Sorrel Drink (recipe) | TriniGourmet.com

Sorrel Drink (recipe & video)

Posted by Sarina on Nov 29, 2012 | 140 Comments | Print This | | Email This

This entry is part 4 of 10 in the series Trini Christmas

Christmas in Trinidad is a diverse multicultural affair. Not just for the Christian population, but also through the secular participation of the nation at large through the enjoyment of our local christmas songs (called parang) and especially the creation and consumption of our traditional Christmas foods. No Christmas in Trinidad would be complete without some rum-soaked black cake cold thick Punch de Creme, piping hot pastelles or a cold refreshing glass of sorrel.

Sorrel, made from the sepals, of the sorrel flower is fruity and fragrant. I have fond memories of sitting at my aunt’s feet as a child, helping her to handpick the flowers. The seed of the sorrel is covered with fine prickly hairs that eventually find their way into the pads of your fingers. They are not painful but definitely annoying! A friend once told me that the petals are quite delicious raw with some salt. At first I thought she was insane but once I tried it I was hooked.

Similar in taste to hibiscus tea, sorrel becomes even more heavenly with the addition of rum Made properly your sorrel should be thick and syrupy. Fear not, just dilute it with some cold water or club soda when serving.

Sorrel Drink Recipe:

1 cup dried sorrel petals
1 tablespoon cloves
piece of dried orange peel
Brown sugar syrup (1 cup water + 1 lb brown sugar boiled together)
Dark rum, optional

1. Boil 2 quarts of water.
3. Once water is boiling, add sorrel, orange peel and cloves.
4. Boil for 30 minutes.
5. Cover tightly and steep overnight.
6. Strain and add sugar syrup and rum (optional) to taste.
7. Chill and serve.

Makes 4 servings

UPDATE (25/12/12)! Watch me make sorrel on the 2nd episode of “Sweet Han’: Caribbean Cooking with Sarina”…

This recipe is an exclusive TriniGourmet original. Please do not share it or post it to your site without crediting TriniGourmet.com. A link back to our site is not necessary but always appreciated

This post was originally published November 22, 2006. It has been updated twice since then.

*Sorrel flowers are harvested around November and December. For those not in the Caribbean they can be purchased pre-packaged from Caribbean or African stores.

Sorrel for sale in a Trinidadian market: credit unknown

Series NavigationCarmen’s Jamaican Ginger Beer (recipe)Trinidad Pastelles (recipe) now with Delicious Vegan Option!

About Sarina

Passionate foodie, founder of Trinigourmet and Caribbean Lifestyle Maven. Author of "Glam By Request: 30+ Easy Caribbean Recipes"

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Samuel

Thanks for posting this recepie!!!
Samuel

Thanks for posting this recepie!!!
Jacki

I did a search for sorrel because this year I am making a Bajan meal for Christmas. Ham, lamb, macaroni pie, conkies, rice and peas, potatoes and gravy, jug jug and I wanted to make some sorrell but I am having a hard time finding it. I stayed in “Compare supermarket” for hours tonight getting all my ingredients but no sorrel and no guinea corn. so disappointed. Sarina your recipe sounds soooo good! And how much rum do you put in it? I sure hope Koren figured out the syrup is the brown sugar and water as stated in the recipe and not the store brought kind. LOL
Jacki

I did a search for sorrel because this year I am making a Bajan meal for Christmas. Ham, lamb, macaroni pie, conkies, rice and peas, potatoes and gravy, jug jug and I wanted to make some sorrell but I am having a hard time finding it. I stayed in “Compare supermarket” for hours tonight getting all my ingredients but no sorrel and no guinea corn. so disappointed. Sarina your recipe sounds soooo good! And how much rum do you put in it? I sure hope Koren figured out the syrup is the brown sugar and water as stated in the recipe and not the store brought kind. LOL
Ant

I found some Hibiscus syrup because the amount I needed of the dried flower was difficult to find in VA.

The bottle stated 100% natural.
Directions:
7 parts water
1 part syrup
stir very well and add ice.

Should I boil my water, then add ginger and glove to give the Trini flair?
I purchased 2 bottles of it, so I can play around with it a little. Each bottle makes 2 gallons.

I will ask my Trini friend to make me some authentic sorrel when he returns from home (Trinidad) for the holidays.

I look forward to your comments.
Ant

I found some Hibiscus syrup because the amount I needed of the dried flower was difficult to find in VA.

The bottle stated 100% natural.
Directions:
7 parts water
1 part syrup
stir very well and add ice.

Should I boil my water, then add ginger and glove to give the Trini flair?
I purchased 2 bottles of it, so I can play around with it a little. Each bottle makes 2 gallons.

I will ask my Trini friend to make me some authentic sorrel when he returns from home (Trinidad) for the holidays.

