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Jamaican Sorrel Drink
I was not the biggest fan and swore off sorrel as a pre-teen due to its sour, bitter taste. That was after drinking a store-bought version, acquired with my meal from a Jamaican restaurant in Flatbush, New York. Years later, I tried a friend’s version following some extensive persuasion. It was clear that the flavor profile can be significantly influenced by particular spices. Some sorrel drinks will be made with less sugar or even no sugar, creating a tartness, such as the store-bought version. Her homemade Jamaican sorrel drink far outshines the store-bought option. It absolutely inspired me to create my own version.
What is Jamaican Sorrel Drink?
Jamaican sorrel drink is a vibrant, burgundy beverage. It’s made from cup-shaped red Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa calyx). The edible calyx, which is the leaves surrounding the seed, has endless culinary and medical uses. A festive staple refreshment, sorrel drink popularity is seen throughout the Caribbean during Christmas and New Year’s.
Health Benefits
Stress-reducing properties of phenolic acids, flavonoids, anthocyanins, and organic acids derived from Hibiscus sabdariffa calyx. How can you turn down a drink that has health benefits such as
- aiding digestion,
- regulating blood pressure,
- regulating glucose levels,
- boosting the immune system,
- liver protection from fat buildup, and
- assist in reducing inflammation
- assist in controlling body weight
- promotes the excretion of excess water absorption
Jamaican Sorrel Drink
Ingredients
Method
- In a large pot, pour water in, then bring it to a boil.
- Add the dried sorrel, fresh ginger, whole cloves, and cinnamon sticks into the pot. Allow to boil for 10 minutes.
- Allow to steep (sit in covered pot for 4 hours) on the stove top. Flavors and color will intensify the longer it sits.
- Strain sorrel liquid into a clean container. Pressing on the wet mixture in the strainer to release any extra juices.
- Add sugar to the sorrel and stir until it dissolves.
Video
Tips
- It is not necessary to peel ginger root since it will be strained. Just make sure to wash it well.
- Taste before adding sugar in the version, it light flavor, making it great without sugar. Or you can mix it with other drinks to create your own signature drink.
Children Version
Reduce the sugar by 1/2 cup, then add 1 sliced sweet orange and ½ cup berries (raspberries or strawberries).
Serving Suggestions
Enjoy Jamaican sorrel drink chilled or over ice. Its spiced, slightly subtle tart flavor will pair well with
- Fried fish
- Jamaican Christmas cake
- Chicken or Beef patties
Enjoy this Caribbean tradition in a glass. Serve it at a gathering to share your enthusiasm for festive flavors. A great drink to make for your guests to enjoy during the wintery holidays. Enjoy this beverage while sharing the health benefits with a friend during a “How To Stay Healthy While On the Go” conversation. Or drink it just because, while dropping below your feedback.
