Agua de Jamaica (Hibiscus Flower Water)

Dried hibiscus flowers, known in Mexico as jamaica (pronounced hah-MIKE-ah) are used to make this refreshing, delicious drink. This recipe takes takes about an hour to prepare and another hour or so to chill. It makes a half gallon.

2 cups dried hibiscus flowers (2 packages)
2 quarts water
3/4 cup sugar (or to taste) - or equivalent amount of sugar substitute

Rinse and drain the hibiscus flowers in a colander. In medium saucepan, bring one quart of water to a boil. Add hibiscus flowers and 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 run the mixture through a strainer. Pour into a pitcher and mix with remaining quart of water. Chill thoroughly before serving. Pour into tall, ice-filled glasses and serve.