How to Make Irresistible Zobo/Sorrel (Hibiscus) Drink

Ingredients

• 2 cups Dried Hibiscus Flowers (Zobo) (rinsed thoroughly to remove dust)
• 8 cups Water (for initial boil; extra 2 cups for recooking)
• 1 inch Fresh Ginger (peeled and sliced into thin chunks)
• 1/2 tsp Black Peppercorns (lightly crushed)
• 1 piece Cinnamon Stick (whole stick for flavor)
• 1 slice Lemon (thin slice, added for freshness)
• 1 slice Orange (thin slice, added for freshness)
• 1/2 cup Pineapple Chunks (fresh, sweet, used in second batch)
• 1/2 cup Watermelon Cubes (fresh, added for extra sweetness)
• 2 pieces Cloves (whole, for aromatic depth)
• 1 cup Pineapple Juice (homemade or store‑bought, unsweetened)
• 1/2 cup Orange Juice (freshly squeezed)
• 1 tsp Pineapple Essence (optional, for intensified pineapple flavor)

Instructions

1. Rinse Hibiscus Flowers

   Place the dried hibiscus flowers in a colander and rinse under cold running water, gently rubbing to remove any dust or debris.

   Time: PT5M

2. Boil First Batch

   In a large pot, bring 8 cups of water to a rolling boil. Add the rinsed hibiscus, sliced ginger, crushed peppercorns, cinnamon stick, lemon slice, and orange slice. Cover and boil for 5 minutes.

   Time: PT5M

   Temperature: 100°C

3. Add Fruit & Spices for Second Batch

   Remove a small portion of the hot mixture for a friend (optional). To the remaining pot, add pineapple chunks, watermelon cubes, an extra orange slice, a few more ginger pieces, and the two cloves. Cover and simmer for another 5 minutes.

   Time: PT5M

   Temperature: 95°C

4. Cool and Strain

   Remove the pot from heat and let the mixture cool completely (about 10 minutes). Then strain through a fine mesh strainer into a clean pitcher, discarding solids.

   Time: PT10M

5. Recook Concentrated Liquid

   Return the strained liquid to the pot, add only 2 cups of fresh water (less than the original amount) and bring to a gentle boil for 5 minutes to concentrate flavors.

   Time: PT5M

   Temperature: 95°C

6. Add Fresh Juices & Essence

   Remove from heat, let cool for 2 minutes, then stir in pineapple juice, orange juice, and a teaspoon of pineapple essence. Mix well.

   Time: PT5M

7. Chill and Serve

   Place the pitcher in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or serve immediately over ice. Enjoy cold.

   Time: PT30M

Nutrition Facts

Calories

80

Protein

0g

Carbohydrates

20g

Fat

0g

Fiber

0g