1bag (2 ounce)hibiscus flowers, about two cups (also called Jamaica flowers , flor de Jamaica or roselle)
¼cupgranulated sugar (or more to taste)
Strips of zest from one orange
12-inch piece fresh ginger, peeled, sliced, and slightly crushed
1cinnamon stick (optional)
For Garnish (Optional):
Grapes
Sliced oranges
Sliced lemons or limes
Mint leaves
Instructions
Place the hibiscus flowers, 6 cups of water, the sugar, orange zest, ginger and cinnamon sticks (if using) in a large pot. Bring to a boil, then lower to a simmer, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes. Remove from the heat and let it steep for 30 minutes.
Strain out the solids, and chill for at least 6 hours, until very cold. Add 4 cups of ice cold water. Serve the tea chilled over ice, with any garnishes you like.
Notes
You can use agave instead if you like, and once the tea is chilled you can add additional sweetener, like honey or agave or superfine sugar after the tea is chilled to taste, or let everyone sweeten their own glass to taste. Granulated sugar is used in the steeping process, as the heat will allow it to dissolve properly, while it is harder to dissolve in a cold drink (as any iced tea drinker can tell you! You can also add simple syrup to the chilled tea.