Ingredients

• 1 vanilla bean, split in half lengthwise
• 1 Thai chile, split in half lengthwise
• 4 (3-inch) strips orange zest
• 1/2 cup dried hibiscus flowers or 24 hibiscus tea bags
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup fresh lime juice
• Thin lime wheels (for serving)

Instructions

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