Zobo a refreshing, sweet, tangy, and delicious spring or summer drink the whole family will love. 

After an intolerably long winter, I’m happy to see the weather warming up finally. This means it’s time to start entertaining, and if you’re looking for a new drink to add to your collection, I would suggest you give this zobo drink infused with raspberry a try. Zobo has many different names, and it’s enjoyed all over the world.

It’s popular in various Africa countries, the Caribbean, and many tropical countries. Dried Sorrel flowers (hibiscus) can be found in African, Caribbean, or specialty stores under Sorrel, Hibiscus, De Jamaica, Zobo, and bissap.

Zobo drink is popular in Nigeria, and if you go to a Nigerian restaurant and don’t offer you zobo, then it’s not an authentic spot.  The best way to describe the zobo drink would be best compared to cranberry juice because it’s a little bit acidic, sweet, and tangy. Traditional zobo has a strong taste, so I added raspberry syrup to dilute it for this recipe. The added raspberry in this recipe cuts the tartness of the drink. You can enjoy it without the syrup if you’re watching your sugar intake. 

Health Benefits of Zobo Drink

Zobo drink has a ton of benefits, according to various alternate health experts drinking zobo prevents hypertension, aid digestion, lowers blood pressure, help with depression, help with weight management, reduces blood sugar levels, and keeps the liver healthy. For women, it helps with menstrual cramps. Plus, it’s rich in Vitamin C, contains minerals such as flavonoids, and has laxative properties. I have read many things about zobo drinks and weight loss, but I have yet to put the theory to the test. 

Side Effects of Zobo Drink

Zobo drink has been known to have an effect on estrogen levels which means it plays a role in pregnancy and fertility. If you are trying to become pregnant or are pregnant, you should probably stay away from this drink.

Ingredients for Zobo Drink

• 11/2 cup dried zobo leaves
• 12 cups of water
• 2 cups of granulated sugar (optional)
• lime slices for garnishing and serving
• ice for serving

How to make Zobo Drink (Nigerian Drink)

Buy the ingredients: Not many people have the hibiscus flower on hand, so the first step would be to buy the dried zobo flowers. I usually buy mine from specialty stores, but you can also get some here. 

Boil the flowers: Add 12 cups of water, 2 cups of sugar, and 1 1/2 cup of dried zobo flowers to a pot. Bring to a boil, cover and remove from heat and let it simmer for 5 minutes. 

Strain mixture: Carefully strain the mixture into a glass container and discard the used hibiscus flowers.

Raspberry Syrup: Add 1 cup sugar, 1 cup hot water, and 1 cup fresh raspberry into a saucepan

Cook: Cook the raspberry for about 5 minutes. Remove from stove and strain through a fine sieve

Store: In an airtight container until ready to use

You can also enjoy your zobo drink with honey. You can also make a zobo drink with watermelon; replace the raspberry in this recipe with watermelon, and all will be set. I haven’t tried that option, but I bet it would be just as delicious.

Variations and Substitutes

• Ginger can be added to give the drink a bit of kick.  
• Honey. In place of sugar, you can sweeten zobo with honey. 
• Watermelon. You can mix the drink with watermelon for a different twist.  
• Pineapple. I have used pineapple syrup in the past, and the result was delicious. My kids really loved this version. 
• Rum. For an adult beverage, you can add dark rum to kick it up a notch

More refreshing drinks

• Heart of Wakanda Cocktail – Black Panther Drink
• Vibranium – Black Panther Cocktail 
• Homemade Kremas
• Frozen Watermelon Mocktail
• Melon Madness Sour Cocktail

I hope you love this recipe – if so, please be sure to leave a review below! To get more easy African recipes delivered straight to your inbox, sign up for my email newsletter. You can also follow The Afropolitan Mom on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest!