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Sorrel Drink

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Sorrel Drink – A  spiced up floral drink, that will keep you going from now till the holiday season. Refreshingly good!

Sorrel Drink

Just look at this drink… an early Christmas present from me to you, in August, when summer is winding down. One you are sooooo going to appreciate this time of the year. And gradually fall in love with, and then be “jolly happy” with, during this holiday season.

I wanted to wait until the holidays to post this, and then I kept going back to it over and over again. I just decided to bite the bullet and go for it.

Sorrel Juice

What is Sorrel Drink?

Although sorrel is mostly enjoyed during the holidays, I think this is the perfect time to get acquainted with this drink.

Sorrel Drink is dark red, a little sour, with a raspberry-like flavor; made from the petals of sorrel plant (flor de Jamaica)” or hibiscus plant flower as popularly known in West Africa.

In Nigeria, it’s referred to as Zobo drink, in Jamaica and throughout the Caribbean Island it’s known as Sorrel Drink. You can get the tea version in your grocery store, labeled hibiscus tea.

What are the Benefits of Drinking Sorrel?

It’s a fairly nutritional drink, rich in Vitamin A&C, magnesium, calcium, and potassium- however, that’s not its selling point. The Benefits may lure you in, but the taste will keep you coming back for more.

Recipe Ingredients

Now that you know all the benefits you can get from this sorrel drink, it’s time you make your own. Don’t worry, all the ingredients are really easy to find. You may also  use alternative ingredients if you can’t find some ingredients in your area. All you need for this recipe are:

  • Water – I suggest using warm water for this recipe. The goal is to extract as much flavors from all the other ingredients as possible. Too hot and some of the ingredients might react negatively.
  • Ginger – Has a pungent and spicy taste with a little sweetness. It adds a whole layer of flavor when added to garlic and onion. 
  • Dried Red Sorrel Buds – The main ingredient for our drink. it comes from the flor de jamaica. It has a herbal and floral taste.
  • Cracked Pimentos – This heart -shaped pepper doesn’t really give off much heat. however, it surely packs a good amount for freshness.
  • Chopped Lime – The citrusy taste balances the sweetness or saltiness of any dish or beverage.
  • Cinnamon Stick – Has a sweet and woody flavor, interestingly can make any dessert flavorful and scrumptious.
  • Orange Slices – Its mild and sweet fruity flavor makes it a great addition for many dishes and drinks
  • Rum to taste – use this ingredient moderately to fit your preference.

Sorrel Buds

It ‘s, tart, citrusy, spicy and sweet. And may I add it ‘s good and refreshing or should I say refreshingly good. 

These petals are becoming increasingly available that I can easily get them at most major and whole food markets, depending on the neighborhood store. My bet is most International Markets do carry them- African, Caribbean, Hispanic and some Asian markets

The Dried version is just as good as the fresh ones. No worries! For mortals like us, it works fine. This is just a guide. You may add more or less flavoring, water to suit your needs, make it work for you, there is no formula for it.

 During the holidays it is a must to throw in some rum to make it a true festive Caribbean Drink.

 Enjoy!

 

 

Watch How to Make It

 

 

 

Print

Sorrel Juice

Sorrel Drink - a  spiced up floral drink, that will keep you going from now till the holiday season. Refreshingly good!
4.89 from 9 votes
Prep: 10 mins
Cook: 10 mins
Total: 20 mins
Caribbean
Servings 5 -6

Ingredients

  • 10 cups water or more adjust to taste
  • ¼ cup chopped ginger
  • 2 cups dried red sorrel buds
  • 8-10 cracked pimentos
  • 1 lime chopped
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • Oranges sliced optional
  • Rum to taste optional

Simple syrup (sub with honey or sweetener)

  • 2 cups water
  • 1 cup sugar

Instructions

  • In a medium bowl bring to a boil 2 cups water and sugar. Simmer until sugar has dissolved. Allow cooling
  • Place sorrel in a large bowl, together with ginger, lime, pimentos (all spice and cinnamon stick. Heat up water in a kettle, pot or microwave, until it boils.
  • Gently pour boiled water to the bowl of Let steep about 45 minutes or more. You may refrigerate overnight in the fridge for a more potent flavor.
  • When ready to serve sieve ingredients, with fine sieve and discard all particles. Reserve drink
  • Add simple syrup as needed, together with rum according to preference and orange slices.
  • Serve with ice.

Tips & Notes:

  1. These petals are becoming increasing available that I can easily get them at most major and whole food markets, depending on the neighborhood store. My bet is most International Markets do carry them- African, Caribbean, Hispanic and some Asian markets. The Dried version is just as good as the fresh ones. 
  2. This is a just a guide, you may add more or less flavoring, water to suit your needs, make it work for you , there is no formula for it.

Nutrition Information:

Calories: 122kcal (6%)| Carbohydrates: 29g (10%)| Sodium: 34mg (1%)| Potassium: 42mg (1%)| Fiber: 1g (4%)| Sugar: 26g (29%)| Vitamin A: 325IU (7%)| Vitamin C: 22.9mg (28%)| Calcium: 29mg (3%)| Iron: 8.3mg (46%)
Author: Immaculate Bites
Course: Drink
Cuisine: Caribbean
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Nutrition Facts
Sorrel Juice
Amount Per Serving
Calories 122
% Daily Value*
Sodium 34mg1%
Potassium 42mg1%
Carbohydrates 29g10%
Fiber 1g4%
Sugar 26g29%
Vitamin A 325IU7%
Vitamin C 22.9mg28%
Calcium 29mg3%
Iron 8.3mg46%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

 

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Comments & Reviews

  2. Chelsi Flo says

    Great recipe! I usually add some bay leaf, cloves, cinnamon sticks, lots of fresh ginger, and lime skin.. not the actual lime. Today I added red wine and it was perfect!

