Description
A vibrant and refreshing Ghanaian‑inspired hibiscus and ginger cooler, brightened with lime juice and sparkling water. Tart, spicy, and effervescent — perfect for warm days or festive occasions.
Ingredients
- 30 g dried hibiscus (sorrel / sobolo)
- 25 g fresh ginger, peeled and thinly sliced (or grated for stronger heat)
- 1,000 ml (1 L) water
- 40 g caster sugar (adjust to taste)
- 30 ml fresh lime juice (≈ 1 lime)
- 500 ml chilled sparkling water (to top up)
- Ice cubes, as needed
- Sprigs of mint leaves, for garnish (optional)
- Lime slices, for garnish
Instructions
- Bring 1,000 ml of water to a rolling boil in a saucepan.
- Add the dried hibiscus and the sliced (or grated) ginger. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 6–8 minutes to infuse flavor.
- Remove from heat and let steep for 15 minutes, allowing deeper color and aroma to develop.
- Strain the infusion through a fine sieve (press solids gently) into a jug, discarding the hibiscus and ginger solids.
- While still warm, stir in the caster sugar until fully dissolved. Let the mixture cool to room temperature.
- Once cooled, stir in the lime juice. Then chill in the refrigerator for at least 10 minutes.
- To serve: fill glasses with ice, pour 75–100 ml of the chilled hibiscus concentrate into each glass, and top with about 125 ml sparkling water (adjust to taste).
- Garnish with mint sprigs and lime slices. Serve immediately to retain fizz.
Notes
- You can reduce the sugar (e.g. to 20 g) for a less sweet version.
- Use maple syrup or another sweetener instead of caster sugar to make it vegan‑friendly.
- Grated ginger will yield stronger heat compared to sliced.
- You can add other citrus like orange or a splash of pineapple juice for variation.
- Store leftover concentrate (before adding sparkling water) in a sealed bottle in the fridge for up to 3 days. Stir before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes (simmer) + 15 minutes steeping
- Category: Beverage / Cooler
- Method: Infusion + topping with fizz
- Cuisine: West African / African-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ≈ 1 glass (with dilution)
- Calories: ≈ 25–35 kcal (primarily from sugar dissolved)
- Sugar: ≈ 8 g
- Sodium: ≈ 5 mg
- Fat: 0 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: ≈ 8 g
- Fiber: ≈ 0 g
- Protein: ≈ 0 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
