Sorrel Drink

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As the holiday season rolls around, there’s one delightful Jamaican tradition that makes spirits bright and taste buds dance – the ever-popular Sorrel Drink.

This Jamaican sorrel drink recipe is a vibrant and aromatic beverage that is floral, yet warm and perfectly spiced. Let’s make it!

Sorrel Drink is a festive beverage served all over the Caribbean. Thanks to its ruby-red color it’s ideal for serving during the holidays. The unique flavor combination of sorrel and seasonal spices is warming to the soul, and sorrel Jamaican drink is sure to become a new favorite tradition.

What is Sorrel Drink?

Sorrel is the Jamaican name for a type of hibiscus flower known as the Roselle. The flower imparts a refreshingly tart and slightly fruity note, giving the drink its distinctive character. It’s like a burst of Caribbean sunshine in every sip! Fresh ginger root brings a zingy, peppery kick, while the gentle earthy warmth of cloves adds a touch of aromatic intensity.

Made without alcohol, Sorrel drink is perfect for the whole family – kids included! If you need something just for grown-ups, my Sorrel Punch has the same base flavor of hibiscus, ginger, and cloves with the added kick of white Jamaican rum!

And, don’t limit yourself to the holidays. The red color of this sorrel drink recipe is perfect for Christmas, but it’s delightful all year round!

Why Make This Sorrel Drink Recipe

• It’s a Caribbean tradition. Embrace the spirit of Jamaica’s holiday season by preparing a beverage that’s deeply ingrained in its cultural celebrations.
• It has a unique flavor. The fusion of tanginess from dried sorrel petals, the warmth of ginger, and the aromatic touch of cloves give this drink a symphony of flavors like no other.
• It can be enjoyed year-round. Whether you’re enjoying a sunny summer day or cozying up by the fireplace during the holidays, Sorrel Drink is versatile enough to be enjoyed throughout the year.

Related Link: Jamaican Rum Punch.

Ingredient Notes

• Dried Sorrel – Sorrel (dried hibiscus) gives the drink its vibrant color and tangy flavor. You can find sorrel in African, Caribbean, and sometimes, Asian markets. If all else fails you can order some from an online retailer. The dried flowers last for quite a while when stored in an airtight Mason Jar.
• Ginger – Freshly grated ginger adds a spicy warmth and depth to the drink. If you don’t have fresh ginger, you can use ground ginger, though the flavor may differ slightly.
• Allspice Berries – Allspice contributes a unique blend of flavors reminiscent of cloves, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
• Cloves – Cloves provide an aromatic and slightly sweet note.
• Orange Peel – Orange peel adds a hint of citrusy brightness to balance the tartness of the sorrel.
• Simple Sugar Syrup or Maple Syrup to Sweeten: Without sweetener, the Sorrel drink is quite tart. Add simple syrup or maple syrup to sweeten the drink to taste. Find our simple syrup recipe below.

How To Make Sorrel Drink

Get complete ingredients list and instructions from the recipe card further below.

1. Boil water in a saucepan.
2. Add in sorrel, ginger, berries, cloves, and orange peel.
3. Let the mixture steep for about an hour in the pan.
4. Meanwhile, make the simple syrup (follow my easy recipe below) and set aside.
5. Strain sorrel juice into a pitcher and sweeten it to taste with simple syrup or maple syrup.
6. Serve over ice and garnish with orange and lime wedges.

How To Make Simple Sugar Syrup

Making your own simple syrup is quite easy.

1. Add 1 cup of sugar and 1 cup of water to a saucepan, and cook on low heat, stirring until the sugar is dissolved.
2. As soon as the sugar is dissolved, remove the syrup from the heat and let it cool.

Note: For a thicker syrup, you can use a 2:1 ratio. Add 2 cups sugar and 1 cup of water to a saucepan, and cook until sugar is dissolved. If you do make a thicker syrup like this, note that you will need to use less of it in your drink. Store the leftover syrup in the fridge.

Sorrel Drink Expert Tips

• This recipe uses dried sorrel. If using fresh hibiscus, the drink will be a lighter red.
• For a deeper red color, add a few more tablespoons of sorrel.
• Before using the dried sorrel petals, give them a quick rinse to remove any dust or debris.
• Be mindful of the steeping time for the spices. Over-steeping could result in a drink that’s overly spiced and bitter. Stick to the recommended time in the recipe.
• Strain the mixture thoroughly after simmering to remove all the solids. This ensures a smooth and enjoyable texture.
• Allow the strained sorrel mixture to cool to room temperature before refrigerating.
• Sorrel Drink is traditionally served cold over ice. This helps balance the tartness and enhances the overall enjoyment.
• Consider garnishing your glasses with fresh orange slices or a sprinkle of ground cinnamon for an extra festive touch.
• When entertaining a crowd, simply double (or even triple) this recipe.
• Prep the sorrel recipe ahead of time and just store in the fridge until needed.
• Use a sharp knife to cut off the peel from an orange if you need to.

Delicious Variations on Sorrel Jamaican Drink

• Make it into a grown-up punch. Add a grown-up twist by incorporating spiced rum or white rum into your Sorrel Drink. This version is perfect for adult holiday gatherings. Just remember to enjoy responsibly!
• Add citrus notes. Enhance the citrusy notes by adding a splash of fresh lime or lemon juice along with the orange peel. This adds an extra layer of brightness to the drink.
• Add a fresh mintiness. Add a handful of fresh mint leaves to the mixture during the steeping process. The mint complements the tartness of the sorrel and adds a refreshing herbal touch.
• Give it a vanilla twist. For a touch of warmth and sweetness, consider adding a vanilla bean or a splash of pure vanilla extract to the mixture. Vanilla complements the other flavors beautifully.

Related Link: Non-Alcoholic Sangria

Prep And Storage

• Prep – Make the drink in advance so it has time to steep and cool before serving.
• Storage – Refrigerate in an airtight container and store for up to one week.
• Freezing – Freezing is not recommended.

FAQs

Similar Recipes

• Jamaican Steamed Cabbage
• Jamaican Rum Punch
• Jamaican Sorrel Moscow Mule
• Jamaican Rice And Peas Recipe.
• Instant Pot Jamaican Cornmeal Porridge
• Jamaican Curried Goat
• Jamaican Carrot Soup
• Jamaican Mackerel Run Down.

Serve Sorrel Drink with:

• Instant Pot Whole Chicken
• Instant Pot Pumpkin and Plantain Curry
• Jamaican Curried Goat
• Air Fryer Pork Chops

Recommended Tools

• A great set of saucepans to make cooking a breeze.
• These high-quality spices will add the very best flavor.
• For the best tools to help make your recipe even easier and more successful, check out my collection of the Best Kitchen Tools on Amazon.

Weight Watchers Points

There is 1 Blue Plan SmartPoint in a serving of this beverage.

Thank you for reading my Sorrel Drink recipe post. And please come visit again as I continue to slice, dice and dream up affordable Air Fryer recipes, Instant Pot recipes, African recipes, and more. Thanks for supporting Recipes from a Pantry, food blog.

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