Taste Ghana: Pineapple Hibiscus Drink
A vibrant and refreshing beverage, our Pineapple Hibiscus drink is a delightful tribute to Bissap, the traditional hibiscus-infused drink enjoyed across West Africa, particularly Ghana. This version combines the tart floral notes of hibiscus with the sweet, tropical flavor of pineapple for an invigorating experience.
Ingredients
- 1 cup dried hibiscus flowers
- 8 cups water divided
- 2 cups fresh pineapple chunks
- 0.5 cup sugar or to taste
- 1 inch fresh ginger peeled and sliced (optional)
Instructions
- Rinse the dried hibiscus flowers under cold water.
- In a large saucepan, bring 4 cups of water to a boil. Remove from heat, add the rinsed hibiscus flowers and optional ginger slices. Cover and let steep for 10-15 minutes, or until the liquid is deep red.
- Strain the hibiscus liquid through a fine-mesh sieve into a large pitcher, discarding the flowers and ginger. Add sugar and stir until dissolved. Let it cool completely.
- In a blender, combine the fresh pineapple chunks with the remaining 4 cups of water. Blend until smooth.
- Strain the pineapple mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into the pitcher with the hibiscus liquid to remove any pulp. Press down on the solids to extract as much liquid as possible.
- Stir the pineapple hibiscus drink well. Taste and adjust sweetness if desired. Chill thoroughly in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving.
- Serve cold over ice, garnished with fresh pineapple slices or mint leaves for an extra touch.
Notes
For an extra zing, add a few slices of fresh ginger during the steeping process. Adjust sugar to your preference, or use a natural sweetener like honey. Serve chilled with fresh mint or a pineapple wedge. You can also add a pinch of star anise or cinnamon stick for a deeper flavor profile.