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Delightful Jamaican Hibiscus Drink

Featured in Explore Global Flavors and Dishes.

A zesty and fragrant drink made by soaking hibiscus flowers with ginger and spices, then lightly sweetened—a Jamaican holiday favorite.
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Mena
Updated on Tue, 04 Mar 2025 15:18:45 GMT
A vibrant red drink served over ice in a glass with a sugared rim, resting on a gold-colored plate. Pin it
A vibrant red drink served over ice in a glass with a sugared rim, resting on a gold-colored plate. | delishdocket.com

Traditional Jamaican sorrel drink brings vibrant color and festive spice to holiday celebrations. This cherished recipe creates a deep ruby-colored beverage that fills the kitchen with an aromatic blend of hibiscus, ginger, and warming spices - a true hallmark of Caribbean Christmas traditions.

The Art of Sorrel Making

The key to exceptional sorrel lies in proper steeping technique and balanced spicing. When made correctly, this drink delivers a perfect harmony of tart hibiscus, spicy ginger, and subtle sweetness that develops rich complexity over time.

Essential Ingredients

  • Dried Sorrel Flowers: 5 1/4 ounces, cleaned and sorted
  • Fresh Ginger Root: 3/4 pound, sliced
  • Whole Cloves: 10 pieces
  • Allspice Berries: 10 berries, lightly crushed
  • Sugar: 2 1/2 cups for syrup
  • Water: 3 quarts, plus extra for syrup
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Two crystal glasses filled with a deep red beverage and ice cubes are placed on a decorative gold tray. | delishdocket.com

Preparation Method

Initial Steep
Combine sorrel, sliced ginger, and spices in boiling water.
Extended Infusion
Allow mixture to steep overnight in refrigeration for optimal flavor extraction.
Straining Process
Filter through fine cheesecloth for clarity.
Sweetening
Incorporate simple syrup to desired sweetness level.
Final Service
Serve chilled over ice with optional garnishes.

Adjusting Sweetness

The signature tartness of sorrel flowers balances beautifully with sweetener. Start with less syrup and adjust gradually - the natural spiciness from fresh ginger should still shine through.

Storage Guidelines

Store unsweetened sorrel concentrate for up to 5 days refrigerated. For best results, add simple syrup only when serving. The steeped ingredients can yield a second, lighter batch if desired.

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Two glasses filled with deep red beverages sit on a textured dark surface, with one glass featuring a gold rim and ice cubes inside. | delishdocket.com

Traditional Accompaniments

Sorrel pairs exceptionally well with rich holiday desserts, particularly traditional Christmas cake and Caribbean pastries. The bright acidity cuts through sweet and heavy flavors effectively.

Cultural Significance

In Caribbean households, the preparation of sorrel marks the beginning of holiday festivities. The distinctive aroma of steeping spices signals the arrival of Christmas season celebrations.

Presentation Tips

Showcase sorrel's jewel-toned color in clear glass vessels. Garnish with fresh citrus wheels and cinnamon sticks for visual appeal and aromatic enhancement.

Recipe Variations

Regional variations incorporate additional ingredients like orange zest, star anise, or aged rum. Some recipes call for freshly grated nutmeg as a finishing touch. Each family's version carries its own distinctive character.

Three glasses filled with a deep purple drink and ice, garnished with salt around the rim, are arranged on a decorative gold tray. Pin it
Three glasses filled with a deep purple drink and ice, garnished with salt around the rim, are arranged on a decorative gold tray. | delishdocket.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What is sorrel?
In Jamaican cooking, sorrel means dried hibiscus flowers, not the green leafy herb. It’s what gives the drink its vibrant red color and tart flavor.
→ How long does this drink last?
You can store the strained drink in the fridge for up to 5 days. Keep it in a tightly sealed container for freshness.
→ Is the sweetness customizable?
Yes, you can gradually mix in the syrup until it’s as sweet as you like. Traditional versions are pretty sweet, but feel free to tweak it.
→ Why is fresh ginger recommended?
Freshly grated ginger packs the most punch in terms of spice and taste. Use a box grater for easier prep since you’ll need a lot.

Jamaican Hibiscus Tea

A well-loved Jamaican drink made with bright hibiscus blooms, grated ginger, and sweet spices. Slow-steeped and lightly sweetened.

Prep Time
5 Minutes
Cook Time
30 Minutes
Total Time
35 Minutes
By: Mena

Category: World Cuisine

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Jamaican

Yield: 14 Servings (3 quarts)

Dietary: Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free

Ingredients

01 2 and a half cups sugar.
02 10 whole cloves.
03 3 cups dried hibiscus blooms (sorrel).
04 A chunk (3/4 pound) of grated fresh ginger.
05 10 allspice berries.

Instructions

Step 01

Bring water to a boil. Toss in the ginger, sorrel, allspice, and cloves, and let it go for 8 minutes.

Step 02

Give it time to cool, then pop it in the fridge for 8 hours up to 3 days.

Step 03

Run it through a fine strainer, squeezing all the goodness out of the solids.

Step 04

Make a simple syrup on the side, and once you're ready, start mixing it in little by little to get the flavor right.

Notes

  1. Grab a box grater to get that ginger just right.
  2. Stored in the fridge, it'll stay good for up to 5 days.

Tools You'll Need

  • A big pot for cooking.
  • Fine mesh strainer to strain everything.
  • Box grater for the ginger.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 180
  • Total Fat: ~
  • Total Carbohydrate: 46 g
  • Protein: ~