Tea Time Tuesday feat Hibiscus Iced Tea by Athor Carole Brown

 

Book Two of the Troubles in the West series (a historical, romantic suspense), one of the protagonists—Rosita—is given a hibiscus plant by her Tia (Aunt) Maria, who relayed the tale of her mother bringing it to the plantation in Mexico years ago, after her marriage, and guarding it as if it was a person. Sharing it with Rosita gave the young girl the opportunity to be able to prepare it for her husband and the other cowboys at their new ranch, along with the mint tea that was growing on their land.

Here's a recipe that Rosita might have used, give or take a few ingredients. 

Agua de Jamaica 

Hibiscus Iced Tea 

Prep Time: 10 mins

Cook Time: 25 mins 

Yields: 2 quarts

Ingredients:

2 quarts water

¾ to 1 cup sugar (depending on how sweet you like your tea)

1 cup dried hibiscus flowers

½ cinnamon stick (optional)

a few thin slices of ginger (optional)

Allspice berries (optional)

Lime juice (optional)

Orange or lime slices for garnish

Method:

Boil water with sugar and spices:

Put 4 cups of the water and sugar in a medium saucepan. Add cinnamon, ginger slices, and/or a few slices of allspice berries if you like. Heat until boiling and the sugar is dissolved.

Steep with dried hibiscus flowers:

Remove from heat. Stir in the dried hibiscus flowers. Cover and let sit for 20 minutes.

Strain: 

Strain into a pitcher and discard the used hibiscus flowers, ginger, cinnamon, and/or allspice berries. At this point youu can store the concentrate ahead, chilled, until ready to make the drink.

Add Water: 

Add remaining 4 cups of water 

Suggestions:  

Alternately, you can add ice and chilled soda water for a bubbly version, or if you want to chill the drink quickly. Or...

Add a little lime juice for a more punch-like flavor. Or...

Instead of sugar, you can always use honey. Or...

Serve over ice with a slice of orange or lime.

Hibiscus Tea is healthy, but research it and make sure it works for you!

 Most of all enjoy your tea and tea parties!

 “A cup of tea is a cup of peace.”   

Author Carole Brown  

The above is a reprint from a post from last spring.  Carole shared a Ladies Tea at her church. 

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