I look forward to your comments.
Jacki

Well after I read what you said I went back to the market. They had hibiscus buds in a package and when I asked for the sorrel they had them loose in a barrel (it looked just like the hibiscus buds) but they called it fleur de Jamaica. It was $7 a lbs. I thought the recipe said 1 lbs of sorrel (vs 1 cup) so I brought almost a lbs! Thank Goodness I did not depend on memory to make it! LOL

Anyway the ginger,, sorrel and cloves are seeping right now. It smells good in here!

Merry Christmas all…and to all a good night!
Jacki

Well after I read what you said I went back to the market. They had hibiscus buds in a package and when I asked for the sorrel they had them loose in a barrel (it looked just like the hibiscus buds) but they called it fleur de Jamaica. It was $7 a lbs. I thought the recipe said 1 lbs of sorrel (vs 1 cup) so I brought almost a lbs! Thank Goodness I did not depend on memory to make it! LOL

Anyway the ginger,, sorrel and cloves are seeping right now. It smells good in here!

Merry Christmas all…and to all a good night!
Jacki

Also using the recipe above does anyone know how much rum should go in it and also how much water should I add to thin it out?
Jacki

Also using the recipe above does anyone know how much rum should go in it and also how much water should I add to thin it out?
http://www.TriniGourmet.com Sarina

Ant – Yes, it seems what you have there is almost a hibiscus tea concentrate. Do add the ginger and other items. Try making it more concentrated, you can always dilute it later on. But if it’s too thin it will be hard to salvage

Jacki – Merry Christmas The rum and water is entirely up to your own preference. I hesitated to put measurements because sorrel is as distinctive as its makers. In some homes it’s closer to a syrup or a cordial, in others its almost a cooler. So do whatever tastes right for you
http://www.TriniGourmet.com Sarina

Ant – Yes, it seems what you have there is almost a hibiscus tea concentrate. Do add the ginger and other items. Try making it more concentrated, you can always dilute it later on. But if it’s too thin it will be hard to salvage

Jacki – Merry Christmas The rum and water is entirely up to your own preference. I hesitated to put measurements because sorrel is as distinctive as its makers. In some homes it’s closer to a syrup or a cordial, in others its almost a cooler. So do whatever tastes right for you
ayana

As a child growing up in trini….sorrel is one of my favorite drink ….but its always taste better when u hand pick the bud fresh and boil overnight……it taste way better than the dried pre packaged one…..any way…..the way we did it old school…it had cloves in it to kick it up a notch…lol. try it…
ayana

As a child growing up in trini….sorrel is one of my favorite drink ….but its always taste better when u hand pick the bud fresh and boil overnight……it taste way better than the dried pre packaged one…..any way…..the way we did it old school…it had cloves in it to kick it up a notch…lol. try it…
Jacki

I added cloves to mines and let the “tea” seep for 3 days. I refrigerated it after I mixed the “syrup” in it. It was thick so I filled my glass up with ice then poured the sorrel over. It watered it down just enough and it tasted so dang bang good! I did not add any rum to it. I would recommend this to anyone although I do not think I would drink it anytime except between Thanksgiving and Christmas. It tastes like a Christmas drink. Thanks for the recipe!!
Jacki

I added cloves to mines and let the “tea” seep for 3 days. I refrigerated it after I mixed the “syrup” in it. It was thick so I filled my glass up with ice then poured the sorrel over. It watered it down just enough and it tasted so dang bang good! I did not add any rum to it. I would recommend this to anyone although I do not think I would drink it anytime except between Thanksgiving and Christmas. It tastes like a Christmas drink. Thanks for the recipe!!
http://creative-paths-patios-tiling.blogspot.com/ groundworkscreative

I drank Sorell like this for the first time in Jamaica. Goes great with the overproof! Most amazing drink I have ever tasted. Beautiful stuff. I love your recipies, keep em coming!

groundworkscreative’s last blog post..
http://creative-paths-patios-tiling.blogspot.com/ groundworkscreative

I drank Sorell like this for the first time in Jamaica. Goes great with the overproof! Most amazing drink I have ever tasted. Beautiful stuff. I love your recipies, keep em coming!

groundworkscreative’s last blog post..
afolabi,

well, thanks for the recipe it added more flavour to my sorrel drink. but if u need us to supply ur company we have it in excess thanks
afolabi,

well, thanks for the recipe it added more flavour to my sorrel drink. but if u need us to supply ur company we have it in excess thanks
carole hodgins

I first had this wonderful drink given to me by my long time friend Zexia. I now am able to make it myself, and find it very refreshing, not only at Christmas time, but all year round. I particularly find it soothing when I make a good strong batch with cloves and allspice, and drink it warm if I have a cold or sore throat.

