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)
Need to make a substitution?
Preparation
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.