Family Sorrel Drink
A delicious Jamaican-inspired sorrel drink that’s perfect for family gatherings and celebrations. Tart, spicy, and refreshing, it’s sure to be a hit with all ages.
Ingredients
For the Base
- 2 cups dried sorrel (hibiscus flowers) Available at Caribbean grocery stores or online.
- 8 cups filtered water Use clean, filtered water for best results.
- 1 large fresh ginger, peeled and grated About 4 inches.
- 4-5 whole cloves For spiced flavor.
- 2 sticks cinnamon For warmth and aroma.
- 6-8 whole allspice berries Also known as pimento berries.
For Sweetening
- 1.5 cups brown sugar Adjust to taste.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Secret ingredient for flavor.
Optional Additions
- 1 peel orange No white pith for citrus notes.
- 0.25 cup white rum For the grown-up version.
Instructions
Preparation
- Prepare the spices: Grate the ginger and crush the allspice berries and cloves.
- Combine the dried sorrel, water, ginger, cloves, cinnamon, and allspice berries in a large pot.
- Bring to a boil, then remove from heat and let it steep for 8-12 hours.
Straining and Sweetening
- Strain the liquid through a fine-mesh strainer to separate solids.
- In a small pan, heat half a cup of strained sorrel with brown sugar until dissolved. Add vanilla extract.
- Combine the sweet syrup with the rest of the strained sorrel and stir well.
Final Touches
- Taste and adjust sweetness or acidity by adding more sugar or a squeeze of lime if needed.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours until chilled.
- Serve over ice with optional ginger ale for fizz.
Notes
Store the drink in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2-3 weeks. It can also be frozen in ice cube trays for longer storage. Consider variations like adding lemonade or mint for a refreshing twist.