Jamaica Iced Tea

A favorite summer drink. It is believed hibiscus packs many healthful properties. It is rich in vitamin C, and has been widely used as an herbal method of controlling high blood pressure, tempering fevers, alleviating digestive problems, as well as improving circulatory disorders.

Difficulty: Easy

Servings: 6

Prep Time: 15 min   Cook Time: n/a  

Ingredients

4 cups water
1/2 cup dried jamaica (hibiscus) flowers
1/2 cup sugar
Another 3 cups of cold water
More sugar to taste
1 lime, thinly sliced

Directions

Pick out a pot that won’t stain. Hibiscus has the potential to stain just about anything it comes in contact with.

Bring 4 cups of water to a boil. Remove water from heat and add the dried flowers and sugar. Place a lid over the pot and steep for 10 minutes, stirring once or twice along the way to break down the sugar granules.

Pour this through a strainer into a pitcher or jug . You are going to want to add about 3 more cups of cold water to the pitcher. You can add a bit more sugar if you think you need it, or more water if you feel like the jamaica is too overpowering.

Cool completely and serve with plenty of ice in glasses garnished with a slice of lime.

Serves 8.

Categories: Beverages

Submitted by: cyndi on May 4, 2010