There is a time and place for restrain but sometimes I just can’t resist leaving well enough alone. I bought a bag of dried hibiscus flowers (also known as sorrel or jamaica) for making Kim Boyce’s hibiscus rhubarb compote (which is fantastic. I’ll tell you more about it in a few days). I only used eight blossoms for that recipe so of course it became my mission to finish off the whole bag somehow. The first thing that came to mind was Hibiscus Agua Fresca from Heidi Swanson’s 101 Cookbooks. The tart and jewel-tone beverage served in a cold frosted tumbler is more welcome than cool breeze on a hot day.
While the hibiscus blossoms were infusing, I couldn’t stop rummaging in the kitchen. A few thin slices of fresh ginger root, a fragrant vanilla pod, and a couple sprigs of mint soon found their way into the pitcher. I then recall reading somewhere that chia seeds are often added to agua fresca in Mexico and they would bloom into tiny flecks with a gelatinous coating. A handful of chia seeds quickly joined the party. Waiting was the hardest part. It took a few hours before the whole pitcher is chilled and I served each glass with a slice of lime.
It was love at first sip. The cool mint balances perfectly with the tart hibiscus and sweet vanilla. The chia seeds reminded me of strawberries and kiwis in texture. There’s probably something super healthy about them too but I don’t really care. This drink is just fun and refreshing to kick off a summer of lounging around. I think I’ll have to make this Hibiscus Agua Fresca with Vanilla Mint my official house drink of Summer 2011.
Did you see the pitcher in the background? Here is a better look of it sitting in the fridge. Every time I open my fridge, I have visions of the Kool-Aid Man* busting through a brick wall saying “ooooh yeah”. I knew I should have gotten something with a more elegant shape…
* Those of you not familiar with the Kool-Aid Man, I highly recommend you read the Wikipedia entry. “He is typically featured interrupting children mid-conversation by smashing through walls and furnishings, brandishing a filled pitcher, and yelling ‘Oh Yeah!’”. No joke. Mascots are weird.
