Zobo Drink

Zobo drink is another one of Nigeria’s popular drinks.

You have absolutely nothing to lose but so much to gain for taking a chilled glass of zobo Nigerian drinks.

Zobo drink

Zobo Drink Benefit

The health benefits are immeasurable, although this depends on the ingredient you used while preparing it.

In a separate article, I have written about all the benefits of Zobo Drink

For starters, it quenches your taste.

It is one of the easiest Nigerian drinks you can make any day and the necessary ingredients are cheap also. I think you could make 2 liters of this drink with just a 400 Naira. ($1)

Do You Like Zobo?

I never really liked zobo until I learned about its nutritional values, it is one of those drinks that are made purely from natural ingredients.

Just like the fruit juice, you wouldn’t require any artificial ingredients or coloring in most cases.

I would personally recommend just natural ingredients (zobo leaves, ginger, cloves).

But most Nigerians wouldn’t have zobo without the accopanying sweetness.

Here we are going to do it just the way Mama Iyabo does it.

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The plate above contains ginger, about 3 fingers of ginger would do. The ginger inset would be enough for 3 cups of zobo leaves.

Also 1 tbsp of cloves

Hausa women also make tasty zobo, the Igbos are just beginning to learn about this wonderful drink.

By the end of this article, you would have learned how to make zobo, the popular Nigerian tasty drink.

Nigerian drinks
Zobo – Served.

The first time I had a taste of this drink was at Bori Camp Portharcourt, those days in a secondary school; I visited a friend who happened to come from Yoruba – the best makers of zobo drink.

I can say not much about the origin of this drink, but I know the Yorubas are the major producers. I think they even have zobo soup, 😆

How to Prepare Zobo

Here is how to make zobo in Nigeria, you will learn about all the ingredients used for making zobo and also why I prefer this above many other Nigerian drinks. With the number of ingredients below, you will make about 3-4 liters of zobo.

Ingredients For Zobo Drink

  • 3 cups of dried zobo leaves.
  • Ginger (2-3 fingers).
  • Flavors and sweeteners
  • 1 tbsp cloves
  • 4 liters of water.

Preparation time: 30mins | Serving: 12 persons

The standard roadside zobo drink can be made with just four ingredients – the zobo leaves, choice of flavor, cloves and ginger.

As you already know, the zobo has a somewhat sugary taste, most people added a few cubes of sugar or just use the regular sachet flavor.

You buy it the same place you bought zobo leaves

There are several other flavors for making zobo, they come laced with the necessary amount of sweetness. You will find them in any Nigerian market, especially from those selling the zobo leaves.

How to Make Zobo Drink

Step 1

Hand-pick every unwanted substance from the zobo leaves, wash and start cooking with about 3 liters of water. Don’t soak before washing, just pour water, wash, and transfer into the cooking pot.

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Step 2

Cook to boil before adding the ginger, you can pound them to a pulp or grind with a kitchen blender, the same way I did mine.

Add the cloves too.

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Adding cloves to Zobo

Step 3

Cook for another ten to fifteen minutes before you taste the zobo, it may taste sour.

Step 4

Allow to cool a little, filter and add the joccy pineapple flavor that already contained sugar.You don’t want it too sweet. So add half a teaspoon and observe. Refrigerate.

That is how to make zobo, it’s easy, right?

It should really taste nice.

Nigerian drinks
Zobo Nigerian Drink

Zobo is one of the popular Nigerian drinks, it is easy to make and can be made in under 30 minutes. Serve chilled with your favorite snack.

Zobo as a drink has innumerable health benefits that I can’t even mention.

Ginger which is one ingredient for this popular drink improves heart and sight conditions.

To learn more about ginger, I have written an article about Healthy Nigerian Foods

Zobo drink recipe

Zobo Drink Recipe | Hibiscus Tea and Benefits

Chef Chidi
Zobo drink is a locally made soft drink from Nigeria. This recipe shows you how to easily make it the Nigerian way.
5 from 4 votes
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Drinks
Cuisine Nigerian Cuisine
Servings 6 People
Calories 59 kcal

Equipment

  • Pots

Ingredients
  

  • 5-6 cups of dried zobo leaves.
  • 3 fingers ginger
  • 1/2 teaspoon pineapple flavor.
  • 4 liters of water.

