Make Agua De Jamaica

Agua de Jamaica is a Central American and Carribean drink, which is essentially a tea made from hibiscus calyces. It is very refreshing when served chilled, and relaxing when served warm, but is most often served chilled.

Hibiscus has long been used in herbal remedies, and this drink is known in Central America as an "agua fresca," (lit. "fresh water") meaning a cheap beverage. It has been proven to help lower blood pressure, in part due to its mild diuretic properties. This drink is also a beautiful deep ruby red color, which is very pleasing to the eye.

Ingredients
In order to make a half gallon of agua de jamaica:
 * 1/2 cup of dried hibiscus calyces ("Flor de Jamaica")
 * Water (8 cups)
 * Sugar (about 1/2 cups, or to taste)
 * OPTIONAL: rum, ginger, thinly-sliced lime garnish

Steps

 * 1)  Bring 4 cups of water to a boil.
 * 2)  Add 1/2 cup Flor de Jamaica and 1/2 cup sugar.  If adding ginger, add it to the mixture at this point, also, to taste.
 * 3)  Allow mixture to boil for about 2 minutes, stirring occasionally.
 * 4)  Cover and allow to steep for about 10 minutes.
 * 5)  Strain this infusion into a separate container, add the remaining 4 cups of cold water, and mix well.  If adding rum, mix in at this step.
 * 6)  To serve immediately, pour over ice.  Otherwise, allow it to cool in the refrigerator until it is time to serve.
 * 7)  Enjoy your cultural beverage!

Tips

 * "Flor de Jamaica" is the Central American name for dried hibiscus calyces. It can be referred to as simply "Jamaica" in most Mexican grocery stores.  It is also called "sorrell," "saril," or "roselle," to name a few of its numerous names.
 * Because these are Spanish words, Jamaica is pronounced "ha-MIKE-ah."
 * As mentioned above, this beverage is often served chilled. If this recipe is served warm, the sugar can sometimes overpower the natural tartness of the hibiscus, so sweeten to taste.

Warnings

 * Be careful with boiling water, as it can cause severe burns.

Sources and Citations

 * http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hibiscus_tea
 * http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aguas_frescas
 * http://www.101cookbooks.com/archives/000172.html
 * http://www.hibiscus.org/recipes.php
 * http://www.flordejamaica.org/index_archivos/recetas.htm
 * http://newcrop.hort.purdue.edu/newcrop/morton/roselle.html