For 1 litre of mint bissap: 30 to 40 g of dried hibiscus flowers, 1 litre of water, 100 to 130 g of sugar and a big handful of fresh mint (about 15 g). Steep for 15 to 20 minutes, then chill.
Mint bissap is the fresh version of the hibiscus flower drink served in West Africa. The mint softens the tartness of the flower and scents every glass. It is easy to make at home.
Ingredients
| For 1 L | For 2 L | For 5 L | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dried hibiscus flowers | 30 to 40 g | 60 to 80 g | 150 to 200 g |
| Water | 1 L | 2 L | 5 L |
| Sugar | 100 to 130 g | 200 to 260 g | 500 to 650 g |
| Fresh mint | 1 big handful (15 g) | 2 big handfuls (30 g) | 1 big bunch (75 g) |
Time: 10 minutes of prep, 20 minutes of steeping, 2 hours in the fridge.
Method
- Rinse the flowers in cold water to remove any dust.
- Rinse the mint and keep the sprigs whole. Crush them lightly between your hands to release the aroma.
- Bring the water to a boil, add the flowers, then turn off the heat.
- Let steep for 15 to 20 minutes. Add the mint for the last 5 minutes only: it stays fresh and does not turn bitter.
- Strain through a fine sieve or a clean cloth.
- Add the sugar while it is still hot and stir well.
- Let cool, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours. Serve over ice with a sprig of mint.
Frequently asked questions
How much mint do I need per litre?
A big handful, about 15 g. Like a strong mint flavour? Go up to two handfuls.
Can I use dried mint?
Yes, but fresh mint gives a cleaner taste. With dried mint, use 1 tablespoon per litre.
How long does homemade mint bissap keep?
About 3 days in the fridge, in a closed bottle or carafe. Remove the mint sprigs before storing.
Can I use less sugar?
Yes, adjust to your taste. The sugar balances the natural tartness of the flower, so start at 100 g per litre.
Want to skip the measuring?
The Homemade Bissap Kit contains pre-measured sachets (1 sachet = 1 litre) and a pitcher that measures the water and sugar. Nothing to weigh, nothing to strain.
And if you'd rather drink right away: Olloa bissap in a 500 mL bottle, made in Québec.