Oooh La La For Ooba

A thirst-quencher flavored with lovely hibiscus flowers.

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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14 comments

  • Looks good, do you have an Information if this is in Germany available? Think the taste is very good. 🙂

  • Sounds like a delightful drink. If they don’t have it in Wegmans, I will to to Whole Foods to pick it up.

  • That drink looks fine! You’ve just reminded me that I should make Agua de Jamaica with my hibiscus flowers…

    Cheers,

    Rosa

  • 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.

  • Mmmm, sounds very refreshing. Isn’t ooba also perilla or shiso? Is that in the beverage as well I wonder…

  • Loved both the Lime and Orange flavors. Found them at BevMo.

    Because of the health benefits, Ooba has completely replaced my Snapple addiction.

  • 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?

  • This sounds great! Would be excellent for a “staycation” 🙂

  • 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

  • A hibiscus drink with carbonation to help me let out a good ol’ burp? AMAZING!

  • Sophia: It might be hard to “slurp” it, though. Hah! Sorry, couldn’t resist. 😉

  • Wow! I’ll have to swing by and grab one!

  • I saw it at Andronicos in Palo Alto – very refreshing!

  • 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!

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