It's been so darn hot here in lala land that I've been guzzling my favorite Mexican tea, Jamaica (pronounced ha-mike-a), which is basically water infused with hibiscus flowers.
Unlike the Mexicans, who prefer theirs sugary sweet akin to southerners 'sweet tea', I like mine straight up and chilled. I can almost feel the cleansing properties of the rich in Vitamin C potion as it goes down. If I want to sass it up, some pineapple juice does the trick or a sprig of fresh mint.
I sometimes add a shot of booze (at cocktail hour of course). This particular batch was smuggled into the United States from Costa Careyes, Mexico where I vacationed in April.
Fortunately, Los Angeles has some of the best Latin markets around so it shouldn't be hard to come by, especially if you find a store with a good produce department. Here are a couple places that I know stock it in a generic clear plastic bag. No label. No nothing except a pile of pretty dark magenta flowers.
Grand Central Market
317 S. Broadway
Los Angeles, CA 90013
La Adelita
5821 Santa Monica Blvd.
Los Angeles, California 90038
(While you're there buy a bag of their homemade tortilla chips, fried in lard of course. You cančt beat em)
And here's how to make Jamaica:
Grab a handful of flowers and put them in a sauce pan. Bring to a boil, lower the heat and simmer for about 20 minutes. Let it cool and then strain into your favorite pitcher. Now youčre ready to sip and savor.
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I had this tea in Egypt. I kept asking what is was made of, but no one could translate "kerkade" into English until I got home. I agree it is just what a hot day ordered.
I love Jamaica water!!! The flowers are easy to find here in NYC -- most markets that cater to Mexicans will have them among their spices.
Another favorite water is Tamarindo -- deliciosa!
"Grab a handful of flowers and put them in a sauce pan. Bring to a boil, lower the heat and simmer for about 20 minutes. Let it cool and then strain into your favorite pitcher. Now youÂčre ready to sip and savor"
Can I assume water is involved here somewhere?
I had a ton of this delicious tea at the fancy food show a few weeks ago & have been thinking about it..Thanks now I know where to go look! :)