A little more Walla Walla......

How can you not love people that have a table for snacking in the middle of the grocery store?!

......and pinatas in the produce section!

This little Mexican treasure trove was my first stop/find when I landed in Walla Walla last month. I bought some pumpkin seeds and jamaica (dried Hibiscus flowers) so that I could make one of my favourite Aguas Frescas from Mexico.
Aguas Frescas are a popular everyday drink in the México. You will find these drinks being sold on main streets and markets and little drink stands in most towns and cities.

The flavors are unique, delicious, and endless. Some of the most common Aguas Frescas are: Jamaica, Horchata, Tamarindo, Piña (Pineapple), Melón (Cantaloupe), Limón (Lime) and Sandía (Watermelon).

Each region in the country has its own versions of Aguas Frescas using local fruits, like guayabas (guavas), plátanos (bananas), fresas (strawberries), Mango, naranjas (oranges), pepinos (cucumber), pitaya fruit, Guanábana, local plums, etc.… you get the idea?

An Agua Fresca is an easy and lovely to look at combination of fruit, sugar, water and ice.
Agua de Jamaica/Hibiscus Flowers Drink
Ingredients for 2 quarts:
1 ¼ cup of Jamaica Flowers
3 cups of water
4 cups of water to make 2 quarts of the final drink
½ cup of sugar
Ice cubes
1. Place the flowers in a small pot with the 3 cups of water. Bring them to a boil. Boil them for about 2-3 minutes over medium-high heat.
2. Set aside for at least 4 hours, you can also make this step overnight.

NOTE: Before adding sugar, taste to adjust to your taste. Maybe you would like more or less sugar? If you feel the consistency of the drink is too thick or dense , just add more water. Play around a little bit with it :)