Oooh La La For Ooba
Ooh who, you ask?
That’s Ooba, the new sparkling hibiscus drink by the Pleasanton-based HiBix Corp.
Yes, that’s hibiscus as in the flower that’s used in Red Zinger tea, and in Mexican-style aqua frescas. Ooba is made with all-natural hibiscus extract from hand-harvested flowers from around the world that are shipped to California. The extract is blended with water and cane sugar, then carbonated.
Company CEO John-David Enright, a pharmaceutical industry veteran, touts the fat-free beverage’s antioxidants, and high level of Vitamin C. Eight fluid ounces — half of one bottle — has 90 calories.
The flavor also is quite refreshing and enjoyable. Less tart than pomegranate juice, with a sweet, slightly tangy flavor reminiscent of raspberries and cranberries along with a subtle floral note akin to rose petals.
Ooba comes in six flavors. There are the three debut ones, which I tried and much enjoyed: Original Hibiscus, Hibiscus & Lime, and Hibiscus & Orange. There also are three new flavors: Hibiscus & Vanilla, Hibiscus & Pineapple, and Hibiscus & Blackberry. Sip them straight, or mixed into cocktails.
Ooba is available at Whole Foods markets for about $2 a bottle.
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Friday, 26. June 2009 5:51
Looks good, do you have an Information if this is in Germany available? Think the taste is very good.
Friday, 26. June 2009 8:19
Sounds like a delightful drink. If they don’t have it in Wegmans, I will to to Whole Foods to pick it up.
Friday, 26. June 2009 8:28
That drink looks fine! You’ve just reminded me that I should make Agua de Jamaica with my hibiscus flowers…
Cheers,
Rosa
Friday, 26. June 2009 8:42
I love this soda! They sell it in the natural foods section of a grocery store near me as well as at the actual health food store in my hometown. Yummy stuff – very good with some high-quality white rum.
Friday, 26. June 2009 8:59
Mmmm, sounds very refreshing. Isn’t ooba also perilla or shiso? Is that in the beverage as well I wonder…
Friday, 26. June 2009 9:27
Loved both the Lime and Orange flavors. Found them at BevMo.
Because of the health benefits, Ooba has completely replaced my Snapple addiction.
Friday, 26. June 2009 9:32
I can’t really see drinking this in the parking lot before an A’s or Raiders’ game. My test for a good summer drink is whether it “pairs” well with bratwurst or hot links. You got something in a hibiscus-flavored malt liquor?
Friday, 26. June 2009 14:20
This sounds great! Would be excellent for a “staycation”
Friday, 26. June 2009 17:40
What a special and funny name for a drink more the ingredient.. hibiscus!
Sound and looks fascinating even with the subtle similar roses flavors
Sent to twitter right now!
All the best,
Gera
Friday, 26. June 2009 19:31
A hibiscus drink with carbonation to help me let out a good ol’ burp? AMAZING!
Saturday, 27. June 2009 8:33
Sophia: It might be hard to “slurp” it, though. Hah! Sorry, couldn’t resist.
Sunday, 28. June 2009 6:13
Wow! I’ll have to swing by and grab one!
Sunday, 28. June 2009 14:17
I saw it at Andronicos in Palo Alto – very refreshing!
Monday, 29. June 2009 15:53
I’ve never been fond of hibiscus in teas – it seems to overpower the other flavors. But on its own, it sounds wonderfully refreshing and bright!