Agua Fresca De Jamaica Food

AGUA FRESCA DE JAMAICA

Steps:

• Place the hibiscus in a bowl, rinse thoroughly with cold water, and drain. Cover with 4 cups cold water, add allspice berries, if using, and soak for 4 to 12 hours. Strain through a fine mesh sieve into a pitcher, pressing firmly and then discarding solids. Add 4 cups water and then sweeten to taste with sugar or agave syrup.

AGUA DE JAMAICA (HIBISCUS WATER)

Steps:

• Place 6 cups of water in a large saucepan; bring to a boil. Stir in the hibiscus petals, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and allspice. Reduce heat to medium-low, and gently simmer until the water has turned a deep red, 30 to 45 minutes.
• Stir the chopped piloncillo into the hibiscus water until dissolved, then set aside to cool 15 minutes. After cooling, strain the warm liquid into a 1 gallon pitcher through a wire mesh strainer. Squeeze as much liquid from the petals as you can, then discard the petals. Stir in the white sugar until dissolved, then pour in enough cold water to fill the pitcher. Serve immediately or let stand overnight for best taste.