Making Agua de Jamaica

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If you have spent any time in Puerto Vallarta, you certainly have seen "Agua de Jamaica", the sweet-tart red beverage that is commonly served at any Mexican table.  This traditional Mexican drink (pronounced "Ha-my-ca") is made from the hibiscus flowers that bloom all over Vallarta.  Besides being delicious, it also acts as a gentle, natural diuretic, making it a perfect drink if you have mild water rentention.

You'll find dry jamaica flowers at any market in Puerto Vallarta and here is a simple recipe to try at home.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups dried hibiscus flowers
• 8 cups water
• 3/4 cup sugar or equivalent amount of sugar substitute
  

Rinse and drain the hibiscus flowers in a colander.

Put them in a saucepan with 4 cups of the water and the sugar.

Stir and bring to a slow boil, lower heat and simmer, covered, for 15 minutes.

The flowers will have lost their color into the water, which will be a deep red color. Let the liquid cool, then strain it into a pitcher.

Discard the flowers.

Add the rest of the water and stir.

Chill thoroughly before serving.