Caribbean Sorrel Drink
Sorrel drink is a tangy beverage infused with warm spices often served at Christmastime and New Year's in several parts of the Caribbean. Feel free to adjust the sweetness and dilution of the drink to suit your preferences.
Servings: 10 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups dried sorrel (roselle/hibiscus sabdariffa)
- 10 cups water
- 3 cinnamon sticks
- 4 star anise whole
- 2 pieces orange peel fresh (2-3 inches)
- 2 teaspoon white sugar or more (to taste)
- 4 cloves optional (I don't usually add them)
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients, except the sugar, in a large pot.
- Gently simmer for about 10 minutes, then remove from heat. Allow the mixture to sit for at least 30 minutes, up to 2 hours to infuse.
- Strain the mixture into a glass pitcher. Set in fridge to chill.
- When ready to serve, sweeten and/or dilute the mixture to your preference. Serve over ice.
- Store in a glass bottle in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. It is normal to see some sediment in the bottle after a few days.
Notes
About Sorrel: This drink is made from the dried calyxes of the Roselle plant (Hibiscus sabdariffa), not the leafy green herb also called sorrel. Be sure you're purchasing the correct ingredient.
Fresh vs. Dried: Dried sorrel has a much more concentrated flavour than fresh. If using fresh calyxes, plan to use at least double the amount.
Steeping Time: A short steep produces a lighter flavour, while refrigerating the mixture overnight creates a stronger, more intense brew. Adjust based on your preference.
Sweetening: The concentrate is very tangy, so it's best to sweeten each glass individually rather than the entire batch. Add sugar and water to taste.
Straining: Line your sieve with cheesecloth to catch tiny particles and create a clearer drink.
Spice Variations: Feel free to experiment with additions like cloves (start with 4, up to a maximum of 8 for this recipe), allspice, ginger, or a splash of lime juice.
Serving: Enjoy chilled on its own or with sparkling water for an extra refreshing treat.
Shortcut: Pre-made sorrel syrup is sometimes available at West Indian and Asian markets if you'd like to skip the steeping process.
Staining Warning: Sorrel is highly pigmented and can stain fabric, towels, and plastic containers. Store in glass bottles or pitchers whenever possible.
Nutrition
Calories: 25kcal | Carbohydrates: 5g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 13mg | Potassium: 15mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 145IU | Vitamin C: 9mg | Calcium: 21mg | Iron: 4mg
