Hibiscus Flower Margaritas
(Margaritas de Jamaica)

Yield: 8

Ingredients

• 2 1/3 cups water
• 1 1/3 cups Jamaica flowers (2 ounces)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 9 lime wedges
• Coarse salt
• 6 cups ice cubes
• 1 1/2 cups silver tequila
• 4 tablespoons fresh lime juice

Instructions

1. Combine 2 1/3 cups water, Jamaica flowers and sugar in saucepan. Bring to boil over high heat, stirring until sugar dissolves. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer 10 minutes.
2. Strain; discard flowers. Cool syrup completely. (Can be made 3 days ahead; cover and chill.)
3. Run 1 lime wedge around top edge of 8 Margarita glasses to moisten; dip edges in coarse salt to coat.
4. Blend half of flower syrup, 3 cups ice cubes, 3/4 cup tequila and 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice in blender until frothy and icy.
5. Pour into 4 prepared Margarita glasses.
6. Repeat with remaining syrup, ice cubes, tequila and lime juice.
7. Garnish each Margarita with lime wedge and serve.

Attribution

Bon Appetit, May 2003