    Reply

  4. Sheila A Davies says

    Thank you for all the info! Never understood the enjoyment of sorrel drink as a kid growing up in Jamaica. Tasted like cough syrup to me! Now I know it all depends on your choice of spices I have a batch steeping right now (using fresh sorrel given by a Jamaican friend). Can’t wait to taste your recipe (with and without the addition of Rum!)

    Reply

  5. Caren Sang says

    Is it true that when the drink is left covered with towel in dark cool place for more 3 days or more it starts to ferment?

    Reply

  6. Colette says

    Oh thank you for the recipe! I have loved this drink from the Carribean islands. I went to New York and my best friend gave me bags of sorrel but no real directions to make it. So your recipe is a life saver. Plus I bought hibiscus tea in Jamaica and never realized it was the same ingredient. So thank you for the knowledge as well. I have learned a lot from you.

    Reply

  8. Patra says

    Your recipes keep my kitchen lively and this sorrel is no exception, I’m making this for a graduation celebration-sorrel is year round for me!
    Thank you for being such an excellent resource of information Imma.

    Reply

  9. Angela says

    I live in Panamá central América and our season to have fresh sorrel is end of November, to January we do boil it, but this year I will try soaking it overnight. Blessings.

    Reply

  10. Daniel says

    your article is very good. I can’t wait to try it with my family. Thank you for sharing ideas with me. I’m waiting for your next article.

    Reply

  11. Lester White says

    I just started growing “Sorrel” this year. Hibiscus sabdariffa ‘Roselle’ (or Roselle) is what to look for if you want to grow it. I am sold-out for the year, except seeds. I will grow much more next year.
    Feel free to contact me. [email protected]

    Reply

  12. Tanyah says

    I make Sorrel a drink that is in my refrigerator all year around. Never included lime but I will try it . Rich in vitamin C the potence in sorrel is very deficical.the older it gets the better it taste.

    Reply

  13. Toni says

    Hello Imma,
    My 83 year old uncle recently turned me onto Sorrel juice. He soaks the sorrel pedals in water over night, drains, and just adds sweetener. I love the color & the taste. It is so refreshing. Since then, I’ve seen many recipes on-line calling to boil the sorrel pedals. Does boiling make that much of a difference? Does it make the juice more potent?

    Reply

    • ImmaculateBites says

      It really doesn’t if you soak it over night. Thanks for the time to share your thoughts with us.

      Reply

  14. April says

    Thank you so much for this recipe. My regular Jamaican spot only sells sorrel drink at Christmas, and last year, they didn’t even do it! But just today, my butcher must have come into a shipment of bags of sorrel blossoms because he was having a crazy sale, and now, I can make my own! Best case!

    Reply

  15. Christie says

    I absolutely LOVE Sorrel. I had it when in Jamaica, but failed to ask what it was, as a result I didn’t think I would ever drink it again. Low and behold a few years later a friend had a BBQ gathering at her home & served Sorrel. We now have it a few times a year. The only place we have ever found the hibiscus flower is at Mexican Markets.

    Reply

    • ImmaculateBites says

      Isn’t it such a refreshing drink? Absolutely! Readily available at most Hispanic markets. Thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts with Christie. Happy Sunday

      Reply

  16. Donna says

    Hi guys,
    I am a bit worried!
    As much as I love sorrel, lately I’ve had doubts about the drink.
    Reason is because, when a little bit of (ready made) sorrel is added to a bit of water, it turns darkish, like it contains dye. This never happened in the past, cause I grew up drinking sorrel in Dominica.
    Maybe am just paranoid, because lately Chinese are injecting foods, and adding dangerous stuff to some of the foods we eat, which is a big cause for concern.
    My question is: Do you all think they may be adding dye to the sorrel as well?
    With fake eggs, plastic rice, white gluey substance is shrimps, injecting fish, fake beef, fake lettuce, fake milo etc, can anyone blame me for asking?
    Please help!

    Reply

    • Heather says

      Don’t be afraid Donna. Buy it at an Hispanic market. There it is called Jamaica. So, so delicious. My aunt suggested it to me for a friend’s hypertension and allergies. Sorrel tea was so good, we drink it now just for the taste. We can’t get enough.

      Reply

    • Jessica says

      I haven’t heard of this however your on point with your post I will definitely investigate I’m west Indian this recipe is on point

      Reply

      • Naja says

        My family is from Tobago.. ..of Trinidad and Tobago. I drink it my whole life dad made it all the time. I thought everyone drunk it when I was little. But I thank my dad for all the healthy drinks and food he has bestowed upon me. I thought it was a Tobago thing, didn’t know Jamaicans drink it also.

        Reply

  18. Elizabeth says

    I love the colour! I drink a lot of hibiscus tea, but never knew it was sorrel. When I saw this post I was actually wondering what exactly sorrel was. Hibiscus teas was very popular when we were traveling through Turkey.

    Reply

  20. Maggie says

    I never tried Sorrel petals but I think I had something similar. I like the refreshing flavor in this drink and of course its color! Will check it out next time at WHoleFoods 🙂

    Reply

  21. LydiaF says

    This is my favorite summer drink. I buy the bags in the Latin section of the grocery store. I haven’t found it in bags here in Spain, but the dried flowers are available. I’m going to try it with your suggested seasonings 🙂

    Reply