Thank you for the other tips.
C.
carole hodgins

I first had this wonderful drink given to me by my long time friend Zexia. I now am able to make it myself, and find it very refreshing, not only at Christmas time, but all year round. I particularly find it soothing when I make a good strong batch with cloves and allspice, and drink it warm if I have a cold or sore throat.

Thank you for the other tips.
C.
Pingback: Sorrel « @Benim Mutfagim@
Priscilla Reed

I had my first taste of Sorrel on my first trip to Trinidad for Carnival. Outstanding drink! I don’t drink alcohol so I just add sugar. I found all the ingredients here in a neighborhood store except the spice. Not sure what spice is, but was told it is not cinnamon. Is it Mauby bark? Or is it something else?
- http://www.TriniGourmet.com Sarina
  
  Priscilla, could the spice be cloves?
Priscilla Reed

I had my first taste of Sorrel on my first trip to Trinidad for Carnival. Outstanding drink! I don’t drink alcohol so I just add sugar. I found all the ingredients here in a neighborhood store except the spice. Not sure what spice is, but was told it is not cinnamon. Is it Mauby bark? Or is it something else?
- http://www.TriniGourmet.com Sarina
  
  Priscilla, could the spice be cloves?
Pingback: Herbal Blog » Blog Archive » What the heck is Sorrel?
http://www.daggering.info Daggarin

Wicked site man. I really like the theme you used. Is it a free one?
http://www.daggering.info Daggarin

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You should put a few more ads on your site as you could probably make a lot of money. This is great writing.
Tony

Does any one have a good quick, easy way to clean this thing?
Tony

Does any one have a good quick, easy way to clean this thing?
home typist

Happiness is not in the mere possession of money; it lies in the joy of achievement, in the thrill of creative effort.
home typist

Happiness is not in the mere possession of money; it lies in the joy of achievement, in the thrill of creative effort.
http://bellsouth doreen

Right now I here at work drinking some ice cold sorrel. My mom send it from Jamaica whenever any family member is coming up… hey Trini….. Its more like a Jmaican thing of all times man. the best thing about…. my sorrel is that I boil it myself.
http://aol.com ladiis4lyfe

me always drinkin sorrel an somtimes me fadar does strain the petals and dem and leave them for next time he makin sorrel. i want tah kno if da’s gud or bad or jus real unhelty?
.-= ladiis4lyfe´s last blog ..Ex-Astronaut Pleads Guilty =-.
- http://www.TriniGourmet.com Sarina
  
  Nothing unhealthy about it He’s just trying to get the most for his investment
http://aol.com ladiis4lyfe

me always drinkin sorrel an somtimes me fadar does strain the petals and dem and leave them for next time he makin sorrel. i want tah kno if da’s gud or bad or jus real unhelty?
.-= ladiis4lyfe´s last blog ..Ex-Astronaut Pleads Guilty =-.
- http://www.TriniGourmet.com Sarina
  
  Nothing unhealthy about it He’s just trying to get the most for his investment
Cathy

sorrel can be had at most Korean stores
Cathy

sorrel can be had at most Korean stores
Victorio Hawkins

One of the nicest naturally flavoured drinks. There is also the WHITE sorrel that makes a clear drink . It is a more prolific bearing tree and disease resistant. Since it is clear it does not look so attractive ,but is stronger and also tastes really great. There is the NEW VARIETY on the market. A very dark red bordering on a blackesh colour. Very thick petals. Bears earlier than the other two varieties. I heard it is from Germany but can’t confirm that.Sells for about $8 to about $15.00 a pound depending on the demand and supply. Makes a very dark red drink. I prefer this one. I cultivate all three varieties. its good fun. mixing them is also good. Hope you all appreciate the information. Need some seeds?
Victorio.
- http://www.TriniGourmet.com Sarina
  
  Dear Victorio thanks so much for sharing your knowledge of these additional varieties. Sounds very interesting. If you have pictures that you would like share I’ll happily turn your comment into a post as I’m sure readers will enjoy seeing them Of course I’ll credit you!
- http://www.TriniGourmet.com Sarina
  
  Dear Victorio thanks so much for sharing your knowledge of these additional varieties. Sounds very interesting. If you have pictures that you would like share I’ll happily turn your comment into a post as I’m sure readers will enjoy seeing them Of course I’ll credit you!
Victorio Hawkins

