If you’re looking for a refreshingly bold and tangy beverage, this Sorrel Drink Recipe is exactly what you need! A Caribbean favorite, sorrel is made from dried hibiscus petals, steeped with warming spices like ginger and cloves, then sweetened to perfection. This vibrant, ruby-red drink is not only delicious but also packed with antioxidants and health benefits. Whether you serve it chilled over ice or warmed like a cozy tea, sorrel is an absolute treat. Trust me, you’re going to love this one!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bold & Refreshing Flavor: The perfect balance of tart, sweet, and spiced goodness.
- Packed with Health Benefits: Rich in vitamin C, antioxidants, and known for its immune-boosting properties.
- Versatile: Enjoy it cold as a refreshing summer drink or warm as a soothing tea.
- Festive & Traditional: A Caribbean holiday staple, but perfect for any time of year!
Ingredients
Gather these simple yet flavorful ingredients:
- Dried Sorrel (Hibiscus Petals) – The key ingredient that gives the drink its deep red color and tangy taste.
- Fresh Ginger – Adds warmth and a little spicy kick.
- Whole Cloves – Infuses the drink with a rich, aromatic depth.
- Cinnamon Stick – Brings a warm, comforting spice.
- Orange Peel – Adds a subtle citrusy brightness.
- Water – For steeping and extracting all the bold flavors.
- Brown Sugar or Honey – Sweetens and balances the tartness.
- Optional: Rum – For a spiked, adult-friendly version!
Note: Ingredients with measurements will be right under the article in the recipe card.
How to Make Sorrel Drink
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Rinse the dried sorrel thoroughly to remove any dust or debris. Peel and slice the ginger, and gather your cloves, cinnamon stick, and orange peel.
Step 2: Boil the Water & Steep the Sorrel
In a large pot, bring the water to a boil. Add the dried sorrel, ginger, cloves, cinnamon stick, and orange peel. Stir everything together, then turn off the heat and cover the pot. Let the mixture steep for at least 2 hours (or overnight for a stronger flavor).
Step 3: Strain the Liquid
Once steeped, strain the mixture through a fine sieve or cheesecloth to remove the solids. Discard the hibiscus petals and spices.
Step 4: Sweeten to Taste
Stir in brown sugar or honey while the drink is still warm, adjusting to your preferred sweetness. If adding rum, mix it in now for an extra kick.
Step 5: Chill & Serve
Refrigerate the sorrel for at least 2 hours until fully chilled. Serve over ice and garnish with a slice of orange or a cinnamon stick for a festive touch.
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
- Steep Longer for a Stronger Flavor: Letting the sorrel sit overnight enhances the depth of flavor.
- Adjust Sweetness to Your Taste: Some prefer it tangier, while others like it sweeter—customize as you go!
- Add Sparkling Water: Mix in a splash of soda water for a fizzy, refreshing twist.
- For a Holiday Version: Add a splash of dark rum and serve at holiday gatherings.
How to Serve
- Chilled Over Ice: A refreshing and vibrant drink perfect for warm days.
- Warm as a Tea: Cozy and comforting, especially in colder months.
- With a Slice of Citrus: Enhances the tartness and adds a bright touch.
- Spiked with Rum: A Caribbean classic for celebrations and parties!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store the sorrel drink in an airtight container or glass bottle in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Freezing
Freeze in ice cube trays for a long-lasting sorrel concentrate. Just add water and enjoy later!
Reheating
If serving warm, gently heat on the stove until warm—avoid boiling to preserve the flavors.
FAQs
- Can I use fresh sorrel instead of dried?
Yes! Fresh sorrel works beautifully—just use about twice the amount of dried sorrel to get the same strong flavor. - How can I make it less tart?
Simply add more sweetener or a splash of orange juice to balance the acidity. - Is sorrel the same as hibiscus tea?
They are very similar! Sorrel is the Caribbean version, often spiced with ginger and cloves, while hibiscus tea (such as Agua de Jamaica) is a simpler, more floral drink. - Can I make sorrel drink without sugar?
Absolutely! Use honey, agave syrup, or stevia as a natural alternative.
This Sorrel Drink Recipe is a celebration of bold flavors, rich tradition, and pure refreshment. Whether you’re sipping it ice-cold on a hot day or warming up with a spiced mug in winter, this drink is guaranteed to impress. Enjoy every sip! 🌺✨
Sorrel Drink
Equipment
- Large Pot
- Fine Sieve or Cheesecloth
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups dried sorrel (hibiscus petals)
- 1 inch fresh ginger sliced
- 4 whole cloves
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 orange peel fresh
- 4 cups water
- 1/2 cup brown sugar or honey to taste
Optional Additions
- 1 oz rum for an alcoholic version
Instructions
- Rinse the dried sorrel thoroughly to remove any dust or debris. Peel and slice the ginger. Gather your cloves, cinnamon stick, and orange peel.
- In a large pot, bring the water to a boil. Add the dried sorrel, ginger, cloves, cinnamon stick, and orange peel. Stir everything together, then turn off the heat and cover the pot.
- Let the mixture steep for at least 2 hours (or overnight for a stronger flavor).
- Strain the mixture through a fine sieve or cheesecloth to remove the solids. Discard the hibiscus petals and spices.
- While the drink is still warm, stir in brown sugar or honey to taste. If adding rum, mix it in now.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours until fully chilled. Serve over ice with a slice of orange or a cinnamon stick for garnish.