Jamaica Agua Fresca

Jamaica (pronounced “Ha−MY−kah”) is the refreshing Mexican drink made by steeping dried Hibiscus flower. It is renowned for its health benefits, including its ability to lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Thanks to its rich antioxidant content beta carotene, Vit C, and anthocyanins−hibiscus tea can help support heart health and improve liver function. This version keeps the gorgeous color, natural tang and lively flavor, without all the sugar and extra calories.

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 oz dried Jamaica Hibiscus flowers = one generous cup

• 1 cinnamon stick

• Ginger root, fresh about 2 inch chunk sliced thin

• 8 cups filtered water

• Optional: 10 smashed allspice berries, or 5 cloves

• Sweetener options: sugar, honey, stevia liquid, monkfruit powder or liquid

HOW TO MAKE:

Place dried hibiscus flowers in a medium-sized glass bowl. Bring 4 cups of water to a boil and pour over hibiscus flowers, add cinnamon stick, ginger, and optional spices. Let the flowers and spices steep in the water for at least 20 minutes, an hour is better.

After steeping, pour the ruby liquid through a strainer into a pitcher, or into a half−gallon Mason jar. (Save the re−hydrated flowers for other uses.). Allow to cool. From here, you can either: 1) Add the remaining 4 cups of water and add sweetener to taste, and serve over ice; or 2) Store in Mason jar as unsweetened jamaica concentrate in the refrigerator for later use.

From concentrate, for individual 8 fluid oz servings, pour 1⁄4 cup of jamaica concentrate over ice, add 3⁄4 cup filtered water or plain sparkling water, add sweetener I like adding 3-4 drops of stevia liquid, and drink up!