Instructions
 

  • Remove every unwanted substance from the zobo leaves.
  • Wash and start cooking with 3 liters of water (3000ml)
  • Allow it to boil before adding the ground ginger.
  • Cook for another 10 minutes and turn off the heat. Filter and allow to cool for 10 minutes before adding the pineapple flavours.
  • Referigerate and always serve chilled.

Video

Keyword Hausa Drinks, Hibiscus tea, Zobo drink recipe

The Video above Shows You How To Make This Delicious Nigerian Drink.

Other Nigerian Drinks Includes

Compare Zobo Drink & Chapman Drink

Just like so many people, I also love Fruit Juice

Here is my List of Nigerian Drink

After trying out this zobo recipe, I would love to read your comment below, thanks.

What are the benefits of ZOBO drink?

How to make Zobo Drink – Video

136 Comments

Carrie
Reply

Can’t wait to try your recipe. I don’t have sachets but I am going to try using pineapple juice. Maybe half pineapple juice added after boiling and using only the half water. Thank you for your recipe! I am trying to incorporate more hibiscus in my diet to help lower my blood pressure. This sounds tasty!

February 19, 2023
Wynyfred
Reply

This would have been a much nicer article without the Hausa, Ibo and Yoruba additions…. The Hausas are the ones who made Zobo popular in Nigeria…even the name ‘Zobo’ is Hausa. A bit of research on Zobo drink would have provided you information on its origins.

April 5, 2021
Amaka
Reply

5 stars
I tried ur zobo recipe it came out good, plss can any one assist me wit all d ingredients I need to make it for sale, I want my to taste unique plssss

September 11, 2020
kemi
Reply

Is there ever any time you people are not begging?

April 10, 2023
Damilarey
Reply

Can I get A-Z steps of making zobo and the its ingredients?

September 1, 2020
Peace
Reply

Can one use the main pineapple fruit, instead of the satchet flavor?

July 29, 2020
Chidi Anegbu
Reply

The main pineapple wouldn’t give you the same taste and the roadside zobo.

July 30, 2020
Akindolie Stella
Reply

It is very important to add zobo pepper called kanafuru in Yoruba. Even if you drink much of zobo it wouldn’t affect your stomach

May 30, 2020
Chidi Anegbu
Reply

Thanks for your input.

May 30, 2020
Adeyemi Ruth Funke
Reply

My zobo is not pepper the way I want it to be what can I still do to make it pepper

May 23, 2020
Chidi Anegbu
Reply

You can add freshly squeezed ginger juice.

May 28, 2020
Elvis Isaac
Reply

5 stars
Thanks for the zobo recipe and preparation it was really helpful

February 22, 2020
Durotimi
Reply

the ginger was added minutes later after the zobo leaves were allowed to boil, why was that so, why was it not added immediately the zobo leaves were put on fire?

December 27, 2019
Sekyen Tangni
Reply

Zobo drink is such a powerful drink especially when you take it chill thanks to Zobo drink my husband love it

July 20, 2019
BISHOP
Reply

Weldone, please i need kunu recipe. Thanks

June 17, 2019
AdaJesus
Reply

That jolly stuff in a sachet the one that comes in different flavors that also sweetens the drink has destroyed the beneficial aspect of the drink.. served Everything naturally, use honey instead of that stuff, add pineapple peel or diced pineapples with the peel when cooking the leaves to get the flavor and taste.

April 26, 2019
Oba
Reply

Thanks for this educative site. God bless you richly.

March 23, 2019
Chioma
Reply

Can I cook the zobo leaf together with pineapple back?

March 14, 2019
Blessing daniel
Reply

Thanks, l discover that my zobo drink tasted bitter and I don’t know why. Pls can u help me out.

December 18, 2018
Mac
Reply

Thank you all. But can we now post videos, testifying on how ZOBO really helped us in. I believe we all have something to say than right about

October 26, 2017
Chidi Anegbu
Reply

sure, you can email your video to me.

