Bissap

A tart infusion of hibiscus calyces, served chilled or hot and sweetened to taste.

Ingredients

• 🌺 35 g dried hibiscus calyces, quickly rinsed
• 💧 1.5 l potable water
• 🍯 50 g sugar, or less to taste
• 🌿 1 small piece fresh ginger (about 15 g), optional
• 🍋 1 tablespoon lemon juice, optional
• 🌱 4 mint leaves, optional

Preparation

🧺 Sort and quickly rinse calyces in a strainer; do not soak for long.

💧 Bring 1 l water to a simmer. Add hibiscus and optional ginger, then turn off heat.

⏳ Cover and steep 10 minutes. Taste at 8 minutes; longer steeping is stronger and more tart.

🫖 Strain into a clean heatproof container and gently press the calyces.

🍯 Stir sugar into the warm infusion until dissolved; add lemon if desired.

💧 Add remaining 500 ml water to adjust strength, cool quickly and refrigerate.

❄️ Serve chilled with mint or gently warm a cup. Keep covered and refrigerated.