Hibiscus Agua Fresca Recipes

HIBISCUS-LEMON AGUA FRESCA

Steps:

• Bring hibiscus, sugar, and 8 cups water to a boil in a large pot over high heat. Reduce heat to low and simmer 10 minutes. If using hibiscus flowers, strain mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a large bowl; discard solids. If using tea bags, discard bags, then transfer mixture to a large bowl. Chill until cold, at least 2 hours. Transfer to a pitcher, pouring slowly so any fine particles remain in bowl. Stir in lemon juice.
• Do Ahead
• Aqua fresca can be stored in an airtight container and chilled for up to 5 days.

HIBISCUS, ORANGE, AND VANILLA AGUA FRESCA

Steps:

• Scrape vanilla seeds into a medium saucepan; add pod, chile, orange zest, hibiscus, sugar, and 2 cups boiling water. Let steep until infusion cools to room temperature, about 30 minutes. Strain through a fine-mesh sieve into a large bowl, pressing on solids. Stir in lime juice and 2 cups cold water; chill agua fresca 1 hour.
• Divide agua fresca among ice-filled glasses. Garnish with lime wheels.
• Do Ahead
• Agua fresca can be made 3 days ahead. Cover and chill.