October 27, 2017
korede
Reply

Is zobo good for pregnant woman or some trying to conceive

October 18, 2017
Shally
Reply

Thank you so much. Pls how many quantity of these ingredients will be enough for 150 people?

September 27, 2017
Funmilayo
Reply

Thank you for this recipe, great job here

September 12, 2017
Adeleke
Reply

Please how can one preserve zobo for mass production. Answer needed urgently. Thankx

September 4, 2017
Sunday Roseline
Reply

Wow” thanks chy for the recipe, you can preserve sobo for 4 to 6 month by adding preservatives.

August 30, 2017
kelechi
Reply

My husband loves zoo drink so much so I always prepare it with riped pineapple, riped banana, ginger, zoo leave and coca cola Flavour. It tastes good.

June 30, 2017
oyin
Reply

How many liters of water can i use to serve 150 people, d Zobo will be poured inside a bottle of coke size for 150 pple ….

June 24, 2017
kayode
Reply

Good, it my pleasure to give best compliment for these tips and ideas to expand pple online you all the to make house wife to learn fast about kitchen product, thanks.

May 23, 2017
Vicky
Reply

Please what’s kalamfari & how does it look like?

May 7, 2017
Ammy
Reply

How healthy is the joccy’s pineapple flavor?

May 6, 2017
chidi anan
Reply

I cannot say really, you can try other flavors and sweeteners.

May 10, 2017
Ammy
Reply

How healthy is the joccy’s pineapple flavor added to the zobo

May 6, 2017
dideolu
Reply

How do we preserve Zobo for mass production?

May 1, 2017
sussy
Reply

I love zobo so much since i learnt how to prepare it, I don’t buy from people again i do it myself. But i do add banana with pin
eapple

March 27, 2017
Chidi Anegbu
Reply

Ok, great. Thanks for your feedback. I am yet to use banana, I think I am going to try it.

March 28, 2017
esty
Reply

Apart from honey and sugar, what other natural sweetener can one use to make zobo taste sweet. God bless you mightily for the great job you are doing.

March 22, 2017

Great jobyou have here. However, the flavour you are recommending is not healthy. At all, at all.

March 13, 2017
Chidi Anegbu
Reply

Awwww! Yea, most sugary stuff are not healthy, you just need to use them sparingly. Thanks for your feedback.

March 15, 2017
Toyin
Reply

Nice one,do I remove d leaves immediately after boiling or I still infuse in d water till it gets cold?

February 28, 2017
Chidi Anegbu
Reply

whichever way, I usually remove the leaves and then allow it to cool.

March 3, 2017
emmanuel
Reply

can zobo drink be persevered for 6-8months… if it’s possible, which preservative am I going to use???

February 27, 2017
Chidi Anegbu
Reply

Not sure! I refrigerate for about a week or two.

February 28, 2017
emmanuel
Reply

can zobo last for 4-6month

February 27, 2017
Lukan Racheal
Reply

I love the simple explanation on the sobo preparation.I will surely try this recipe out today.Thanks for sharing

February 22, 2017
blessing
Reply

Goodday
How do I preserve the leave after the first used

February 7, 2017
Chidi Anegbu
Reply

I don’t preserve the leave, I suppose you would want to dry it first and you won’t definitely get the same taste the second time around.

February 9, 2017
mojisola
Reply

nice one I love did group

February 4, 2017
bukky
Reply

Nice job! How do I preserve it 4 commercial purposes?

January 30, 2017
mary ogechi
Reply

since i learnt how to make zobo drink, i have been enjoying it and even sell it to make a lot of money

November 29, 2016
Gloria
Reply

My dear i tank u vry vry much cos am n lov wt dis drink an av being beging pple to teah me an dey kip turning me round nd round. God bless you. how do i get ur cookbook?

October 22, 2016
sanusi amina abimbola
Reply

Pls can I av d recipe and I need more abt juice and there recipe

April 26, 2016
Bam
Reply

Hi. Just a correction. Zobo is NOT a yoruba drink it’s actually hausa/northern hence the name soborodo. It’s people who can’t pronounce it that call it zobo. It is grown abundantly all over the north (plant not a fan of too rain) Just thought to clear that up. And you use the bark of peeled pinapple (let it have a bit of the fruit its self) and boil it with the leaves then you will have the natural pinapple flavour without the sour taste.

