Zobo (Nigerian Hibiscus Drink)

🧂 Ingredients

• 200g Dried hibiscus flowers (Zobo leaves)(Ensure they are clean and free from debris.)
• 1 medium Pineapple(Peeled, cored, and roughly chopped. You can also use pre-made pineapple juice (about 500ml).)
• 50g Fresh ginger(Peeled and roughly chopped or grated.)
• 150-250g Sugar(Adjust to your preferred sweetness. Can substitute with honey or other sweeteners.)
• 5-7 Whole cloves(Adds a warm aromatic spice.)
• 2 liters Water

👨‍🍳 Instructions

1. 1

   Prepare the aromatics and hibiscus: Rinse the dried hibiscus flowers thoroughly under cold water. Peel and roughly chop or grate the ginger. If using whole pineapple, peel, core, and roughly chop it.

   ⏱️ 5 minutes
2. 2

   Boil the base: In a large pot, combine the rinsed hibiscus flowers, chopped ginger, whole cloves, and 2 liters of water. Bring to a rolling boil over high heat.

   ⏱️ 5 minutes
3. 3

   Simmer the mixture: Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pot, and let it simmer gently for 30 minutes. The liquid should turn a deep ruby red, and the aroma should be fragrant.

   ⏱️ 30 minutes
4. 4

   Strain the liquid: Remove the pot from the heat. Carefully strain the liquid through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean bowl or pitcher, pressing down on the solids to extract as much liquid as possible. Discard the hibiscus leaves, ginger, and cloves.

   ⏱️ 5 minutes
5. 5

   Add pineapple flavor: If using fresh pineapple, blend the chopped pineapple with about 1 cup of the strained hot liquid until smooth. Strain this pineapple mixture through the sieve into the main liquid to remove pulp. Alternatively, if using pre-made pineapple juice, stir it into the strained hibiscus liquid.

   ⏱️ 5 minutes
6. 6

   Sweeten and adjust: Stir in the sugar (or your chosen sweetener) until fully dissolved. Taste the Zobo and add more sugar if desired. The flavor should be a balance of tangy, sweet, and spiced.

   ⏱️ 2 minutes
7. 7

   Chill thoroughly: Allow the Zobo to cool to room temperature, then cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or until well chilled. The flavors will meld and deepen as it chills.

   ⏱️ Minimum 1 hour
8. 8

   Serve: Pour the chilled Zobo into glasses filled with ice. Garnish with a slice of pineapple or a sprig of mint if desired.

   ⏱️ 1 minute

💡 Pro Tips

• ✓For a smoother drink, you can blend the pineapple with the hibiscus mixture before straining.
• ✓The intensity of the hibiscus flavor can be adjusted by simmering time; shorter for milder, longer for more intense.
• ✓Zobo can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• ✓The vibrant red color is a hallmark of this drink; ensure your hibiscus flowers are of good quality for the best hue.

🔄 Variations

• Add sliced cucumber to the simmering liquid for a cooling note.
• Incorporate other fruits like watermelon or berries during blending.
• Use stevia or erythritol for a sugar-free version.
• Add a splash of lime or lemon juice for extra tanginess.

🥗 Nutrition

Per serving