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    Home » Recipes » Drinks » Bissap (Roselle tea drink)

    Published: Jun 27, 2018 · Modified: Mar 3, 2023 by Maureen Celestine with 22 Comments

    Bissap (Roselle tea drink)

    This delicious bissap drink can be enjoyed chilled or served hot as tea. It has a piquant flavor; thus, sweeteners like honey, syrup, or sugar can be used to sweeten the drink. Fresh fruits can also serve as a sweetener or flavor enhancer depending on preference.

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    I am sharing one of my favorite childhood drinks with you today: the Roselle drink, or zobo drink, as we call it, back home. It's refreshingly tasty, like this Butterfly Pea Tea and my all-time favorite Tiger Milk Tea.

    sorelle drink in a glass cup garnished with pineapple and a drinking straw.
    Jump to:
    • Reasons to love this Zobo drink
    • What is Roselle Tea?
    • Benefits of Roselle tea
    • Other Names for Bissap
    • 📃Ingredient Description
    • 💭Variations and Substitutions
    • Step-by-step instructions
    • Variations
    • Tips for Success
    • Storage
    • Recipe FAQs
    • LOVE COLD DRINKS? TRY THESE RELATED DRINK RECIPES.
    • 📖 Recipe

    Reasons to love this Zobo drink

    • This delicious hibiscus drink can be enjoyed chilled or served hot as tea. For a nice citrus flavor, add a teaspoon of lemon with honey concentrate.
    • It’s aromatic with a sweet undertone.
    • It’s effortless to make. 
    • Kid-friendly: the kids can make cups with their favorite fruits and enjoy the drink as a cold beverage. 
    • It’s great for parties as the recipe can be made in a pitcher.
    • This roselle drink is perfect for making in advance. Once ready to serve, pour over ice. 
    • For the ultimate taste of home, serve it alongside my fan's favorite Meat pie or Nkwobi for a taste of home.

    Serve it alongside my brown butter sugar cookies for the perfect balance.

    What is Roselle Tea?

    A close up photo of hibiscus petals in a bowl.

    Roselle tea is made from the Hibiscus sabdariffa plant (Zobo leaves) and is well known to the natives of West Africa, India, and Southeast Asia. The leaves, seeds, and fruits are edible, nutritious, and packed with antioxidants. The plant's petals can be used to make tea, syrups, jam, drinks, and lots more.

    Benefits of Roselle tea

    Hibiscus tea is highly nutritious and contains antioxidants like vitamin C. According to WebMD, some of the benefits are:

    • Decreases high blood pressure
    • It may aid in reducing weight loss
    • Reduce cholesterol
    • Improves liver health
    • Prevents UTI

    Read more about the benefits on their website.

    Other Names for Bissap

    Does this roselle drink sound familiar? That’s because of its global popularity. You might know it as one of the following famous names in its region:

    • Bissap in Senegal
    • Zobo or tsoborodo in Nigeria
    • Agua de Jamaica in Mexico
    • karkadé tea in Egypt
    • Arhul ka Phil in India
    • Gumamela in the Philippines
    • Oseille in France, to name but a few.

    📃Ingredient Description

    Here are a couple of ingredients needed to make the Nigerian Zobo drink:

    Ingredient list for bissap.

    Hibiscus leaves: You can get dried hibiscus flowers from Amazon or specialty stores.

    Raw ginger: I used about two thumb-sized gingers. Feel free to use ground ginger if that's all you have. To get an enhanced ginger taste, add at least 2 tablespoons.

    Cinnamon sticks: the cinnamon sticks enhance the taste of the roselle tea by adding some sweet and spicy notes.

    Pineapple: I prefer fresh pineapples, but you can use frozen if that's all you have. Make sure to allow the pineapple to thaw to reduce the liquid in the pot. You can equally remove half a cup of water and use it for frozen fruits.

    Sweetener: although the pineapple already adds sweetness to the drink, you can add more sweetener to your taste. To keep it healthy, use unrefined sugar like honey to sweeten the beverage.

    💭Variations and Substitutions

    Step-by-step instructions

    The preparation for bissap is pretty basic and straightforward.

    Hibiscus tea, pineapple, cinnamon, ginger, and mint in a medium-sized pot on a burner.
    roselle tea coming to a rapid boil.

    Step 1: Rinse the hibiscus petals and place them in a medium saucepan with all the ingredients except the sugar. 

    Step 2: Pour water into the pot with the ingredients. Do not fill it to the top, as it will bubble while it cooks.

    Step 3: Bring the contents of the pot to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and cook for a few minutes until fragrant. 

    Step 4: Remove from heat and allow to steep for a few hours. 

    Pouring the content from the pot through a sieve.
    Adding sugar into the bissap drink.

