Hibiscus Tea

 I've been making this Hibiscus Tea for several years and many friends have asked how
I make it.  So i thought I'd make a blog post of the steps I take to make a 1 gallon of Hibiscus Tea. 
BTW this also makes a good base for a great sangria.

I used to buy this from the grocery store for $1.79 for a 2 oz. package  but I found the local distributor
that sell it for $4 per pound.  Either way it's worth it; a 2 oz package will make a gallon. 
The package says Rose Hip Petals but I've always known it as Hibiscus petals
or as it's sold in the local Mexican markets as 'Jamaica'. 

I first boil 4 quarts of water then turn the heat off.  Don't boil the tea with the petals, just add them
after the heat is off or it will have a burned taste.  Take about 2 handfuls (2 oz) and toss it in the hot water.

 

Let the petals steep for at least 30 minutes.  Sometimes I let it sit until completely cool.

Drain the tea through a colander

The resulting tea.  It is very strong at this point; about 3 times stronger tan the final tea will be.

Add a tsp. of Cinnamon

Half a tsp of Ginger

should look something like this

I add a small scoop of sugar.  I've tried Honey but didn't like the underlying taste it gives. 
Agave sweetener is a good choice if you don't want to use cane sugar. 
I usually use organic cane sugar but didn't have it on hand this time.

Give it a good stir with a whisk til sugar is dissolved and cinnamon and ginger
is completely incorporated.

Ready to pour and dilute.

I separate it into 2 clean half gallon glass milk jugs then top off with filtered water. 
This batch actually made a bit more than usual so it's a little stronger than normal. 

 Topped off and ready to go in the fridge to chill.  I should note that the tea is good hot or cold
and can be diluted even further if needed.  The tea has a very intense fruity taste
so you'll have to find your ideal preference. 
I think it better to start too strong than too weak as it can always be thinned.

 Deep rich taste and color.

Diluted down by half again and still a beautiful color and taste.  Enjoy!