Wonjo (Hibiscus Juice)
Wonjo, also known as bissap, is a refreshing and vibrant drink made from dried hibiscus flowers. This sweet and tangy beverage is popular across West Africa, perfect for cooling down on a warm day. It's naturally caffeine-free and bursting with flavor.
An original recipe by Forkin
- Total time
- 1 hr 25 min
- Serves
- 4
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Per serving
- 105 kcal
Mise en place
Ingredients
Converted for display; the recipe amounts stay equivalent.
- 100 gdried hibiscus flowers
- 2 lwater
- 0.25 cupfresh mint leaves
- 2 pcsginger, peeled and thinly sliced
- 0.5 cupsugar
- 1 tsporange blossom water(optional)
Equipment
pitcher · fine-mesh sieve · large pot
The method
Step by step
- 1
Rinse the dried hibiscus flowers under cold water to remove any dust or impurities.
About 1 min
- 2
In a large pot, combine the water, rinsed hibiscus flowers, fresh mint leaves, and sliced ginger.
About 1 min
- 3
Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, then immediately reduce the heat to low.
About 5 min
- 4
Simmer gently for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the hibiscus to release its color.
About 10 min
Cook’s note: Do not over-simmer, as it can make the juice bitter.
- 5
Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the sugar until it is fully dissolved.
About 2 min
Cook’s note: Adjust sugar to your preferred sweetness.
- 6
If using, add the orange blossom water now.
- 7
Let the mixture cool completely to room temperature, which will take about 30-45 minutes.
About 45 min
- 8
Strain the liquid through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean pitcher or bottle, pressing on the solids to extract all the juice.
About 5 min
Cook’s note: You can line the sieve with cheesecloth for an even clearer juice.
- 9
Discard the spent hibiscus flowers, mint, and ginger.
- 10
Chill the wonjo in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving.
About 1 hr
Cook’s note: Serve over ice with a fresh mint sprig or a slice of lime.
Per serving
Nutrition
- Calories
- 104.6kcal
- Protein
- 0.1g
- Carbs
- 26g
- Fat
- 0g
- Fibre
- 0.1g
- Sugar
- 25.1g
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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