    Step 5: Strain the liquid through a fine mesh into a pitcher or serving bowl

    Step 6: Add the sweetener of your choice and give it a nice stir. Chill or serve over ice and garnish as you wish.

    Variations

    pouring hibiscus drink into a cup.

    Spices: other spices like cloves, cinnamon, or mace can be used for an enhanced taste.

    Flavors: add berries or your favorite fruit to sample fun flavors.

    Sweetener: hibiscus tea is often used for weight loss without added sugar. Adding one-fourth to half a cup of sweetener can elevate the drink's taste, so it's up to you.

    Cocktail: Do you want something stronger solely for adults? Add dark rum, vodka, or sparkling wine (drink responsibly!).

    Tips for Success

    • Allow the petals steep for a long time, preferably 4 hours or overnight, to get the best flavor possible.
    • Rinse the hibiscus petals to get rid of specks of dirt.
    • Transfer the content from the pot into a heat-proof bowl with a spout before straining through a sieve to prevent making a huge mess. better yet, use a wide sieve and bowl, then use a funnel to transfer it into a pitcher.

    Storage

    • Store any leftovers in an air-tight bottle or pitcher, and refrigerate for up to 4 days for the best flavor.
    • Pour the drink into an ice cube tray and freeze it for later.
    hisbiscus tea drink in three serving cups on a serving board.

    Recipe FAQs

    Is bissap the same as hibiscus?

    Yes, bissap is the Senegalese meaning for hibiscus flower.

    What is bissap good for?

    Bissap or hibiscus leaves is packed with nutritious antioxidant and vitamins. Studies have shown it helps reduce high blood pressure, promotes weight loss, and prevents UTIs, amongst other benefits.

    What does bissap mean in English?

    Bissap refers to the plant hibiscus, a.k.a Hibiscus sabdariffa.

    What does bissap taste like?

    Bissap juice tastes just like cranberry juice. A little tart and lightly sweet. 

    LOVE COLD DRINKS? TRY THESE RELATED DRINK RECIPES.

    • Mango Summer Cooler-Easy Mango Smoothies.
      Easy Mango Smoothie
    • A glass of butterfly pea tea latte.
      Butterfly Pea Tea Latte
    • Frozen Strawberry Cocktail
      Easy Frozen Strawberry Cocktail
    • iced pumpkin spic latte with pumpkin spice syrup drizzled over it.
      Iced Pumpkin Spice Latte with pumpkin Spiced syrup

    There you have it! Kick your feet up and enjoy a refreshing glass of this delicious tea.

    laterz!

    Have you given this recipe or any other from my website a try? Please consider leaving a ⭐ star rating and sharing your experience in the 📝 comments section. Your feedback means the world to me, and I'm excited to hear from you!

    PEACE & LOVE

    Maureen

    Peace & Love

    Maureen

    📖 Recipe

    zobo drink in a tall glass cup with a pineapple garnish

    Bissap (Roselle Tea Drink)

    Maureen Celestine
    This delicious beverage can be enjoyed chilled or served hot like a tea. It has a piquant flavor; thus sweeteners like honey, syrup or sugar can be used to sweeten the drink.
    5 from 71 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 5 minutes mins
    Cook Time 25 minutes mins
    Total Time 30 minutes mins
    Course Drinks
    Cuisine african, Asian, carribean, international, Mexican, Senegalese
    Servings 8 (Yields 2 quarts)
    Calories 63 kcal

    Equipment

    • Medium pot (3-4 quarts)
    • Fine mesh sieve

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 cup Dried hibiscus (roselle petals)
    • 2 Thumb-sized Fresh ginger roots, thinly sliced
    • 2 Cinnamon sticks (optional)
    • 1 cup Pineapple chunks (fresh or frozen)
    • 2 small Fresh mint sprigs (optional)
    • 8 cups  Water
    • ⅓ cup sweetener (simple syrup, honey, or superfine granulated sugar) or to taste

    Instructions
     

    •  Rinse the dried petals and fresh ginger under running water to remove any dirt.
    • In a medium-sized pot, bring all the ingredients mentioned above (EXCEPT the sweetener) to a boil on medium-high heat, then reduce heat to medium and cook for 15 minutes.  Reduce the heat to medium-low and cook for about 15 minutes until fragrant.
    • Remove the pot from heat and allow it to steep for an hour (steep overnight for the best flavor).
    • Place a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth over a pitcher or wide serving bowl, and pour the mixture over it. Discard the content from the pot. Add the sweetener and stir to combine.
    • Chill completely or serve over ice or frozen fruits.
      (See step-by-step photos and tips in the body of the post).

