Bissap

Bissap

Bissap (BEE-sap)

Hibiscus Juice

Prep Time 20 min + chilling
📈 Difficulty Easy
👥 Servings
8

A vibrant ruby-red chilled drink brewed from dried hibiscus flowers with fresh mint and ginger, sweet and tangy with a floral fragrance.

Nutrition & Info

100 kcal per serving
Carbs 24.0g

Dietary

vegetarian vegan dairy-free gluten-free nut-free

Equipment Needed

large pot sieve pitcher

Presentation Guide

Vessel: tall glass or pitcher

Garnishes: mint sprig, lime slice

Accompaniments: beignets, gonré

Instructions

  1. 1

    Rinse hibiscus flowers to remove any dust.

  2. 2

    Bring water to a boil. Add hibiscus flowers, ginger, and mint. Boil for 15 minutes.

  3. 3

    Remove from heat and let steep for 10 minutes.

  4. 4

    Strain through a fine sieve into a pitcher, pressing flowers to extract maximum color.

  5. 5

    Stir in sugar and lime juice until dissolved.

  6. 6

    Chill thoroughly and serve over ice.

💡

Did You Know?

Bissap is believed to lower blood pressure, and Burkinabe elders drink it daily — they call it "the doctor in a glass."

Chef's Notes

Equipment Tips

  • large pot
  • sieve
  • pitcher

Garnishing

mint sprig, lime slice

Accompaniments

beignets, gonré

The Story Behind Bissap

Bissap is the Burkinabe name for hibiscus juice, a beverage consumed across West Africa for centuries. The hibiscus plant (Hibiscus sabdariffa) thrives in the Sahelian climate, and its dried calyces are a major trade commodity in Burkinabe markets. The drink bridges everyday refreshment and traditional medicine.

🕐 Traditionally enjoyed any occasion, celebrations, hot weather 📜 Origins: Traditional West African beverage

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