Nothing beats a refreshing, tangy, cold African hibiscus drink on a warm day. For all those health-conscious foodies, here is an easy drink you want to have at all times. The African hibiscus drink is not only beneficial to our bodies but also delicious, cooling, and easy to make. Talk of a blend of sweetness and sour.

If you have been drinking iced tea every day and are now looking for something different, try this Nigerian zobo. It’s easy to make with simple ingredients at home.

I first encountered this drink at a friend’s wedding, and he explained how they make it. Hibiscus tea is one of my favourite drinks, and of course, since this drink has hibiscus, you bet I already said I’m going to try this. The best part is that they make it using regular ingredients, some of which we discard as waste peels.

About Zobo drink

Zobo is a Nigerian refreshing drink made using hibiscus. It’s also common in Ghana, where it’s called Sobolo, while in Senegal, it’s called Bissap. It’s also common in the Caribbean, called Sorrel, with the Jamaicans referring to it as Agua de Jamaica.

It is available mainly in tropical regions and may have a different name. It’s a versatile drink, and most countries add other flavourings, sweeteners, and spices to make it suitable.

What we need to make this drink

Hibiscus

Hibiscus is the basis of this drink, and of course, if you can use dry hibiscus leaves, you should. These leaves are responsible for the colour, sour taste, and flavour profile. But remember, the hibiscus flower is common for many of its benefits, and it’s why we like to drink it.

When you go out to buy these, remember that you aren’t buying the hibiscus tea; you are purchasing the hibiscus leaves.

The fruit

Another vital drink detail here is the pineapple. I like to use nicely ripe and delicious pineapple. Remember, the sweeter the pineapple, the less sugar you need. I don’t use sugar for my recipe, but you can if you like it, just a little sweet. I love the tanginess.

Note that you will use the flesh and the pineapple peel for the recipe. Some people also use oranges with orange peels, of course. You can try with other fruits of your choice, too.

Spices and flavourings

Have your lemons, fresh ginger, cloves, and cinnamon sticks. Unless there are other versions, like the Ghanaian-style one, we add spices like black pepper, red chilli, and Selim pepper. If you like the heat, consider adding chillis.

Water

To make the drink, we will need to boil the hibiscus. Depending on the amount you want to make, add 2-5 litres of water to the content, or about 10 cups of water, which would be great for a start.

Sweeteners(optional)

I don’t add sugar to this recipe because I want to limit my sugar intake, but you can add sugar to sweeten it to your choice. Some people even add honey to the glass once it is served. I’ll often just drink it as it is.

Ice cube

If it is hot season, ensure you have the ice cubes ready to serve once you finish making it.

How to make African hibiscus drink

Ingredients

12 cups of water

fresh and clean bark pineapple.(choose the one that is ready to eat)

A cup of hibiscus

a thumb size of ginger that you have chopped

cinnamon sticks

A tablespoon of cloves

Method

Prepare the ingredients

Clean the pineapple bark again to remove soil and dirt. Next, clean the dry hibiscus to ensure it no longer has soil. You don’t want to have a soil drink. Also, wash your ginger if you haven’t already done so and chop or mash it.

Put the pineapple in the colander again, allow running water, and do the same for the hibiscus. Once all is clean, peel the pineapple, dice the flesh, and set aside.

Add the pineapple peel, cinnamon sticks, hibiscus, ginger, and water cloves to a clean saucepan. Cover and set on a stovetop. Let it boil, then reduce the heat to simmer for 20 minutes. Switch it off and cover it, allowing it to cool. Strain the contents into a clean jar.

When ready, you can blend the pineapple in a blender and strain the juice. Alternatively, you can use a juicer to make the pineapple juice.

I don’t add sugar to my recipe, but you can add it at this point if you like.

Mix it all

This is as simple as mixing the hibiscus drink with the pineapple juice. Then, stir it in the jar, and voila—it’s ready to serve.

Set your ice cubes in a glass and pour the drink over them. You can also drink it without the ice cubes.

Notes

You can add your sugar, but do so when it’s still piping hot or boiling. This makes it easy to dissolve, as opposed to adding the sugar when it’s already cool. I just skip that because I prefer the sugar-free one.

It’s still super delicious without sugar because pineapples are sweet and will deliver the sweetness you need.

What to serve with African hibiscus drink

We like it with pies, skewers, cakes, or just a refreshing drink with your main meal like pilau or jollof rice.

Health benefits

If you drink this one without added sugar, you are bound to reap many benefits.

It’s good for your heart health and may help alleviate issues with blood pressure.

It’s a great anti-inflammatory

It’s great for menstrual pains.

Also, it helps with the weight loss.

It may help to lower cholesterol.

Helps to ease a bloated stomach

FAQs

What does zobo taste like?

It has a tangy, sweet, earthy flavour and taste. If you enjoy the lemony, acidic taste, you will love this taste, too.

What can I do with the leftovers?

Refrigerate and drink within 3-5 days, but if it’s your first time, make sure you make just enough. Then, if you like it warm, you can heat it up before drinking.