Hibiscus flower

A red juice is obtained from dried flowers boiled for 5 minutes (a small handful of flowers with a little water and sugar). This syrup strongly perfumes the cool water into which it is poured. It's the national drink of Guinea, Mali, Senegal, Burkina Faso and northern Benin, where the plant is grown right up to the edge of the desert. It is also very popular in Egypt and Sudan, where it is known as karkadé. The flowers can also be infused by simply putting a few in very hot water. Mint leaves are sometimes added.