Jamaica Punch
Red Wine & Dried Jamaica Flowers
That is Jamaica, pronounced Ha-My-KA, not Ja-MAY-KA. The dried Jamaica, as seen on the plate, doesn’t exactly resemble the Hibiscus flower it once was. The dried flowers are sold in big open bins in Hispanic/Latino grocery stores. It’s flowers make a beautiful deep red tea that combines beautifully with red wine. It is absolutely delicious.
You can buy Jamaica at any Hispanic/Latino grocery stores. It is sold in big exposed containers next to the dried chilies and beans. This punch is not to be missed. This combination is popular in the summer, but it would be a waste not to serve it at Christmas time!
Jamaica Punch
Serves 3-4, with seconds for the lushes;)
2 handfuls dried Jamaica
1 bottle chilled medium-priced red wine, i use merlot
1/2 cup Honey or sugar to taste
Boil 2 cups water and pour into a pitcher. Add Jamaica and let steep 5 minutes. Add 1/2 cup honey and stir to combine while the Jamaica is still warm. Let the tea come to room temperature and discard the flowers, perhaps using a colander over a larger pitcher.
Add tea to the wine in a pitcher, stir to combine, and serve. Ice cubes can be added if desired. Serve this with a straw if anyone is wearing white.