Wonjo (Hibiscus Drink)
This refreshing Senegalese beverage, also known as bissap juice, is made from dried hibiscus flowers. It's naturally vibrant in color and offers a tart, fruity flavor. Enjoy it chilled as a healthy and invigorating drink.
An original recipe by Forkin
- Total time
- 1 hr 25 min
- Serves
- 4
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Per serving
- 52 kcal
Mise en place
Ingredients
Converted for display; the recipe amounts stay equivalent.
- 50 gdried hibiscus flower
- 1,000 mlwater
- 50 gsugar
- 10 pcsfresh mint leaf(optional)
- 0.5 tspvanilla extract(optional)
Equipment
saucepan · fine-mesh sieve · pitcher
The method
Step by step
- 1
Rinse the dried hibiscus flowers under cold running water to remove any dust or impurities.
About 1 min
- 2
In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed hibiscus flowers and water.
About 1 min
- 3
Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 10-12 minutes.
About 12 min
Cook’s note: Simmering helps extract the color and flavor effectively.
- 4
Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the sugar until it is completely dissolved.
About 1 min
Cook’s note: Adjust the amount of sugar to your personal preference; some prefer it tarter.
- 5
Add the fresh mint leaves and vanilla extract, if using, to the hot liquid.
Cook’s note: The residual heat will help infuse the flavors from the mint and vanilla.
- 6
Let the mixture steep for at least 15 minutes, or up to 30 minutes, to allow the flavors to deepen.
About 15 min
- 7
Strain the liquid through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean pitcher or bowl, discarding the hibiscus flowers and mint leaves.
About 2 min
Cook’s note: Press lightly on the solids to extract as much liquid as possible.
- 8
Allow the wonjo to cool completely at room temperature, then transfer it to the refrigerator to chill for at least 1 hour before serving.
About 1 hr
Cook’s note: Serving it very cold enhances the refreshing quality of the drink.
Per serving
Nutrition
- Calories
- 51.9kcal
- Protein
- 0g
- Carbs
- 12.6g
- Fat
- 0g
- Fibre
- 0g
- Sugar
- 12.6g
Estimated from the recipe’s ingredient quantities. Values can vary with brands and substitutions.
Keep it good
Store the wonjo in an airtight container or pitcher in the refrigerator.
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