When one of our original Feeders, Erin, was leaving Singapore a few weeks ago, I put together this deliciously spicy-sweet Agua Fresca to toast her goodbye.
And now in our house we are crushing on the alcohol-free version. I've been keeping a chilled pitcher of this in the fridge. It's perfect for sipping as the days turn hotter (or in Singapore, all the time!).
An Agua Fresca is simply a light fruit drink (strawberry, watermelon, even cucumber!) with a little lime juice and a bit of sweetener like simple syrup or honey. This version uses hibiscus as the base, which makes it a lovely colour.
Drink it as is, or add a shot of gin or vodka for a refreshing cocktail.
Cheers!
Ingredients
1 vanilla bean, split in half lengthwise
1 Thai chili, split in half lengthwise
4 3-inch strips orange or lime zest
½ cup dried hibiscus flowers or 2-4 hibiscus tea bags (rosella)
½ cup sugar
½ cup fresh lime juice
30 ml gin or vodka for each serving
Thin lime wheels (for serving)
Mix It Up!
Scrape vanilla seeds into a medium saucepan; add vanilla pod, chili, orange (or lime) zest, hibiscus, sugar, and 2 cups boiling water. Give it a good stir to dissolve sugar. Let mixture 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 for at least 1 hour.
Divide Agua Fresca among ice-filled glasses.
Add gin or vodka if desired and stir.
Garnish with lime wheels.
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