January 16, 2016
Chidi Anegbu
Reply

Wow! thanks for clearing that up. wonderful.

January 19, 2016
george
Reply

i must appreciate u also. i decided to browse u because those i instruct to do it will not do it at my time , they do it as if they do u a favour. now i can do it also. God help me

January 12, 2016
Dorry
Reply

Thanks for the info nice one.

January 3, 2016
didi
Reply

um my cousins in US dont like zobo why? and is coca cola one of the best flavours?

December 18, 2015
kwadwo
Reply

this zobo drink is very good n nutritional pls i need partners to partner with me to produce it on large quantities for sale

November 10, 2015
joy
Reply

i am interested, can i get your number, this is mine, 08106552879

August 1, 2017
gloria
Reply

In making d zobo drink i find out dat afta d filtering nd all,i still find some particles in it.wht do i do to avoid dese particles

October 31, 2015
Esther
Reply

Pls, does honey make the zobo ferment?

October 30, 2015
wow nice one, have leant a lot about zobo drink
Reply

God bless ur effort

September 25, 2015
DINAH
Reply

THANKS THE RECIPIT IS SO WONDERFUL

September 25, 2015
nina
Reply

Nice one,my mum buys pineapples,allows them to get very riped and then she cutts them into pieces and boils with the zobo leaves…

July 14, 2015
lucy
Reply

vera manyi, u can only buy it in the market, u can ask people arround u they will tell u where to get it in abuja thanks

June 24, 2015
nafisah
Reply

Thanks for sharing…..I luv zobo

June 14, 2015
ogbonene
Reply

I have prepared it in different ways, but the best of them all for the sake of health benefits is to prepare the zobo by adding garlic, moringa seed juice, lemon juice and flavours of ur choice with sweetener, if u need more informationn mail me.

June 7, 2015
Diamond
Reply

How can I mail you, please can you teach me how to make zobo drink without the taste fermenting and how long can it last when refrigerated

January 25, 2022
ruth
Reply

Lovely recipe,but u can also add pineapple,cucumber and watermelon,blend den dem and pure in da juice only,u sure will love it,but u must put it da fridge immediately after making it,da da juice shud be added when da zobo is cold,coconut flavour is nice too.

May 8, 2015
Consolation A.
Reply

Thanks for the lecture. Can i add kola and orange flavour in it?

April 28, 2015
Chidi Anegbu
Reply

Kola? havent tried that yet. But I think ornage flavor may be nice.

April 28, 2015
Ifeoluwa
Reply

Well-done ma pls ma i try cooking my zobo at night and I was you using hot plate nepa took the light so I left it like that till the next morning and cook it again but the taste is somehow pls what cos it

August 10, 2021
Chidi Anegbu

Could be the leaves or that it got soured.

August 13, 2021
Bella
Reply

Please what are the nutritional value of
zobo? All the same I love your job nice one.

April 23, 2015
Marilou
Reply

I heard about the health benefits of zobo drink, I immediately cook it for the first time last night. I added cinnamon powder and honey. The taste is so good!

Is there any other flavour you can recommend to add to Zobo aside from ginger?

Thank you!

April 16, 2015
kemi
Reply

Hello Chidi,
I was able to get the bottle flavor, can I use it instead of the sachet? And do I add it to the drink

March 26, 2015
KIRSTY
Reply

l thank you so much for sharing your knowledge with us.any one you send , i always do it practically to learn more.

March 26, 2015
kris
Reply

Why is the drink called a white man’s drink?

March 25, 2015
Chidi Anegbu
Reply

White man’s drink? havent heard of that; maybe white men love it 😀

March 27, 2015
Safiya
Reply

I love zobo drink too.. adding kanamfari gives it a great taste as well. thank you Aunty Chi you are really doing a great job here

March 25, 2015

Is their any side effect of taking zobo drink that is not chilled and left for 3 to 4 days

March 16, 2015
Abimbola
Reply

Pls, For How Many Days Will Zobo Last Without Light?
Pls Reply, It’s Urgent.
Thanks Abunch.

