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Epicurious
Bon Appétit

Hibiscus, Orange, and Vanilla Agua Fresca

By Andy Baraghani

5.0

(1)

Image may contain Plant
Photo by Alex Lau

True, this concoction is slightly more complex than lemonade. But so are most relationships.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    Serves 4

Ingredients

1 vanilla bean, split in half lengthwise
1 Thai chile, split in half lengthwise
4 3" strips orange zest
½ cup dried hibiscus flowers or 24 hibiscus tea bags
½ cup sugar
½ cup fresh lime juice
Thin lime wheels (for serving)

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Scrape vanilla seeds into a medium saucepan; add pod, chile, orange zest, hibiscus, sugar, and 2 cups boiling water. Let steep until infusion cools to room temperature, about 30 minutes. Strain through a fine-mesh sieve into a large bowl, pressing on solids. Stir in lime juice and 2 cups cold water; chill agua fresca 1 hour.

    Step 2

    Divide agua fresca among ice-filled glasses. Garnish with lime wheels.

    Do ahead: Agua fresca can be made 3 days ahead. Cover and chill.

TagsAgua FrescaBeveragesCentral AmericanLatin AmericanHibiscusHerbs & SpicesLimeCitrusFruitOrangeVanillaNonalcoholicMake AheadSummerBon Appétit

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