A jewel-toned, tangy-sweet chilled drink brewed from dried hibiscus flowers infused with mint, vanilla, and orange blossom water — Senegal's beloved refreshment.
Ingredients
3 cups dried hibiscus flowers (bissap)
1 cup sugar
2L water
1 tbsp orange blossom water
1 vanilla pod or 1 tsp vanilla extract
10 fresh mint leaves
1 small piece fresh ginger, sliced
Ice for serving
Instructions
1Rinse hibiscus flowers thoroughly.
2Boil flowers with ginger and vanilla in water for 15 minutes until deeply coloured.
3Strain through a fine sieve, pressing flowers to extract all liquid.
4Stir in sugar and orange blossom water while still warm.
5Add mint leaves. Chill thoroughly in the refrigerator.
6Serve over ice. Garnish with mint.
Did You Know?
Bissap is considered so essential to Senegalese hospitality that offering a glass to a guest is a non-negotiable sign of welcome.