I’m done with diet sodas and sugary bottled juices. Water is what I sip, but no matter how many lemon or cucumber slices you put it in, it can get a little boring. Sometimes you just feel like sipping a cold flavored beverage.

agua de jamaica

I discovered Agua de Jamaica (prounounced Ha-mike-ah) at a neighborhood Mexican restaurant. It is delicious and refreshing and good for you. Hibiscus flower tea is full of antioxidants, vitamin C and lowers cholesterol and high blood pressure. It is usually served sweetened because it is a tart drink, but I’ve gotten used to drinking it straight without sugars. I buy the dried hibiscus flowers at my local herb shop Flower Power where all the herbs come from US organic farmers.

Flower Power herb shop in the East Village

Here is the recipe:

Add 1/2 cup of dried hibiscus flowers to 4 cups of water and boil for a few minutes. Turn off flame and let it steep for at least a half hour (the longer you steep it the darker it becomes – a beautiful magenta color). Strain it and add sweetner to taste and put it in the fridge.

dried hibiscus flowers

All photos were taken on my phone with the Hipstamatic app using Blanko film and the Hornbecker and the Libatique 73 lenses.