Jamaican Sorrel Drink 5 Ways

Sorrel is a beloved drink in Jamaica, especially during the festive season. Traditionally made with fresh sorrel (hibiscus), this tangy and refreshing beverage has many variations. Here are five delightful ways to prepare Jamaican sorrel drink.

Traditional Jamaican Sorrel Drink

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs. fresh sorrel

• 4 cups water

• 1/2 lb. ginger, peeled and sliced

• 6 pimento seeds

• Sweetener of choice (sugar, honey, etc.)

• Optional: 1/3 cup white overproof rum

• Optional: 1/3 cup red label wine

Instructions:

1. Wash the fresh sorrel thoroughly and set aside.

2. In a pot, bring 4 cups of water, sliced ginger, and pimento seeds to a boil on medium heat. Let it boil for 4 minutes.

3. Turn off the heat and pour the boiling liquid over the sorrel in a heatproof container. Use a spoon to ensure the sorrel is fully submerged.

4. Cover and let it steep for at least 6 hours, preferably overnight.

5. Strain the mixture into a container, discarding the solids.

6. Sweeten to taste. For a traditional twist, stir in white rum and red label wine.

7. Serve over ice or chill before serving.

Blended Sorrel Drink

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs. fresh sorrel

• 1/2 lb. ginger, peeled

• Water

• Sweetener of choice

• Juice of 1 green lime

Instructions:

1. Wash the sorrel and blend it with ginger in a food processor until smooth.

2. Transfer the blended mixture to a container and add enough water to cover it.

3. Cover and let it sit for 2 hours.

4. Strain the mixture to extract the liquid, which will be thick and syrupy.

5. Sweeten to taste and add the juice of one green lime.

6. Serve over ice or chill before serving.

Sorrel with Cranberry Juice

Ingredients:

• Sorrel drink (prepared using the traditional or blended method)

• Cranberry juice

Instructions:

1. Mix sorrel drink with cranberry juice in a ratio of your preference.

2. Serve cold. This mix is especially popular at Christmas events.

Sorrel with Ribena Juice

Ingredients:

• Sorrel drink (prepared using the traditional or blended method)

• 1 cup Ribena juice (or freshly picked black currants)

• 1/2 lb. ginger, peeled and chopped

Instructions:

1. If using fresh Ribena (black currants), remove the stems and wash thoroughly.

2. Place the Ribena and chopped ginger in a container and pour boiling water over them.

3. Cover and let it sit for 5 hours or overnight.

4. Use your hands to separate the Ribena flesh from the seeds, then strain to extract the juice.

5. Mix the Ribena juice with the sorrel drink and sweeten to taste.

6. Serve over ice or chill before serving.

Fruity Sorrel Punch

Ingredients:

• 4 cups classic sorrel drink (prepared using the traditional or blended method)

• 1 cup orange juice

• 1 cup pineapple juice

• Sliced citrus fruits (orange, lime, pineapple) for garnish

Instructions:

1. Mix orange juice and pineapple juice into the prepared sorrel drink.

2. Serve over ice and garnish with slices of citrus fruits for a tropical twist.

Each variation of the Jamaican sorrel drink brings its unique flair, making it a versatile beverage suitable for any occasion. Whether you prefer it traditional, blended, or with a fruity twist, there’s a version for everyone to enjoy!