a variation based on jamaican sorrel
small batch:
8oz 151 proof rum
1/4 cup of dried, ground, hibiscus petals (H sabdariffa)
2 cinnamon sticks
4 to 6 peppercorns crushed or ground
half a teaspoon orange oil extract
dash of nutmeg
add dry ingredients to a jar, im using a mason jar, add rum and orange oil extract. seal jar, and give it a shake. let stand for at least a week, shaking it up once or twice a day. the high proof rum extracts the goodies quite quickly so by 2 weeks you probably have as much as the rum will hold, sampled at a week it is quite potent, and nearly as thick as blood. decant and filter, cloth will probably give you less headaches as it is as mentioned quite thick.
to consume:
pour 1 part in a glass add ice and 3-5parts water. (it may be better cold with reduced cinnamon) or,
pour 1 part in a glass add 3-5 parts hot water. (this is the best way imo) or,
pour 1 part in a saucepan add 3-5 parts water and gently boil to reduce alcohol content,
sweeten with honey or sugar. enjoy on a cool evening.
a few notes: hibiscus is an effective but quite safe ace inhibitor reducing high blood pressure, its also a mild laxative so be aware :p.