While spelled like the island country, jamaica is pronounced in the Spanish style.

This recipe will produce 2 quarts of the drink.

Ingredients

• 50 grams flores de jamaica (flores de jamaica = hibiscus flowers)
  
  
  • These can be fresh flowers or dried. Dried results in a stronger flavor.
    
  • Fresh flowers are best-sourced from a local Mexican grocer. Stores such as Natural Grocer have the dried.
  
  
• 2/3 cups sugar (you can use 1/2 cup for a less-sweet experience).
  
• 8 cups of water.
  
  
  • 3 cups will need to be measured, the rest does not if you have tap water available
  
  
• Additional unmeasured water for rinsing

Directions

1. Add the flowers a medium-to-large bowl that can be sealed, or a pot with a lid, and cover with water.
   
2. Seal the bowl or pot, then shake to rinse dirt and similar from the flowers.
   
3. Strain the flowers. This water will not be used.
   
   
   • It is recommended that you do this no more than twice, as the potential flavor is rinsed away with the contaminants.
   
   
4. In another pot capable of holding at least 4 cups (1 quart), bring the 3 cups of water to boil, then reduce to simmer.
   
5. Dissolve the sugar in the water.
   
6. Add the flowers to the sugar water and just barely bring to a boil, stirring frequently for about 5 minutes.
   
7. Remove the mixture from the heat and allow the flowers to steep for 25-30 minutes.
   
8. Strain the liquid into a 2 quart pitcher, then add water to get to 2 quarts.

Notes:

• This is generally enjoyed chilled, but can be consumed warm.
  
• If your household regularly has some sort of sugary (or fake sugary) grape-flavored fruit drink available such as Kool-Aid or Crystal Light, this can be easily mistaken for it - label if needed.

Thank you to Geist for sharing his family's recipe with me.