One of the nicest naturally flavoured drinks. There is also the WHITE sorrel that makes a clear drink . It is a more prolific bearing tree and disease resistant. Since it is clear it does not look so attractive ,but is stronger and also tastes really great. There is the NEW VARIETY on the market. A very dark red bordering on a blackesh colour. Very thick petals. Bears earlier than the other two varieties. I heard it is from Germany but can’t confirm that.Sells for about $8 to about $15.00 a pound depending on the demand and supply. Makes a very dark red drink. I prefer this one. I cultivate all three varieties. its good fun. mixing them is also good. Hope you all appreciate the information. Need some seeds?
Victorio.
Victorio Hawkins

One of the nicest naturally flavoured drinks. There is also the WHITE sorrel that makes a clear drink . It is a more prolific bearing tree and disease resistant. Since it is clear it does not look so attractive ,but is stronger and also tastes really great. There is the NEW VARIETY on the market. A very dark red bordering on a blackesh colour. Very thick petals. Bears earlier than the other two varieties. I heard it is from Germany but can’t confirm that.Sells for about $8 to about $15.00 a pound depending on the demand and supply. Makes a very dark red drink. I prefer this one. I cultivate all three varieties. its good fun. mixing them is also good. Hope you all appreciate the information. Need some seeds?
Victorio.
- http://www.TriniGourmet.com Sarina
  
  Dear Victorio thanks so much for sharing your knowledge of these additional varieties. Sounds very interesting. If you have pictures that you would like share I’ll happily turn your comment into a post as I’m sure readers will enjoy seeing them Of course I’ll credit you!
Victorio Hawkins

Sorrell . Can be cleaned and frozen fresh. Tastes just as if you now picked them. I have frozen sorrell for over a year. Taste good anytime. In my previous comment i mean Trinidad & Tobago $$. .Anise seed flavour adds real magic to the drink. Victorio . Trinidad.
Victorio Hawkins

Sorrell . Can be cleaned and frozen fresh. Tastes just as if you now picked them. I have frozen sorrell for over a year. Taste good anytime. In my previous comment i mean Trinidad & Tobago $$. .Anise seed flavour adds real magic to the drink. Victorio . Trinidad.
Victorio Hawkins

Hi Sarina. Happy to see that you appreciate my input. As soon as i get new photos i will make them available to you. I am really surprised that few people even here in Trinidad and Tobago know very little of the other varieties. i am now spreadind the information and giving as much people as i can the seeds for planting. I have even mailed the white variety seeds to a friend in Jamaica. She was really surprised after her harvest. Maybe i mail some seeds to you. . However i will definitely get the photos of the varieties and post them.
Victorio Hawkins

Hi Sarina. Happy to see that you appreciate my input. As soon as i get new photos i will make them available to you. I am really surprised that few people even here in Trinidad and Tobago know very little of the other varieties. i am now spreadind the information and giving as much people as i can the seeds for planting. I have even mailed the white variety seeds to a friend in Jamaica. She was really surprised after her harvest. Maybe i mail some seeds to you. . However i will definitely get the photos of the varieties and post them.
Victorio Hawkins

Greetings to all . About spices. A common mistake is made as most individuals use the word spice to mean cinamon. However all the following are examples of different types of spices. Nutmeg, cloves, cinnamon,shapport, toncabean,ginger, anisse, etc Cinamon is most common.Its good to experiment with sorrell. Sorrell responds well in taste with any type of spice. The freshly picked or frozen sorrell maintains its flavour 100 %. Dried ones seem to lose some of its flavour ,but its ok since the dried ones can reach people in far off countries where it cannot be grown. I have noticed a marked increase in the supply of the prepacked dried ones in the supermarkets. Good for visitors. Best wishes to all.
Victorio Hawkins

Greetings to all . About spices. A common mistake is made as most individuals use the word spice to mean cinamon. However all the following are examples of different types of spices. Nutmeg, cloves, cinnamon,shapport, toncabean,ginger, anisse, etc Cinamon is most common.Its good to experiment with sorrell. Sorrell responds well in taste with any type of spice. The freshly picked or frozen sorrell maintains its flavour 100 %. Dried ones seem to lose some of its flavour ,but its ok since the dried ones can reach people in far off countries where it cannot be grown. I have noticed a marked increase in the supply of the prepacked dried ones in the supermarkets. Good for visitors. Best wishes to all.
Heather Figari

Sabrina Can i get some sorrel seeds from Victorio Hawkins.I live in Trinidad and i heard that the Jamaicans have sorrel all year round, is that true?
- Victorio
  
  Hi Heather. just send me your address and i will mail them to you. At the moment i have the new variety.Early bearing. I have photos of the three varieties. but need an address to send them .
Heather Figari

Sabrina Can i get some sorrel seeds from Victorio Hawkins.I live in Trinidad and i heard that the Jamaicans have sorrel all year round, is that true?
- Victorio
  
  Hi Heather. just send me your address and i will mail them to you. At the moment i have the new variety.Early bearing. I have photos of the three varieties. but need an address to send them .