By Clement Henshaw
November 8, 2024
Prep Time: | Mix Time: | Serves: | Level: |
10 Minutes | 3 Minutes | 5 Servings | Beginner |
It’s wedding season! That time of the year when two plus two become one and wishes come true.
You’re probably thinking, “How can I impress my guests without breaking the bank or what’s left of it after paying for the wedding dress?". Well, worry no more. I’ve got just the thing for you!
This week, we present a unique cocktail with Gordon’s London dry gin, a drink that is sure to save up on your honeymoon fund and is guaranteed to make your best man’s speech all the more memorable. Even Harry Potter will be in awe of this potion!
Introducing: Crimson Craving, The Best Zobo Cocktail Recipe
Indulge in the Crimson Craving, a tantalizing cocktail that blends the vibrant flavors of hibiscus with the classic elegance of a martini. Just like Beni's Inferno, this refreshing concoction has a beautiful bold-red color and is a perfect balance of sweet, tart, and botanical notes, making it a must-try for cocktail enthusiasts.
The star of the show is the zobo, a rich and fragrant hibiscus extract that imparts a beautiful crimson hue and a touch of floral sweetness.
The zobo is combined with the smooth juniper notes of gin and the dry, herbaceous flavors of vermouth, to create a harmonious and complex taste profile.
A splash of freshly squeezed lime adds a bright acidity that cuts through the sweetness, while the ice ensures a chilled and refreshing finish.
I thought it was just zobo, but this was such a pleasant surprise. - Apple Ben
Ingredients for Making Crimson Craving
To create this unique zobo cocktail, you will need the following;
2 cups of zobo
4 cups of dry gin
1/2 cup of freshly squeezed lime
1/2 cup of vermouth
1/2 cup of lemon-lime soda
5 lime wedges or hibiscus flower for garnish
How to Prepare Crimson Craving
Step 1
Pour it all
Fill a shaker with ice
Pour in the gin, zobo, and vermouth over the ice
Add the freshly squeezed lime juice and a splash of lemon-lime soda and allow the mixture to sit for a two minutes
Step 2
Shake
Shake the mixture thoroughly for about 2-3 minutes to combine.
Pour into your cocktail glasses and serve.
You can adjust the measurement to the number of servings you want.
And just like that, I have revealed the best zobo cocktail recipe to ever exist. But don't take my word for it, read what Victor has to say after having a taste of Crimson Craving.
Take two glasses of Crimson Craving before hitting the dancefloor, you would feel like someone else. - Victor Moses
Northern Nigerian Foods You Can Pair With Crimson Cravings
Grilled Meats
Kilishi: The smoky, spicy flavors of kilishi—a Northern Nigerian spiced dried beef—pair beautifully with the tartness and fruity notes of Crimson Cravings. The cocktail’s tangy refreshment balances the bold, intense flavors of the meat, creating an exciting contrast.
Balangu: The natural, grilled flavors of balangu (beef or lamb) work in harmony with the zobo cocktail’s sweet and sour profile. Its simplicity allows the vibrant cocktail to shine, while the meat provides a savory, satisfying counterpart.
Rice-Based Dishes
Masa: These soft, slightly sweet rice cakes complement the refreshing tartness of Crimson Cravings. The subtle sweetness of masa provides a gentle contrast to the bold, fruity cocktail, creating a balanced pairing.
Tuwo Shinkafa with Miyan Taushe: The creamy, mildly spiced miyan taushe (pumpkin soup) pairs wonderfully with the zobo cocktail. The richness of the soup, combined with the neutral base of tuwo shinkafa (rice flour swallow), balances the cocktail’s sharp, tangy flavors.
Savory Snacks
Dan Wake: These savory bean flour dumplings, often served with a peppery sauce, pair well with the fruity and tangy Crimson Cravings. The dumplings' hearty texture contrasts with the light, crisp cocktail, while the drink cuts through the richness of the dish.
Fermented and Creamy Dishes
Chicken Suya: The spicy, smoky flavor of chicken suya, marinated in a rich blend of spices and grilled to perfection, pairs beautifully with Crimson Cravings. The cocktail’s tangy, slightly sweet notes from the zobo help balance the heat of the suya, cooling the palate between bites. The zobo’s fruity undertones enhance the grilled flavor of the chicken, while its acidity cuts through the richness of the peanut and spice mixture, creating a vibrant and refreshing contrast that complements the boldness of the dish.
What Do You Crave?
Anyone turning up for a wedding is hoping to satisfy a craving or the other, mostly food. But you can reduce the line and fights over food by making your guests want a taste of crimson craving. Who knows? Your husband’s ex might forget the evil she came for!
It’s bound to spice up a dancehall and will definitely make your wedding a topic on Instagram and twitter for all the right reasons! Just make sure your makeup is top notch.
FAQs
What is the English name for zobo?
The English name for zobo is Hibiscus juice/water. It's English name is the Nature of Roselle leaf.
What does zobo do to the body?
Zobo drink has an enjoyable taste and the health benefits is said to range from managing high blood pressure, lowering body cholesterol levels, defending the liver to relieving menstrual cramps and acting as an antidepressant
Can a diabetic patient drink zobo?
It is believed that zobo can act on the cardiovascular system positively in a diabetic condition, including protecting the liver from injury, hence it is a promising and healthy food for diabetics.
What is the best sweetener For zobo drink?
Zobo can be sweetened with honey, maple syrup, sugar cane, or fruit juice extracted from orange, pineapple, apple, or strawberry.
Can I re-use zobo leaves?
Zobo leaves when boiled can be reused until the characteristic red color totally diminishes.
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