An African-inspired drink that beautifully balances tangy hibiscus with warming ginger. This vibrant and refreshing cooler is perfect for parties or any occasion where I want something bright, bold, and refreshing. Ready in under 35 minutes, it’s an easy way to bring a taste of West Africa to my glass.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love this recipe because it’s simple, naturally caffeine-free, and bursting with color and flavor. The hibiscus brings a tart, cranberry-like tang, while the ginger adds warmth and spice. The lime juice lifts the drink with a citrusy edge, and the sparkling water gives it that festive fizz. It’s also flexible — I can adjust the sugar, play with the ginger intensity, or even swap in maple syrup for a vegan-friendly touch.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
30g dried hibiscus (sorrel/sobolo), loose 25g fresh ginger, peeled and thinly sliced (or grated for more heat) 1,000ml water 40g caster sugar 30ml lime juice (about 1 lime) 500ml sparkling water, chilled (to top up and make it a spritz) ice cubes, as required a few sprigs mint leaves, optional (for garnish) 4 slices lime slices
Directions
I start by bringing 1,000ml of water to a rolling boil in a saucepan.
I add the dried hibiscus and sliced ginger to the boiling water, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 6–8 minutes.
After that, I remove the pan from the heat and let it steep for 15 minutes so the flavors deepen.
I strain the infusion through a fine sieve into a jug, pressing the solids gently to get all the liquid out, then discard the solids.
While the infusion is still warm, I stir in the caster sugar until it dissolves completely and then let it cool to room temperature.
Once cooled, I stir in the lime juice and chill the mixture in the fridge for at least 10 minutes.
To serve, I fill four glasses with ice, pour about 75–100ml of the hibiscus concentrate into each glass, and top up with around 125ml of chilled sparkling water. I adjust the proportions to taste.
Finally, I garnish each glass with a sprig of mint and a slice of lime, and serve immediately.
Servings and Timing
Servings: 4 Prep Time: 10 minutes Cooking Time: 23 minutes Total Time: About 35 minutes Difficulty: Easy
Variations
Low-sugar version: I reduce the sugar to 20g for a lighter, less sweet drink.
Vegan-friendly: I use maple syrup instead of caster sugar.
Extra heat: I grate the ginger instead of slicing it for a spicier finish.
Citrus twist: I add orange juice or zest for a more rounded citrus flavor.
Frozen treat: I freeze the cooled mixture into ice pops for a refreshing summer snack.
Storage/Reheating
I keep any leftover hibiscus concentrate (before adding the sparkling water) in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to 3 days. When I’m ready to serve, I simply give it a quick stir, pour it over ice, and top with sparkling water. I don’t recommend reheating this drink — it’s meant to be served cold and refreshing.
FAQs
How can I make this drink ahead of time?
I make the hibiscus and ginger base a day ahead and store it in the fridge. When ready to serve, I just add sparkling water and garnish.
Can I use fresh hibiscus instead of dried?
Yes, I can use fresh petals if available, but I usually double the amount since fresh hibiscus is less concentrated.
What can I use instead of sparkling water?
I sometimes use club soda or plain water if I want a softer fizz or a lighter version.
Can I make it into a cocktail-style drink?
Absolutely. I can add fruit juices like pineapple or mango to create a tropical twist, though I prefer the simple, pure flavor of the original.
What if I don’t like ginger?
I simply reduce the amount or skip it altogether and add a few slices of cucumber or a touch of cinnamon for a different flavor twist.
Conclusion
I love how this Sobolo Sparkler captures the spirit of African refreshment in such a simple way. It’s tangy, spicy, cooling, and celebratory all at once. Whether I’m hosting a gathering or just want something special for myself, this hibiscus ginger cooler always feels like a treat — full of color, flavor, and life.
