Foléré drink: traditional recipe, origin and ingredients

Where does Foléré drink come from?

Foléré is the Cameroonian name for hibiscus (bissap). Steeped with ginger and lemongrass, it makes a deep red, tangy, refreshing drink served ice-cold all over the country.

Other signature dishes of the Far North region: Baobab leaf sauce, Millet fufu & dried okra sauce.

What are the ingredients for Foléré drink?

For 6 people:

• Hibiscus (bissap)
• Ground ginger
• Dried lemongrass
• Sugar (buy locally)

How do you make Foléré drink? Step-by-step recipe

1. Rinse the hibiscus flowers.
2. Bring 1.5 L water to the boil, add hibiscus, ginger and lemongrass; steep 20 min off the heat.
3. Strain.
4. Sweeten to taste.
5. Serve well chilled.

Tips for a perfect Foléré drink

• Steep off the heat to keep a bright colour.
• Sweeten while the drink is still warm.
• Add fresh mint or pineapple for a twist.

What to serve with Foléré drink

Traditionally it is served with served chilled, any time. It is a dish for parties, hot days and Ramadan.

Where to buy Foléré drink ingredients in Europe and North America

Outside Cameroon, the dry and frozen ingredients for Foléré drink are often hard to find. Our kit gathers them, checked and packed in Douala, and delivers them across Europe, the UK, the US and Canada, including Paris, Brussels, London, Montreal.

Frequently asked questions