Drink: Hibiscus, Orange, and Vanilla Agua Fresca

Recipe by Andy Baraghani True, this concoction is slightly more complex than lemonade. But so are most relationships.

Ingredients

1 vanilla bean, split in half lengthwise
1 Thai chile, split in half lengthwise
4 (3-inch) strips orange zest
1/2 cup dried hibiscus flowers or 24 hibiscus tea bags
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup fresh lime juice
Thin lime wheels (for serving)

Instructions

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

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