Sorrel

Sorrel
Victor Prado for The New York Times; Food stylist: Suzanne Lenzer. Prop stylist: Randi Brookman Harris.
Rating
4(42)
Notes
Read community notes

This Jamaican drink, traditionally made with hibiscus flowers and spices, is both bracing and thirst quenching. If you’d like a boozy version, it can serve as the base for a rum punch. Or follow the advice here and serve it with simple syrup and rum on the side as an option for guests. —Rosie Schaap

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Ingredients

  • 2quarts water
  • 4cups dried hibiscus flowers
  • 32-inch cinnamon sticks
  • 32-inch pieces of peeled ginger
  • 10whole cloves
Ingredient Substitution Guide
Nutritional analysis per serving (4 servings)

43 calories; 1 gram fat; 0 grams saturated fat; 0 grams trans fat; 0 grams monounsaturated fat; 0 grams polyunsaturated fat; 10 grams carbohydrates; 1 gram dietary fiber; 0 grams sugars; 1 gram protein; 25 milligrams sodium

Note: The information shown is Edamam’s estimate based on available ingredients and preparation. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.

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Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Combine ingredients in a heavy pan over medium heat.

  2. Step 2

    Bring to a boil, then lower heat and simmer for 10 minutes.

  3. Step 3

    Cool mixture, then strain into a pitcher and chill. If it is very strong, dilute with filtered water to taste.

  4. Step 4

    Serve with simple syrup and dark rum on the side, for guests to add (or not).

Ratings

4 out of 5
42 user ratings
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Private Notes

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Cooking Notes

I grow the sorrel in my garden on the island of Saba, Dutch Caribbean. Sorrel is a type of Hibiscus. Actually, the flower petals are not used, but the deep red sepals surrounding the seed pod that develops after the flower itself falls from the plant. This is popular during special occasions, especially, Christmas. By the way, the United States Virgin Islands celebrate their Emancipation Day which was on July 3, 1848. I am thrilled that Juneteenth is celebrated as a national holiday.

Sorrel is so amazing and great for blood pressure! My partner works at a middle school in Baltimore City and has been making a lot for himself and his coworkers. People literally say they can feel it coursing through them... his version has seamoss, cinnamon of course and the ginger and simple syrup, but with a bit less cloves and the addition of cardamom, coriander (and a few other secret spices I think). I like the addition of a bit of allspice as well and sometimes use honey instead of sugar

In Senegal, this refreshing, ubiquitous drink is made with or without ginger, but no cinnamon. I have never had it with rum. Test your sugar amount ... you may want it less sweet, where the sharpness adds a second bracing wave of deliciousness. I find in New York City, you can find the dried sorrel flowers at Mexican markets ... common in winter. The red drink is just beautiful.

Hi there, I just read in a Jamaican blog a tip that might be helpful...Leave to steep overnight or for at least twelve hours so that the flavour from the sorrel, cinnamon, ginger and pimento (allspice) is infused in the liquid.

Hi there, I just read in a Jamaican blog a tip that might be helpful...Leave to steep overnight or for at least twelve hours so that the flavour from the sorrel, cinnamon, ginger and pimento (allspice) is infused in the liquid.

I cheated with hibiscus tea bags, but kept everything else the same. Delicious hot (it was a blustery Juneteenth here!) and now it's in the fridge waiting for a warm day when it will be delicious on ice, with rum.

In Senegal, this refreshing, ubiquitous drink is made with or without ginger, but no cinnamon. I have never had it with rum. Test your sugar amount ... you may want it less sweet, where the sharpness adds a second bracing wave of deliciousness. I find in New York City, you can find the dried sorrel flowers at Mexican markets ... common in winter. The red drink is just beautiful.

I grow the sorrel in my garden on the island of Saba, Dutch Caribbean. Sorrel is a type of Hibiscus. Actually, the flower petals are not used, but the deep red sepals surrounding the seed pod that develops after the flower itself falls from the plant. This is popular during special occasions, especially, Christmas. By the way, the United States Virgin Islands celebrate their Emancipation Day which was on July 3, 1848. I am thrilled that Juneteenth is celebrated as a national holiday.

Thank you for that information. I have tried to find sorrel here and have not been able to do so. I love the flavor of the drink and the sorbet I've had in the Caribbean and really miss it here.

Sorrel is so amazing and great for blood pressure! My partner works at a middle school in Baltimore City and has been making a lot for himself and his coworkers. People literally say they can feel it coursing through them... his version has seamoss, cinnamon of course and the ginger and simple syrup, but with a bit less cloves and the addition of cardamom, coriander (and a few other secret spices I think). I like the addition of a bit of allspice as well and sometimes use honey instead of sugar

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Credits

(Adapted from ‘‘Rum Drinks," by Jessica B. Harris)

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