Wonjo (Gambian Hibiscus Drink)
In short: A ruby-red chilled drink of dried hibiscus flowers steeped with mint and ginger and sweetened to taste, a tart favorite served over ice in The Gambia. It takes about 25 min in total and makes 6 servings.
- Prep
- 10 min
- Cook
- 15 min
- Resting
- 2 h
- Total
- 25 min
- Servings
- 6
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 80 kcal
Wonjo, also called bissap, is the ruby-red hibiscus drink sold cold at street stalls across The Gambia. Dried roselle flowers are steeped in hot water until the liquid turns deep crimson and tart, then sweetened and scented with mint and a little ginger. Served over ice, it is the drink for hot afternoons, family gatherings and celebrations. The flowers are cheap, and one batch makes a big pitcher.
Instructions
- Rinse the hibiscus flowers well under cold water. Bring 1 liter (4 cups) of the water to a boil in a stainless steel, glass or enamel pot.
- Add the flowers and the ginger, if using. Turn off the heat, cover and steep for 20 minutes, until the liquid is deep crimson. For a stronger flavor, steep for up to 1 hour.
- Strain through a fine sieve into a pitcher, pressing the flowers to squeeze out all the liquid. Discard the flowers.
- Stir in the sugar until dissolved, then add the lemon juice, the mint and the remaining 500 ml (2 cups) of cold water.
- Cool, then chill for at least 2 hours. Taste and add more sugar or water if you like, then serve over ice with fresh mint.
Tips
- Dried hibiscus flowers (also sold as roselle, sorrel or flor de Jamaica) are available at African, Caribbean, Latin and Indian grocers. Use a stainless steel, glass or enamel pot, since aluminum can discolor the drink.
- The drink is naturally tart. Sweeten it to taste, and taste again once it is cold, because chilling dulls the sweetness.
Questions and answers
What is wonjo?
Wonjo is the Gambian name for a cold drink made from dried hibiscus (roselle) flowers. It is known as bissap in neighboring countries.
Does wonjo contain caffeine?
No. Hibiscus flowers are naturally caffeine-free, so it can be enjoyed at any time of day.
How long does wonjo keep?
Covered in the fridge, it keeps for up to 5 days. Stir it before pouring and add fresh mint when serving.
How long does it take to make Wonjo (Gambian Hibiscus Drink)?
About 25 min in total: 10 min of preparation and 15 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Wonjo (Gambian Hibiscus Drink)?
About 80 kcal per serving, with 0 g of protein, 20 g of carbohydrates and 0 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 80 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 0 g |
| Carbohydrates | 20 g |
| Fat | 0 g |
| Fiber | 0 g |
| Sugar | 19 g |
| Sodium | 5 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
