This drink is also known as agua de Jamaica in Mexico. It's wonderfully refreshing and perfect when served on a warm summer's day. It's made with hisbiscus petals, sugar and spices.
Dried hibiscus petals can be purchased online.
I have it 2 stars because it's good. But not five because This is an exaggerated version of the Mexican Jamaica Drink. Both my parents are from Michoacan, Mex and my mother herself only boils Hibiscus leaves for a good 2 hours to extract all the flavor and color and as it's hot she adds Mexican sugar (not the piloncillo which has a different after taste, but course, unbleached, Mexican sugar) and that is it. I tried this recipe, and although good, it's not Mexican Jamaica, it heavily resembles that from Puerto Rico. - 19 Aug 2010 (Review from Allrecipes US | Canada)
AWESOME!! I don't have a gallon pitcher, so I halved the recipe, got a lil too much nutmeg (oops!) still delicious. Going to try to gradually reduce the sugar. Excellent recipe. Thank you SB!! UPDATE: This has become my quaff du summer. In a 1/2 gl pitcher I've reduced the sugar to 1 medium cone of piloncillo and 1/2 c. white sugar. For some added goodness, I've squeezed a lime or two or three in it as well, so refreshing! - 27 Jun 2010 (Review from Allrecipes US | Canada)
Excellent! I love the agua de jamaica they sell in the restaurant part of our local Mexican grocery store, but it's SO expensive! This was simple to make and very inexpensive (about $3.00 for a gallon, compared to $3.49 for a 32-ounce cup at the store). This is less sweet and syrupy than the jamaica at the store, too, and that makes me like it even more. Thanks for a great recipe that I'll make many times! - 13 Jun 2010 (Review from Allrecipes US | Canada)