, ringing any bells???)
 
Well, I came across a bag of dried jamaica flowers at the grocery store and instantly decided to buy it.   I figured this must be what they use to make the red stuff.   

The proper pronounciation of jamaica - in reference to the flower, not the country - is “ha-MIKE-uh” in Spanish.   

The dried maroon petals of the jamaica flower is also known as hibiscus.  I was told that in the states you can usually find it near the loose teas, or nestled in with bulk herbs and spices in natural food stores.

My plan was to soak the dried flowers in water overnight, but then I thought “maybe there is an actual recipe on the internet.”   Of course there was and I’ve listed it below.

Making this iced tea is easy. Once you find a source for the dried petals you are halfway there.  Making the actual tea doesn't take more than 15 minutes of active cooking/boiling time, and after that you are just waiting for the tea to cool down.

No only does it taste good and look pretty (love the color), but it is also believed that jamaica/hibiscus packs a bounty of health benefits. It is rich in vitamin C, has detox enhancing properties; and has been widely used as an herbal method of controlling high blood pressure, tempering fevers, alleviating digestive problems, soothing menstrual cramps, as well as improving circulatory disorders.  

Jamaica Flower Iced Tea Recipe
(Agua de Jamaica)

4 cups water
1/2 cup dried jamaica flowers
1/2 cup sugar (If you prefer, sweeten with any natural sweetener of your choice)
Another 3 cups of cold water
More sugar to taste
1 lime, thinly sliced

First off, pick out a pot that won't stain.  Hibiscus has the potential to stain just about anything it comes in contact with including your countertop, cookware, wooden spoons, favorite jeans, etc.  So keep this in mind.

Bring the 4 cups of water to a boil.  Remove water from heat and add the dried flowers and sugar.  Place a lid over the pot and steep for 10 minutes, stirring once or twice along the way to break down the sugar granules.

Pour the infusion through a strainer into a pitcher or jug (this is usually where something gets stained). You are going to want to add about 3 more cups of cold water to the pitcher. Taste and adjust based on your personal preference.  You can add a bit more sugar if you think you need it or more water if you   feel like the jamaica is too overpowering.    

 Cool completely and serve over ice with a lime garnish.

Serves 8.

I’m beginning to think this would taste good with a splash of bubbly to make a little spritzer.   Can you tell I have a one-track mind?