Beverage

Wonjo (Hibiscus Drink)

Name: Wonjo (Hibiscus Drink)
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 1 h 25 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: senegalese, west_african
Ingredients: 50 g dried hibiscus flower; 1,000 ml water; 50 g sugar; 10 pcs fresh mint leaf (optional); 0.5 tsp vanilla extract (optional)

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

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

75%Score

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

Storage

Store the wonjo in an airtight container or pitcher in the refrigerator.