Add this Zobo Maple Syrup to Your Pancakes or Waffles
Pancakes are a go-to choice for a weekend breakfast. When you top it with a sweet gooey fruit reduction, it automatically makes you look like a seasoned cook, especially if you have kids or guests to wow. The Zobo Maple syrup has a similar effect, yet just as easy, if not easier.
Ingredients
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🌺 The World Loves Zobo
Zobo is a popular West African drink also named after the plant that is used to create a rich red drink. Zobo in English means hibiscus and in different parts of the world, it has many names. In Jamaica and parts of the Caribbean, it is called sorrel. Other common names around the world are sobolo (Ghana), karkada (Egypt), rosella (Thailand), and bissap (Senegal). As you can see, the drink is well-loved in hot climates.
The process of enjoying zobo starts with dried zobo leaves, then an extensive soaking process to infuse other ingredients like ginger, pineapple, and even bitters.
Commonly in the United States, hibiscus is enjoyed hot as tea from a teabag. Not many people see the full hibiscus leaf unless they are tea enthusiasts and tend to buy loose teas. I highly encourage you to try buying hibiscus leaves and try to incorporate the leaves in more than just drinks.
🥞 Why Syrup?
For this question, my response is "Why Not?!" This idea stems from my first zobo recipe earlier in my blog days. I wanted something that would be thick and syrupy that would mimic the elderberry drink that I would buy at Ikea. The use of actual maple syrup helps balance the sweetness and tartness that you would expect with some fresh pancakes.
Though this recipe does not include instructions on how to make pancakes, I encourage you to try out Pamela's Product Baking and Pancake Mix (no affiliate link).

🥡 Storing
It is best to enjoy this zobo syrup immediately. I've made the servings size to be enough to serve 3 people.
💭 Tips
- No need to steep your hibiscus leaves for hours, 15 minutes is all you need
- The more leaves, the more concentrated your syrup will be
- Don't skip the sugar, it helps thicken the mixture
- The leaves are edible! Add it to your pancakes for a visual appeal
More Zobo Recipes

π Zobo Maple Syrup
Fast and easy zobo maple syrup that will be sure to take a simple pancake dish to the next level
Ingredients
- 3 tbs of zobo leaves
- 4 oz of hot water
- 4 oz of maple syrup
- 1 tsp of white sugar
Instructions
- Soak zobo leaves in hot water and let soak for 15 minutes
- In a medium saucepan, bring the infused zobo to a boil over medium-high heat
- Stir in sugar until dissolved
- Pour in your maple syrup stir for about 1 minute
- Let cool, then serve
Did you plan on making this zobo maple syrup? Leave a comment below!
Oh this is amazing! Will definitely try it out