Jamaican Sorrel Drink

Jamaican Sorrel Drink is a popular drink that used to be served mostly during Christmas time in Jamaica, but now its served all year round. It has great health benefits, too!

What is Sorrel?

Sorrel, not to be confused with sorrel the herb, is a cousin of the hibiscus flower. The calyces of the flower are dried and made into a popular drink throughout the Caribbean, Latin American, Middle Eastern, and Africa countries.

Jamaican Sorrel Drink Benefits

Sorrel drink is more than just a delicious beverage. It’s rich in Vitamin C and flavonoids, offering several health benefits. It’s anti-inflammatory, aids digestion, treats bacterial infections, eases pain and swelling, and has even been studied for its potential cancer-fighting properties. Additionally, it helps reduce blood pressure, cholesterol, and triglyceride levels.

The drink contains essential minerals, such as Vitamin C, which boosts the immune system and aids iron absorption. It also contains Vitamin B1 for brain and nerve health, and Vitamin B2 for energy release and cell protection. The flavonoids in sorrel help reduce the risk of heart disease and cancer, lower blood sugar, and manage cholesterol levels.

Why You’ll Love This Jamaican Sorrel Drink Recipe

• Refreshing and Tangy Taste: Jamaican Sorrel Drink offers a burst of refreshment with every sip.
• Versatile Year-Round Enjoyment: While this drink traditionally had its roots in Jamaican Christmas celebrations, it has evolved into a year-round favorite.
• Healthy Elixir: Beyond its delightful taste, this drink boasts a remarkable lineup of health benefits. It’s a rich source of Vitamin C and flavonoids, which contribute to better well-being. These natural compounds help reduce inflammation, support digestion, and enhance overall health. This means you can indulge in a tasty beverage while giving your body a boost of essential nutrients.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it warm or cold, or even experiment with variations. For those who appreciate an extra kick, a splash of Jamaican rum can elevate the experience, turning it into a spirited adult beverage. On the other hand, if you prefer to keep it non-alcoholic, a blend of spices such as ginger and cloves can add an exciting twist.

Ingredients Needed

In Jamaica, the calyces of the sorrel are collected, then dried. The dried calyces are then steeped in boiling water along with ginger and other whole spices such as allspice, cinnamon sticks, cloves. Then, it is traditionally sweetened with sugar and rum is added.

I love to make mine simple, just with the addition of ginger and orange skin without the alcohol. On rare occasions, I might add some allspice berries! I normally steep mine overnight but it’s not necessary.

All you’ll need to make this Jamaican sorrel drink is:

• Dried Jamaican Sorrel calyces
• Ginger
• Orange peel
• Allspice berries
• Sweetener of your choice (e.g., sugar, maple syrup, or liquid stevia)

Dried sorrel can be found in African, West Indian, and Asian grocers. Other names that it could be called are, ‘Jamaican Flower’, ‘Agua de Flor de Jamaica,’ ‘Jamaican Flower,’ ‘Hibiscus’.

How To Make Jamaican Sorrel Drink

1. Bring water to a boil in a large pot.
2. Add dried sorrel, ginger, orange peel, and allspice berries.
3. Remove from heat and let it steep for 2 hours or refrigerate overnight.
4. Strain the mixture.
5. Sweeten with your preferred sweetener.
6. Refrigerate and enjoy!

Expert Tips

• Use dried sorrel calyces for convenience.
• Steeping overnight isn’t necessary but can enhance the flavor.
• Experiment with different sweeteners to suit your taste.

Storage Tips

Store the sorrel drink in an airtight jar in the refrigerator, where it can last for up to a year. The flavor tends to improve with time.

Recipe FAQs

Ingredients:

• 8 cups water
• 2 cups dried sorrel buds
• 2 inches ginger, grated
• 1 orange peel
• 6 allspice berries, optional
• Sweetener to taste

Directions:

Bring water to boil in a large pot. Add sorrel, ginger, orange peel and allspice berries. Remove from heat and allow to steep for 2 hours or cool and place in the refrigerator overnight. Strain. Sweeten with your favorite sweetener. Refrigerate and enjoy!