Some of you may know this as the traditional latino or hispanic drink of Jamaica (pronounced high-may-kuh). It is a delicious herbal infusion of the hibiscus flower. It has vitamin C and flavanoids. Plus–its delicious. Think––all natural version of 'gatorade' or the powered packet fruit punch. Its flavor is just that, fruit punch, yet slightly tart, and super refreshing. It is usually made sweetened, which brings out its complexity of flavors.
While visting friends in Texas, we came across a bag of the flowers at the grocery, so I decided to make them some.
Make big batches of this for you and the kids, its tastes like those sugary juice drinks, with a LOT less sugar that you control, and no high-fructose anything, and its herbal and healthy.
Here is how I make it.
- 2 cups of hibiscus leaves
- 4 cups boiling water
- 2/3 cup agave nectar (use honey, or a mix of both)
- Ice
- Large glass pitcher
- Water
In a large glass measure, pour the boiling water over the leaves and let steep for about 8 minutes or so. In the glass pitcher, place the agave or honey. Using a strainer, pour the steeped liquid into the pitcher, straining out the leaves. Stir to dissolve. Fill the pitcher half way with ice or about 4 cups of ice. Then top it off with about another 3-4 cups of water.
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