Directions

1. Put 4 cups of the water, the sugar, and the spices in a medium saucepan and bring to a boil. If desired, you can also include some allspice berries, ginger pieces, and/or cinnamon. Heat until it reaches the boiling point and the sugar dissolves.

2. Remove from heat and add the dried hibiscus flowers. Stir it for about 1-2 minutes. After that, cover the saucepan and allow to sit for 20 minutes.

3. Hibiscus flowers, ginger, and/or cinnamon should all be discarded after straining the mixture into a pitcher.

4. Add the remaining 4 cups of water, or ice and water if you want the beverage to cool down rapidly.

5. As an alternative, you may make a bubbly version by using ice and cold soda water.

6. For a taste that is more akin to punch, add the lime juice.

7. Serve with an orange or lime slice over ice.