When we say we have Gatorade at home, this is what we’re talking about. Mexican Gatorade. Electrolyte enhancing, vitamin rich, and very delicious, this drink has become not only our go-to mocktail for non-drinkers, but also a replenishing mixer for the imbiber. Layered with both floral and citric notes and a refreshing salty sweetness, this drink is rounded out with a festive hit of cinnamon for the more refined palate.

We originally made the Jamaica Spritz to provide a non-alcoholic alternative at family functions, but this one really stuck. We heard a lot of “wow, we really like this drink” and “thank you, my life is better now,” and that right there is the reason we cook. We do it for you. So please enjoy this drink that we created together out of sheer necessity—so YOU can customize YOUR experience. Look out for our forthcoming cookbook, Marinated, next summer.

INGREDIENTS:

3 Cups of water

2 Cups of dried hibiscus flowers (Jamaica)

1 1⁄2 Cups of sugar

1 Large orange

1 Lime, juiced

1 Cinnamon stick

1⁄2 Teaspoon of salt

3-4 Liters of Sparkling water

INSTRUCTIONS:

Make the concentrate: In a pot, bring 3 cups of water to a simmer and add 2 cups of dried jamaica flowers. Then cut the skin away from the orange and add the skin to the pot along with the flesh of the orange, cut into pieces. Add 1 1⁄2 cups of sugar, the juice of the lime, 1 cinnamon stick, and 1⁄2 teaspoon of salt. Simmer on medium/low for about 15 minutes, then turn the heat off and let cool on the stove for about 30 minutes.

Make it a spritz: When the mixture is cooled, add 1 oz to a glass with ice and top with sparkling water. Garnish with an orange slice and enjoy!