Refreshing Homemade Sorrel Drink Recipe

Ingredients

  • 2 cups dried sorrel
  • 8 cups water
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 6 whole cloves
  • 1 inch piece fresh ginger, grated
  • 1.5 cups white sugar
  • 1 cup dark rum (optional)
  • 1/2 cup orange juice
  • Ice cubes for serving

Steps and instructions

  1. Rinse the dried sorrel thoroughly under cold water.
  2. In a large pot, bring the water to a boil.
  3. Add the sorrel, cinnamon stick, cloves, and grated ginger to the boiling water.
  4. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 30 minutes.
  5. Remove the pot from the heat and let it cool down. Then, strain the juice into a large bowl or pitcher, discarding the sorrel and spices.
  6. Add the sugar to the sorrel juice and stir until it is completely dissolved.
  7. If desired, stir in the rum and orange juice for an alcoholic version.
  8. Chill the sorrel drink in the refrigerator until it is cold, at least 2 hours.
  9. Serve the sorrel drink over ice cubes.

Tools for making

  • Large pot - Needed to boil and simmer the sorrel drink.
  • Strainer - Used to strain the sorrel juice after simmering.
  • Bowl or pitcher - Used to collect and store the strained sorrel juice.
  • Grater - Needed to grate the fresh ginger.
  • Measuring cups - Used to measure the ingredients accurately.
  • Spoon or whisk - Used to stir the sugar into the sorrel juice.
  • Refrigerator - Required to chill the sorrel drink before serving.
  • Ice cube tray - Needed to make ice cubes for serving.

Recipe variations

  • Add a splash of lime juice to the sorrel drink for a tangy twist.
  • Replace white sugar with honey or agave syrup for a healthier alternative.
  • Experiment with different spices like nutmeg, allspice, or star anise for added flavor.
  • Add slices of fresh citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, or limes to infuse the drink with their natural flavors.
  • For a festive touch, garnish each glass with a sprig of fresh mint or a cinnamon stick.
  • Make it a fizzy sorrel drink by adding sparkling water or soda water.
  • Instead of rum, try adding vodka or tequila to make a sorrel cocktail.
  • For a non-alcoholic version, omit the rum and serve the sorrel drink as is or substitute it with cranberry juice.
  • Include a pinch of grated nutmeg on top of each serving for an extra aromatic twist.

Recipe overview

Sorrel Drink is a traditional Caribbean beverage that is especially popular during the holiday season. Made from dried sorrel (also known as hibiscus), this tart and tangy drink is spiced with ginger, cloves, and cinnamon, creating a refreshing and flavorful concoction. You can customize this recipe based on your preference - add rum for a spirited version or keep it non-alcoholic. Either way, it’s a delicious and unique drink that is sure to impress. Expect a delightful balance of sweet and tart, with a hint of spice. Serve it chilled over ice for the perfect refreshing beverage!

Common questions

  1. Can I use fresh sorrel instead of dried sorrel? No, this recipe requires dried sorrel. Using fresh sorrel will result in a different flavor and may not produce the desired taste.
  2. Can I substitute brown sugar for white sugar? Yes, you can substitute brown sugar for white sugar if you prefer a slightly deeper flavor. Keep in mind that it may slightly alter the color of the final drink.
  3. Can I make this drink without alcohol? Absolutely! The rum is optional and you can enjoy a non-alcoholic version of sorrel drink by omitting it from the recipe.
  4. How long can I store the sorrel drink? The sorrel drink can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Just make sure to keep it covered to maintain its freshness.
  5. Can I add other spices or flavors to the recipe? Certainly! While this recipe includes traditional spices like cinnamon and cloves, feel free to experiment with other flavors like nutmeg or allspice to customize the drink to your taste.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Large pot - Used for boiling the sorrel and other ingredients.
  • Strainer - Needed to strain the sorrel juice and remove the solids.
  • Bowl or pitcher - Ideal for collecting and storing the strained sorrel juice.
  • Stirring spoon - Used to dissolve the sugar and mix the ingredients.
  • Refrigerator - Required for chilling the sorrel drink until it is cold.
  • Ice cube tray - Used to make ice cubes for serving the sorrel drink.
  • Glasses or cups - Needed for serving the chilled sorrel drink.

Origin stories

Sorrel drink is a festive beverage in the Caribbean, and it's traditionally consumed during the Christmas and New Year’s holiday season. The drink has its roots in West Africa and was brought to the Caribbean by Africans during the transatlantic slave trade. Interestingly, the plant from which the drink is made, also known as sorrel, has different names in different countries. In some Caribbean countries, it's called 'Roselle,' while in West Africa, it's known as 'Bissap.' The plant is a variety of Hibiscus and is known for its bright red color and tangy flavor. The production of the drink involves boiling the dried flowers of the plant and often infusing it with spices like ginger, cloves, or cinnamon. The result is a ruby-red, tangy, and refreshing beverage that's also packed with health benefits.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.