Sorrel Drink

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Author: Imma Published:8/20/2015Updated:5/20/2021

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

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.

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.

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

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.