Celebrate Juneteenth with AquaTru

Juneteenth is a holiday that falls on June 19th and marks the day in 1865 when enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, were informed of their freedom. This day is now a federal holiday and is celebrated with various traditional foods and drinks!

One of the most popular drinks is the “Red Drink,” which is a modern version of traditional African hibiscus ginger tea. It is also known as Bissap, Sorrel, and Agua Fresca de Jamaica, and was historically used for its healing properties and as a symbol of resilience during enslavement.

Agua de Jamaica (Hibiscus Iced Tea)

Ingredients:

• 2 quarts of AquaTru purified water, divided
• 3/4 to 1 cup sugar (depending on how sweet you would like it to be)
• 1 cup dried hibiscus flowers

Optional additions:

• 1/2 stick cinnamon stick
• A few thin slices ginger
• Lime juice
• Orange or lime slices for garnish

Instructions:

1. Boil the AquaTru purified water with sugar and spices: Put 4 cups of the purified water and the sugar in a medium saucepan. Add cinnamon and/or ginger slices, if you would like. Heat until boiling and the sugar has dissolved.
2. Steep with the dried hibiscus flowers: Remove from heat. Stir in the dried hibiscus flowers using a spatula. Cover and let sit for 20 minutes.
3. Strain: Strain into a pitcher and discard the used hibiscus flowers, ginger, cinnamon, and/or allspice berries.
4. Add AquaTru purified water: Add remaining 4 cups of water to the concentrate, and chill.

Optional:

• Add ice and chilled soda water for a carbonated version.
• Add a little lime juice for a tangy twist.
• Serve over ice with orange or lime slices.

Celebrate Juneteenth with AquaTru! Cheers to freedom and resilience!