February 27, 2015
Chidi Anegbu
Reply

I think about 36 hours.

February 27, 2015
unene
Reply

thanks, u are a great teacher

February 24, 2015
Lizzy Azuka
Reply

Even I have eight bottles in d house now and use one and eat in school, very interesting. I do prepare and send to my Mum and her family.
Dear Chi! Pls if U need help for prepareing it and suply to people, just send information tr dis my line, 08036957560.
Tanx Rm Blessed

February 16, 2015
Lizzy Azuka
Reply

Dear Chi! I so much tank God who gave u d wisdom u brought out in zobo. Becos I and our family so much love zobo drink dan any other drink dat is y I can make it perfectly and hv it ready at any time in d house. My Gran Mum love it most bf she died, dat is y she used to call it white People drink.

February 16, 2015
Viclin
Reply

tanks nd god bless u for dis wonderful enlightenment

January 31, 2015
Sandy
Reply

Thanks for the knowledge shared, God will reward you. please how may times can you make use of the zobo leaves before you dispose them?

January 28, 2015
Chidi Anegbu
Reply

I use it once, I think the highest you can go is twice.

January 28, 2015
Lucky Itua Israel
Reply

Good To B Educated Like This, Nd Also 2 U Guys, Ur Comments Are Encouraging

January 16, 2015
nelly
Reply

Thanks chy for sharing your knowledge with us, may God continue to enrich you with fresh anointing to do exploit in your profession
Remain blessed! wishing u a blissful XMAS and prosperous NEW YEAR with all your good expectation in Jesus name. Amen!

December 24, 2014
Ngozi
Reply

I prepare my zobo for commercial sales. My customers love it and they keep asking for more. Is a good biz when well prepared.

November 18, 2014
chinenye
Reply

Pls I what to start zobo business, how best do I prepare it in order to sell fast and taste good. Thans

March 15, 2017
Patty
Reply

Ma can u please enlighti me more on this zobo making because will like to do it for commercial purpose. Thanks
Please Send it to my mobile number

September 2, 2017
iyke
Reply

Just prepared zobo drink for the first time, chai my whole family is having fun….. Hope the sugary taste of the sweetner is not harmful to the body?

October 19, 2014
Chidi Anegbu
Reply

It depends on how much sugar u used.

October 20, 2014
Taiwo
Reply

Tnx so much 4 d recipe it is lovely

September 1, 2014
Gbonjubola lamina
Reply

Thanks so much for the recipe.lovely taste

August 23, 2014
Oluwaseun
Reply

I got the recipe here 2weeks ago for zobo, I made it perfectly and to crown it all,i still have it in my freezer,whenever I want to drink,i take it out, and it tastes fresh, I guess that’s the best way to preserve it

August 21, 2014
abdulbaki Lordbee
Reply

i gave zobo making a try and almost all my dudes and shodies keep asking for another glass. Twz xo good, tnx 4 d lesson.

July 19, 2014
debby
Reply

Pls why does zobo drink taste fermented when stayed long?

July 16, 2014
ose
Reply

God bless u all in Jesus name Amen .pls don’t give up in oda to teach 9jia nowadays girls on how to care for their husbands.

July 4, 2014
Dowell Ben
Reply

Am very excited for educating me on how to prepare Zobo drink.THANKS

June 18, 2014
funmexy
Reply

thank you so much for the educating us on how to improve our life style with our local food.
please what preservative can i add to my zobo drink to stop it from fermenting? i produce the drink on commercial scale. thank you

May 14, 2014
Abigail
Reply

you can use alcohol in preserving the zobo

May 9, 2017
Sarah Iwegbue
Reply

How can i use alcohol to preserve zobo?
Secondly,is the preservation inclusive of refrigerating?

February 21, 2019
Dorcas
Reply

You website is really good

April 11, 2014
Rukayat
Reply

As Racheal had earlier said wen i used only ripe pineapple,d taste was soar bt adding d flavor gives u d real taste of d drink.

