I always thought zobo was bland. Like, how do people enjoy the burning sensation that courses through their digestive systems with just one sip?

But then, I discovered these options. And let’s just say, I’m onboard the zobo train now. Try these and thank me later.

1. Zobo with pineapple and ginger

Image source: K’s cuisine

Most people already add ginger to their zobo — hence, the burning sensation — but you need something to balance out the sharpness, and pineapple works great.

Recipe:

• Wash a cup of zobo leaves in warm water, and put into a pot of two litres of water.
• Add a tablespoon of grated ginger and a cup of pineapple concentrate (or whole pineapple peels). Allow this to boil for about 25 minutes.
• Add some sugar (depending on how sweet you want it), stir well and allow the mixture to simmer for a few minutes.
• Drain with a fine-mesh strainer into another container to get rid of any particles, and allow it to cool before refrigerating.
• Garnish with citrus fruits to serve, for extra pizzazz, and enjoy.

Find the detailed recipe here.

2. Mixed-fruit Zobo

Image source: Zubaydaisah

Why have one fruit when you can have multiple? TBH, mixed-fruit zobo is giving Chapman, but I don’t hate it.

Recipe:

• Make the zobo drink with the recipe above but with less pineapple and sugar to make room for the other fruits.
• Blend half of a medium watermelon, blend a mango to make a smooth pulp and juice two oranges. 
• Sieve the watermelon and mango pulp to remove the particles.
• Add all three to your zobo drink and refrigerate (Warm zobo tastes like tears).
• For the complete Chapman look, add the cut-up pieces of fruit when you serve the zobo.

ALSO READ: Wait, Who Invented Chapman?

3. Zobo Margarita

Image source: Periperi chef

Something for the raging alcoholics too, of course. 

Recipe:

• Make your zobo drink. Cold, of course.
• Rim a cocktail glass with salt and place in the fridge to chill.
• Put ice in a cocktail shaker with half a cup of zobo, a shot of tequila and two tablespoons of lemon juice. Shake vigorously for a couple of minutes.
• Pour into the chilled salt-rimmed glass, and serve immediately.

Find the detailed recipe here.

4. Zobo and watermelon smoothie

Image source: Lil’ Luna 

For when a plain watermelon smoothie just won’t cut it.

Recipe:

• Cut a small watermelon into cubes, and throw in a blender with half a cup of milk or yoghurt and two tablespoons of lemon juice. Blend together with half a cup of ice until smooth.
• Pour into half a cup of cold zobo (preferably sweetened with pineapple), mix well and serve. 

ALSO READ: Weird Homemade Cocktails Zikoko Writers Are Making

5. Zobo and unsweetened yoghurt

Image source: Funke Koleosho

This zobo and yoghurt dessert is technically a drink. Don’t you drink some types of yoghurt? I don’t make the rules.

Recipe:

• Mix some unsweetened yoghurt in a bowl and add some condensed milk to sweeten it.
• Transfer the mixture into a dessert cup and place in a fridge so the yoghurt can set.
• Dissolve some gelatin in hot water. The quantity of gelatin depends on how much zobo syrup you have, but one or two tablespoons should suffice. 
• When completely dissolved, stir in the zobo syrup and allow it to cool.
• Pour the mixture over the yoghurt you prepared earlier, and garnish with any fruit of your choice.

Find the detailed recipe here.

6. Zobo lemonade

Image source: 9ja foodie

This is the lemon version of the pineapple recipe.

Recipe:

• Prepare your zobo drink without pineapple concentrate.
• In a separate pot, add sugar and a cup of water. Boil and stir to dissolve the sugar.
• Cool the sugar mixture in the fridge, then mix in a cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice, and you have your lemonade.
• Next, mix the lemonade with the zobo, refrigerate and serve chilled.

7. Zobo, banana and dates smoothie

Image source: Funke Koleosho

If you can’t tell I love smoothies at this point, I don’t know what to say. But you’ll love this one.

Recipe:

• Prepare your zobo drink.
• Soak half a cup of dates in water for an hour to soften it.
• Dice two or three frozen bananas into a blender. Add the dates and half a cup of milk or yoghurt. Blend until smooth.
• Pour the blended mixture into a bowl, and mix in the zobo drink.
• Serve and enjoy.

NEXT READ: These Are 7 Simple Cocktails You Can Make With Ingredients in Your Kitchen