Hibiscus, Orange, and Vanilla Agua Fresca

A refreshing Mexican-inspired drink that combines the floral notes of hibiscus with aromatic vanilla, orange zest, and a hint of spice from Thai chile. This vibrant agua fresca is perfectly balanced with lime juice and sugar.

6 servings
1 hr 35 min

Ingredients

  • 1 piece vanilla bean
  • 1 piece Thai chile
  • 4 strips orange zest
  • ½ cup dried hibiscus flowers
  • ½ cup sugar
  • ½ cup fresh lime juice
  • 6 pieces lime wheels

Cooking Instructions

  1. 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.

    90 min

  2. 2.

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

    5 min

  3. 3.

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