How to make zobo drinks yourself at home

Zobo drink, also known as hibiscus tea, is a popular and refreshing beverage made from dried hibiscus leaves (also called sorrel or roselle). Here's how you can make it at home:

Ingredients:

• 2 cups of dried zobo leaves (hibiscus petals)
• 1 pineapple (optional, for added flavor)
• 1-2 tablespoons of cloves (optional, for aroma)
• 1 piece of ginger (about 2 inches, grated)
• 1-2 cups of sugar (adjust to taste)
• Water (about 8 cups)
• Optional flavorings: orange or lemon slices, mint leaves, or fruit juice (e.g., pineapple juice)

Instructions:

1. Rinse the zobo leaves: Place the dried zobo leaves in a bowl and rinse thoroughly with cold water to remove any dirt or dust. Drain and set aside.

2. Prepare the pineapple (optional):

   • Wash the pineapple thoroughly.
   • Peel the skin (don’t throw it away) and cut the fruit into chunks.
   • The pineapple peel can add extra flavor to the zobo drink.

3. Boil the ingredients:

   • In a large pot, add the zobo leaves, pineapple peels, grated ginger, and cloves.
   • Pour in about 8 cups of water (or enough to submerge the ingredients).
   • Bring to a boil over medium heat.

4. Simmer:

   • Reduce the heat and let the mixture simmer for about 20–30 minutes.
   • This allows the flavors to infuse and the color to deepen.

5. Strain the mixture:

   • Once the zobo mixture has cooled slightly, strain it through a fine sieve or cheesecloth to remove the solid ingredients.
   • Discard the solids or set them aside for composting.

6. Sweeten and flavor:

   • Add sugar to the strained liquid while it is still warm, stirring until the sugar dissolves completely.
   • For added flavor, mix in pineapple chunks, citrus slices, or a splash of fruit juice.

7. Cool and refrigerate:

   • Allow the drink to cool to room temperature.
   • Transfer to bottles or a jug and refrigerate for a few hours to chill.

8. Serve:

   • Serve the zobo drink cold, over ice if desired.
   • Garnish with fresh mint leaves, lemon slices, or a few chunks of pineapple for extra flair.

Tips:

• Experiment with spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for a unique twist.
• Adjust the sweetness to your preference, or use natural sweeteners like honey or dates.
• Zobo drink can also be enjoyed warm, especially during cold weather.

Enjoy your refreshing homemade zobo drink!