YES...you can add alcohol!

While Agua de Jamaica is fantastic on its own...flavorful with health benefits...it mixes up perfectly in a cocktail, too Dani.  I apologize for the quick posts this weekend...unless you're enjoying the quickies, in which case, I do what I can...I've been dealing with some sort of "bug" that is ravaging my sinuses and internal functions, so I'm just pulling out some photos that have been waiting in the wings...for their moment in the spotlight.  Just looking at the computer screen for this short amount of time has made me dizzy all over again...ugh.  Mommy.

Jamaica Sangria

from the kitchen of girlichef

1 bottle Chardonnay

2 c. Agua de Jamaica

1/2 c. Triple Sec

juice of 2 oranges

fruits for bottom, cut as seen fit:

peach

apple

orange

lime

currants

Place all the fruit in the bottom of a pitcher and pour liquids over.  Stir and refrigerate until very cold.  Serve over ice.

Hibiscus Margarita (on the rocks)

slightly adapted from Antojitos by Barbara Sibley & Margaritte Malfy

1 lime, quartered

Piquín Chile Salt recipe below

ice cubes

8 oz. blanco tequila

6 oz. sour mix recipe below

4 oz. Agua de Jamaica

4 oz. Triple Sec

splash of freshly squeezed orange juice

lime slices, garnish

Rub rim of each glass w/ a lime quarter. Spread chile salt on small plate and dip each rim into the salt to coat. Set glass aside. 

Mix all the liquids together and chill thoroughly.  Fill glasses with ice cubes and pour margaritas into prepared glasses. Garnish w/ lime.

Sour Mix
yield: ~8 c.

4 c. water
3/4 c. sugar
4 c. lime juice

In a saucepan, bring the water and sugar to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring to dissolve sugar.  Let syrup boil for ~3 minutes, or until sugar is thoroughly dissolved and syrup is clear.  Remove from heat and cool eopletely.  Add lime juice a little at a time, stirring constantly.  Transfer mix to jar w/ tight-fitting lid and refrigerate for up to 5 days.

Piquín Chile Salt
yield: ~1/4 c.

3 Tbs. kosher salt
~1 Tbs. piquín chile powder

Mix together in small bowl.  Use right away or transfer to jar w/ tight fitting lid and store at room temp.

Salud!