    Notes

    TIPS:
    • If using granulated sugar, add it while the drink is still hot. 
    • Allow the petals steep for a long time, preferably 4 hours or overnight, to get the best flavor possible.
    • Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight bottle or jug for up to 4 days. 
    Please note that the nutrition facts provided here are an estimate. 
    Keyword bissap, hibiscus drink, how to make zobo drink, Nigerian drinks, roselle hibiscus

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Julie Plagens says

      July 01, 2018 at 3:09 pm

      This looks delicious. I have never heard of this drink before. I wish I could sample it!

      Reply
      • Maureen Celestine says

        July 02, 2018 at 11:27 am

        Thanks, Julie, I wish I could send you a chilled glass...I think the drink is more popular in the southern parts of the states.

        Reply
    2. Paige Marie says

      July 01, 2018 at 3:23 pm

      I love this recipe. It sounds so light and fresh! Im definitely going to have to give it a try!

      Reply
      • Maureen Celestine says

        July 02, 2018 at 11:18 am

        Please do, Paige, you'd love it. The best part is that you can build up flavor to your liken, no rules.

        Reply
    3. Diana says

      July 02, 2018 at 2:42 am

      I would love to try it! It sounds really yummy and I love the dark red coloring!

      Reply
      • Maureen Celestine says

        July 02, 2018 at 11:06 am

        it is so yummy, Diana. I'd love to see a picture when you do. Kindly use #worldlytreat on Instagram or Facebook to share your thoughts with us. Thanks

        Reply
    4. Becca Wilson says

      July 02, 2018 at 9:36 am

      This drink looks so very interesting. I never would have thought to make something like this but would love to give it a try!

      Reply
      • Maureen Celestine says

        July 02, 2018 at 10:59 am

        Becca, if you love cranberry or pomegranate juice, then you'd love this.

        Reply
    5. Lisa rios says

      July 02, 2018 at 10:08 am

      Wow, this sounds so yummy. I need to try this. I think my grandma made this once for a health drink since she's obsessed with those and it was really good. Thank you!

      Reply
      • Maureen Celestine says

        July 02, 2018 at 10:54 am

        It's so refreshing, Lisa!

        Reply
    6. Elizabeth O says

      July 02, 2018 at 10:50 am

      This looks so delicious. Thanks for sharing the recipe with us because its definitely one I would love to try out indeed!

      Reply
    7. Nina says

      July 02, 2018 at 12:15 pm

      this looks so delicious, I shall give this a try when I get the chance. thank you for sharing. I will bookmark this for the future.

      Reply
    8. Kevin says

      July 02, 2018 at 1:17 pm

      Woah! I am from the Philippines and we have plenty of gumamela here but I didn't know that it could be made into this. I guess it's never too late to try. Thanks!

      Reply
      • Maureen Celestine says

        July 03, 2018 at 6:59 pm

        Hey Kevin, its good to know you have the hibiscus leaves in abundance. Now you can get to experiment the many possibilities with gumamela.:)

        Reply
    9. Britney says

      July 02, 2018 at 5:49 pm

      I don’t even know where I would get Roselle petals but this drink is so beautiful!

      Reply
      • Maureen Celestine says

        July 03, 2018 at 7:05 pm

        Britney, You can get it at most big chain grocery store, check the international aisle or from Amazon. Thanks for stopping by!

        Reply
    10. Preet says

      July 03, 2018 at 12:48 am

      Wow! This one's a winner.I just love everything about this!My boys would both probably DIG this!

      Reply
      • Maureen Celestine says

        July 03, 2018 at 7:08 pm

        Thanks, Preet. I am pretty sure they'll be into it, it was every kiddos favorite growing up.

        Reply
    11. Jennifer Prince says

      July 03, 2018 at 3:13 am

      Such an interesting way to make a drink! I would love to try it - both to taste and to make on my own.

      Reply
    12. Angelie Graham says

      December 13, 2018 at 4:30 pm

      I will be making this for a company Christmas breakfast. I love the various spices you suggest. I bet cardamom would be good too.

      Reply
      • Maureen Celestine says

        December 20, 2018 at 11:24 am

        So glad to hear that Angelie. Yes, Cardamon will do just fine. I hope you enjoy it.

        Reply

    Trackbacks

    1. Nigerian Jollof Rice (smoky without firewood or buring) says:
      February 26, 2021 at 10:15 pm

      […] Roselle Delight Drink  […]

      Reply

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    Maureen celestine

    Thanks for stopping by. It means the world to me. On Worldly Treat, you'll discover family-friendly dishes, one-pot recipes, signature cocktails, classic African dishes, holiday favorites, and lots more! Easy recipes for the everyday home cook. You can taste the world right in your kitchen without taking a trip. Please follow along. Let's get cooking!

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