Zobo, Reimagined: Nigeria's Hibiscus Drink

Ask anyone who grew up in Nigeria about zobo and you will hear about a jug in the fridge, a cup handed over at a party, and that unmistakable ruby colour. Zobo is the Nigerian hibiscus drink: dried hibiscus petals steeped in water, often with ginger, pineapple or cloves, then sweetened and served cold.

What zobo is made from

Zobo is made from the dried red calyces of the roselle plant, Hibiscus sabdariffa. When they steep in hot water they release a deep crimson colour and a tart, cranberry-like flavour. Cooks then add their own signature: ginger for warmth, pineapple peel for fruitiness, cloves or a little citrus for spice.

There is no single recipe. Every family, street seller and party caterer has a version, which is part of the charm.

Another name for zobo

The same drink travels across Africa and beyond under different names:

• Zobo in Nigeria
• Bissap in Senegal and much of West Africa
• Sobolo in Ghana
• Karkadé in Egypt and Sudan
• Sorrel in Jamaica and the wider Caribbean, especially at Christmas
• Agua de Jamaica in Mexico

Wherever it is made, hibiscus is a drink for sharing and for celebrations.

Why hibiscus and ginger work so well together

Hibiscus is bright and sharp. Ginger is round and warming. Together they balance each other: the ginger softens the tartness and leaves a gentle heat on the finish. It is the pairing many Nigerians reach for first when they make zobo at home.

From the jug to the can: CHILL

CHILL is our grown-up take on that flavour. It pairs hibiscus with ginger zest, is naturally fermented to a light 3.5% ABV, and comes chilled in a 330 ml can engraved with hibiscus, palms and artisans at work. After dark, the engraving glows a soft seafoam.

CHILL is not zobo, and it does not try to be. It is a celebration drink that borrows zobo's colour and spirit and gives them a slower, more crafted finish.

Please enjoy CHILL responsibly. 18+ only.

A note on health claims

You will find many articles online about the "benefits" of zobo. Aevora makes no health claims for hibiscus or for our drinks. We make them because they taste good and because they belong to a ritual worth keeping.

Bring zobo's spirit to your table

Make a jug of zobo this weekend, or if you would rather have it ready-chilled and beautifully canned, reserve CHILL on our pre-order page. Curious about the alcohol-free side of Aevora? Read alcohol-free or 3.5%: how to choose.