Sorrel Drink
This quick sorrel drink is bright ruby-red, tangy, gently spiced, and refreshing. Hibiscus brings a fruity tartness, while ginger, cinnamon, and cloves add warmth and depth, making it delicious served ice-cold.
Ingredients
Sorrel infusion
- 20 gdried hibiscus petals
- 20 gfresh ginger, thinly sliced
- 1 small (about 4 g)cinnamon stick
- 4whole cloves
- 700 mlwater
- 60 gsugar
To serve
- 120 gice cubes
- 2 sliceslime slices
Instructions
- 1
Prepare the ingredients: thinly slice the ginger, measure the hibiscus, spices, water, and sugar. If serving cold right away, place the glasses in the freezer for a few minutes so the drink stays colder longer.
- 2
In a small saucepan, bring the water to a full boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, add the dried hibiscus petals, ginger, cinnamon stick, and cloves. Stir once, then reduce to a gentle simmer for 5 minutes; the liquid should turn a deep ruby red and smell fragrant.
- 3
Turn off the heat, add the sugar, and stir until fully dissolved. Let the infusion stand for 5 minutes so the spices round out the flavor without becoming harsh.
- 4
Strain the drink into a jug or directly into a heatproof measuring jug, pressing lightly on the solids to extract flavor but not so hard that bitterness is released. Taste; if you prefer it sweeter, dissolve a little extra sugar while still warm.
- 5
Serve over ice in 2 glasses and garnish each with a lime slice. For the brightest flavor, serve immediately, or chill longer in the refrigerator if you have extra time.
Nutrition per serving
Notes
- •Traditional sorrel is often steeped much longer, but this quick version is designed to fit a 15-minute schedule while still giving strong color and flavor.
- •For a sharper drink, add a small squeeze of fresh lime juice just before serving.
- •If you want a less sweet drink, reduce the sugar to 40 g total.
- •The drink keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Background
Sorrel drink is a beloved Caribbean holiday beverage, especially popular in Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, and across the wider region. It is made from hibiscus calyces infused with spices, creating a vivid, festive drink often served chilled at Christmas and family gatherings. Variations may include citrus peel, pimento, or even rum.
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