Hibiscus Tea!

I really enjoy hibiscus tea, and I decided to make my own! I have had hibiscus tea before (and it is VERY good!) and we do have hibiscus flowers here at home. The Cupcake Project blogged on the tea. Let's face it though, I am not going to find hibiscus tea in Jacksonville Alabama. I am also looking forward to the candied flowers!

Recipe? Why of course!

4 cups water
1/2 cup dried jamaica flowers
1/2 cup sugar

Another 3 cups of cold water
More sugar to taste
1 lime, thinly sliced

If you prefer, you can sweeten with any natural sweetener of your choice including honey in place of granulated sugar).
First off, pick out a pot that won't stain. Hibiscus has the potential to stain just about anything it comes in contact with including your countertop, cookware, wooden spoons, favorite jeans, etc. So keep this in mind.
Bring the 4 cups of water to a boil. Remove water from heat and add the dried flowers and sugar. Place a lid over the pot and steep for 10 minutes, stirring once or twice along the way to break down the sugar granules.
Pour the infusion through a strainer into a pitcher or jug (this is usually where something gets stained). You are going to want to add about 3 more cups of cold water to the pitcher. Taste and adjust based on your personal preference. You can add a bit more sugar if you think you need it, or more water if you feel like the jamaica is too overpowering. This is usually just about right for my taste.
Cool completely and serve with plenty of ice in glasses garnished with a slice of lime.
Serves 8.

That recipe is from here: http://www.101cookbooks.com/archives/000172.html