It’s easy to mistake the jamaica margarita as a concoction from the Caribbean island of the same name. But in Mexico, jamaica (pronounced HA-MY-KA) is the hibiscus flower that is used as a popular ingredient for refreshing drinks. And when it gets hot and it’s cocktail time (it seems it’s always cocktail time in Mexico), nothing will cool you down like a jamaica margarita.

The Margarita de Jamaica is served at the luxury resort Paradisus in Playa del Carmen, just one hour south of Cancun along Mexico’s Riviera Maya. It is a very popular pre-dinner drink at the all-inclusive resort’s Blue Agave Tequileria Bar, where you can sit on the high chairs at the bar and chat with the bartender as he prepares it.

This cocktail has a smooth and refreshing taste, a beautiful color, and it's not too fruity. The Tequila Reposado Centenario is another ingredient that gives it a decidedly Mexican touch.

“The creation of this cocktail has been somewhat accidental,” says Attila Gombos, food and beverage director at Paradisus. “One day, our bar manager had a big event and ran out of cranberry juice. So to find a solution on the spot, he tried the drink with Jamaica. The result was fabulous. Since then, it has been a huge success.”

You want to know what success tastes like? Here you go. This might be the perfect excuse to visit Mexico.

Margarita de Jamaica

1 oz Tequila Reposado Centenario

1/2 oz Triple Sec

1 oz Jamaica syrup

Dash of lime juice

1 lime, sliced, to garnish

Add tequila, Triple Sec, syrup and lime juice into a shaker. Shake and strain into a chilled martini glass and garnish with a fresh slice of lime.