April 2, 2014
Precious
Reply

Tnx 4 d recipe pls I am a sweet tooth o,but I knw d fear of sugar is d beginning of wisdom so can I substitute wit honey

March 28, 2014
bunmi abi
Reply

Tanx for the article, adding fresh pineapple without any preservative can it last three days in d refrigerator?

March 27, 2014
Chidi Anegbu
Reply

Yes it should @ bunnmi

May 5, 2014
joy
Reply

yes it will, even for a week or two, as far as it is refrigerated,for me i freeze the bottled zobo drink then thaw when i want to drink it

August 1, 2017
Chidi Anegbu
Reply

Rachel, sorry about that. Maybe you had the bad zobo leaves

March 26, 2014
Bilkis
Reply

The zobo recipe is very perfect,U can add other spices such as kanafari,Masoro,but neva add garlic or samiya (tamarind) to it.

March 26, 2014
Yetty
Reply

Yes o….. d ingredients isn’t complete if kanafuru wasn’t added…..u can even add lemon. …Orange. ….garlic…..

February 9, 2017
uzoma princess
Reply

pls when do i add the kanafiri and masoro. secondly, will i get it to buy in the market as well…tnk you

March 6, 2017
Chidi Ibeazor
Reply

Why,What will they do,what will happen if I add those you mentioned?

March 8, 2019
soibi brown
Reply

That was a good one .I also add Garlic to my zobo drink

March 24, 2014
ayo
Reply

Thanks chi for this wonderful article

March 24, 2014
Rachel
Reply

Thks u but I trying using just pineapple alone the taste was so soar nd clappy I dnt knw why it was like dt

March 24, 2014
Yetty
Reply

Sorry Rachel for dat…. pineapple alone can’t do d trick u have to add pineapple flavour dat will act as d sweetener….without it it will taste sour…

February 9, 2017
joy
Reply

you can add the back of the pineapple juice to it, but let it be moderate

August 1, 2017
Favour
Reply

I love that pepper taste in it, is it the ginger that is pepperish or the zobo pepper

April 1, 2020
chinyere
Reply

Thank you very much.I have to cook it mysef.

March 8, 2014
Joy
Reply

Hi Chi, nice article there. Have U tried adding garlic,samiya, and karampama seeds to zobo?. U can get these items from d same seller. The taste is awesome. The nutritional value is wonderful.

February 15, 2014
Chidi Anegbu
Reply

Ok Joy, thanks for your comment and contribution. I am going to try that.

February 19, 2014
esty
Reply

You are doing great job here. God Bless you, please can I add tumeric to zobo

March 22, 2017
bollymoon
Reply

What is samiya and karampana called in Yoruba.thanks

January 21, 2018
Maureen
Reply

Hello chy,i hv learnt a lot of tin I̶̲̥̅̊n̶̲̥̅̊ the nigerian kitchen.u re doin great.pls kept it up nd i will like u to highlight me O̶̷̩̥̊͡Ŋ how to prepare zobo drink.tnx

February 12, 2014
Lorita
Reply

Thanks very much

February 11, 2014
Rachel
Reply

This is very interesting pls cn we refrigerated d Zobo drink for 2 to 3days

January 20, 2014
The Nigerian Kitchen
Reply

Yeah, sure, you can refrigerate zobo for up to three days.

January 23, 2014
Vera
Reply

Thanks for the zobo recipe, I have read a lot of articles on how zobo is very good for our body, and for a long time I have been hoping to prepare this drink for my kids. Please can I get the leaves in super markets here in Abuja?

January 16, 2014
The Nigerian Kitchen
Reply

I buy mine from the local market. It is everywhere in Nigeria, just ask around whenever you visit a major market.

January 16, 2014
Hajara
Reply

No Vera. U wont get it in a supermkt. U’l get it in d local mak and its mostly sold by pple who sell grains like:rice,millet,corn,beans e.t.c. mostly sold by ths hausa.i even bought some earlier 2day an prepared it jus abt an hr ago. Good luck on ur search for zobo leaves.

March 26, 2014
mohammed
Reply

Well, is good to have people like you coming up to educate people on simple basic diet they need to know. Your effort is very rewarding.

December 22, 2013

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