Tall drink of agua

(suzanne kreiter/globe staff)

The name might throw off those who are unfamiliar. Ordering "agua de Jamaica" at any Mexican restaurant will not get you tap water imported from Kingston. Jamaica (pronounced "ha-MY-ka") is so named because it's made from boiled hibiscus flowers, literally referred to as "Jamaican flowers" in Spanish. And no version of the popular agua fresca is more authentic than at Waltham's Taqueria El Amigo. Owner Jorge Calderon uses his grandmother's recipe - hibiscus flowers, sugar, vanilla, and a little water - to brew the deep red concoction. The taste is reminiscent of cranberry juice, but not quite as tart and notably more floral. Taqueria El Amigo also makes fresh tamarindo (like Jamaica but tamarind flavored), horchata (a sweet, milky, rice-based drink), and licuados (Mexican fruit milkshakes). Go thirsty. Taqueria El Amigo, 196 Willow St., Waltham, 781-642-7510. - LUKE PYENSON