Zobo Drink: Refreshing Hibiscus Tea
A vibrant, tangy, and naturally sweet West African beverage made from dried hibiscus petals, pineapple, and ginger. Packed with antioxidants and vitamin C, it's a guilt-free, refreshing drink perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 2 cup dried hibiscus petals (zoborodo)
- 8 cup water
- 1 medium pineapple peeled and chopped
- 2 inch fresh ginger peeled and sliced
- 4 cloves whole cloves
- 1/2 cup sugar or other sweetener
- 1 medium orange sliced for garnish (optional)
- 5 leaves fresh mint for garnish (optional)
- 1/4 medium cucumber sliced for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Rinse the dried hibiscus petals thoroughly under cold water to remove any dust or impurities.
- In a large pot, combine the rinsed hibiscus petals, water, chopped pineapple, sliced ginger, and whole cloves.
- Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 25-30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Remove the pot from the heat and let it cool completely. For a stronger, more concentrated flavor, let it steep for several hours or even overnight.
- Strain the mixture using a fine-mesh sieve or a cheesecloth into a clean pitcher or bowl, pressing down on the solids to extract all the liquid. Discard the solids.
- Stir in sugar or your preferred sweetener, if using, until completely dissolved. Taste and adjust sweetness as needed, keeping in mind the natural tartness of hibiscus.
- Chill the Zobo drink thoroughly in the refrigerator for at least 2-3 hours before serving to ensure it's perfectly cold and refreshing.
- Serve cold over ice, garnished with fresh orange slices, mint leaves, or cucumber slices if desired.
Notes
For a richer flavor, let the Zobo steep longer after simmering, even overnight in the refrigerator. Adjust sweetness to taste, using natural sweeteners like honey, maple syrup, or a little more pineapple instead of refined sugar for a healthier option. Serve chilled with fresh mint, orange slices, or cucumber for an extra refreshing twist. You can also blend in some of the boiled pineapple for added body.