Karkanji (Chadian Spiced Hibiscus Drink)
In short: A deep red, sweet-tart drink brewed from dried hibiscus with ginger, cloves and cinnamon, served hot or ice cold. It takes about 25 min in total and makes 8 servings.
- Prep
- 10 min
- Cook
- 15 min
- Resting
- 2 h 20 min
- Total
- 25 min
- Servings
- 8
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 50 kcal
Karkanji is the hibiscus drink of Chad, made from the dried red calyces of the hibiscus flower. They are simmered with fresh ginger, cloves and cinnamon, then sweetened to taste. The color is ruby red and the taste is tart like cranberry, with a warm spice edge. People drink it cold in the heat of the day, and hot on cooler evenings. It is offered to guests and at celebrations.
Instructions
- Rinse the hibiscus in a sieve under cold water to remove dust.
- Put the hibiscus, 1 liter water, ginger, cloves and cinnamon in a pot. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 10 minutes.
- Remove from the heat, cover and steep for 20 minutes.
- Strain through a fine sieve into a large jug, pressing on the flowers. Stir in the sugar until it dissolves.
- Add the cold water and lemon juice. Taste and add more sugar if you like.
- Chill for at least 2 hours. Serve over ice, with mint if you like, or warm it to serve hot.
Tips
- Dried hibiscus is sold at Latin American, African and Middle Eastern groceries, and online, as flor de jamaica, bissap or karkade. Taste before sweetening, since the tartness varies by brand.
- Reduce the sugar to 60 g (1/4 cup) for a tarter drink. The cloves and cinnamon can be cut by half for a milder spice flavor.
Questions and answers
Can I drink karkanji hot?
Yes. Serve it steaming in small glasses, especially on cool evenings. It is just as popular warm as cold.
How long does it keep?
Up to 5 days in a covered jug in the fridge. The color and flavor stay fresh.
Is hibiscus tea safe for everyone?
It is a widely drunk beverage, but it can lower blood pressure. Check with a doctor if you are pregnant or take blood pressure medication.
How long does it take to make Karkanji (Chadian Spiced Hibiscus Drink)?
About 25 min in total: 10 min of preparation and 15 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Karkanji (Chadian Spiced Hibiscus Drink)?
About 50 kcal per serving, with 0 g of protein, 12 g of carbohydrates and 0 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 50 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 0 g |
| Carbohydrates | 12 g |
| Fat | 0 g |
| Fiber | 0 g |
| Sugar | 12 g |
| Sodium | 10 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
