Name: Agua Fresca With Hibiscus, Orange, and Vanilla
Yield: Serves 4
Ingredients: 1 vanilla bean, split in half lengthwise; 1 Thai chile, split in half lengthwise; 4 3" strips orange zest; ½ cup dried hibiscus flowers or 24 hibiscus tea bags; ½ cup sugar; ½ cup fresh lime juice; Thin lime wheels (for serving)

Photo by Alex Lau

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

Recipe information

Yield
Serves 4

Ingredients

1 vanilla bean, split in half lengthwise

1 Thai chile, split in half lengthwise

4 3" strips orange zest

½ cup dried hibiscus flowers or 24 hibiscus tea bags

½ cup sugar

½ cup fresh lime juice

Thin lime wheels (for serving)

Preparation

Step 1
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.
Step 2
Divide agua fresca among ice-filled glasses. Garnish with lime wheels.
Do ahead: Agua fresca can be made 3 days ahead. Cover and chill.