How To Make The Best sugar-free Sorrel drink
How To Make The Best sugar-free Sorrel drink is a easy Nigerian recipe that serves 8. 120 calories per serving. Recipe by Joyful Cook on YouTube.
Prep: 35 min | Cook: 15 min | Total: 1 hr 5 min
Cost: $16.84 total, $2.11 per serving
Ingredients
- 2 cups Dried Hibiscus Leaves (Zobo) (rinsed and picked for debris)
- 2 medium Pineapple (one pineapple for back and blending, the second for fresh juice; use very ripe fruit)
- 1 inch Fresh Ginger Root (peeled and cut for blending)
- 5 whole Cloves (lightly crushed to release flavor)
- 1 stick Cinnamon Stick (whole stick added to pot)
- 2 tablespoons Honey (natural sweetener, dissolved after cooling)
- 6 cups Water (for boiling the hibiscus mixture)
- 1 cup Orange Juice (optional) (adds extra citrus brightness if desired)
Instructions
Pick and Clean Hibiscus Leaves
Spread the dried hibiscus leaves on a clean surface, remove any feathers, stems, or foreign particles, then rinse repeatedly under running water until no sand settles at the bottom of the bowl.
Time: PT5M
Prepare Pineapple Back and Flesh
Scrub the outer skin (back) of one pineapple with an iron scrub sponge and a pinch of salt until clean. Set the skin aside. Peel, core, and cut the flesh of both pineapples into chunks.
Time: PT5M
Blend Pineapple and Ginger
Place the pineapple flesh (including core if your blender can handle it) and the peeled ginger into the blender. Blend until completely smooth.
Time: PT5M
Combine Ingredients in Pot
Transfer the cleaned hibiscus leaves to a large pot. Add enough water (about 6 cups) to fully cover the leaves. Add the pineapple back skin, the blended pineapple‑ginger puree, crushed cloves, and the cinnamon stick.
Time: PT5M
Boil the Mixture
Bring the pot to a rolling boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer and cook for 15 minutes. This extracts color and flavor without destroying nutrients.
Time: PT15M
Temperature: 100°C
Cool the Brew
Turn off the heat and allow the mixture to cool completely, preferably overnight in the refrigerator. This helps the drink thicken and the flavors meld.
Time: PT12H
Strain the Drink
Pour the cooled mixture through a nut milk bag (or clean pillowcase) into a large bowl or pitcher, squeezing to extract as much liquid as possible. Discard the solids.
Time: PT5M
Add Fresh Pineapple Juice and Sweetener
Blend the second pineapple (or use a juicer) and strain the juice through the nut milk bag. Mix the fresh juice into the strained hibiscus liquid. Stir in honey until fully dissolved; add orange juice if using.
Time: PT5M
Chill and Serve
Transfer the finished Zobo drink into a glass jar or pitcher, refrigerate until cold. Serve over ice or warm as a tea, according to preference.
Time: PT15M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 120
- Protein
- 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates
- 30 g
- Fat
- 0 g
- Fiber
- 1 g
Dietary info: Vegetarian, Gluten‑Free, Dairy‑Free, Low‑Sugar
Allergens: Honey
Last updated: April 20, 2026






