Sweet And Spicy Hibiscus Martini (Sorrel Martini)

18.2.22 | Recipe by Renz


If you’re looking for a bold, Caribbean-inspired cocktail that’s tart, zesty, and refreshingly different, this Sorrel Martini is for you! The floral notes of hibiscus, the fiery warmth of ginger, and the citrusy edge of Aperol come together in a smooth, balanced drink, and anything but ordinary.

  
Picture of a martini glass with a gold handle filled with hibiscus martini with dried flowers sprinkled on the white background.





What is sorrel?


Sorrel, also known as hibiscus, is a vibrant red flower widely used in Caribbean cuisine. It has a naturally tart, slightly floral taste that pairs beautifully with both sweet and savory dishes. Traditionally, sorrel is steeped into a rich, spiced drink, especially around the holiday season, but it also makes an excellent base for cocktails like this martini.

If you love experimenting with sorrel in drinks, you might also enjoy my Sorrel Rum Punch, which offers a deeper, richer twist with the addition of rum.

Ingredients You Will Need


To make this Hibiscus Martini, you will need:

  
Images of the gin, aperol, ginger syrup and sorrel drink used to make a hibiscus martini.


  • Gin - A floral Gin works best. I recommend Harry Blu’s Gin for its floral botanicals.
  • Aperol – Adds a slightly bitter, citrusy depth.
  • Sorrel Drink – You can use my homemade sorrel drink recipe or follow the simple method below.
  • Ginger Simple Syrup – A touch of sweetness and spice. See how to make it below.

How to Make Sorrel Drink


Before making the martini, you’ll need to prepare the sorrel drink and ginger simple syrup.

  1. Steep 3 tablespoons of dried sorrel in 2 oz of hot water.
  2. Let it cool before using.

How to Make Ginger Simple Syrup


  1. Boil 1/4 cup sugar and 1/4 cup water until the sugar dissolves.
  2. Add 1/4 cup sliced fresh ginger and let it simmer for 4 minutes.
  3. Remove from heat and steep until cool, then strain before using.

How to Make a Sorrel Martini


Once your sorrel drink and ginger simple syrup are ready, follow these steps to make the martini:

  1. Pour all the ingredients into a cocktail shaker.
  2. Dry shake (without ice) to blend the flavors.
  3. If you prefer a chilled martini, add ice and shake again.
  4. Strain into a martini glass and garnish with dried hibiscus flowers.

  
Angled shot of two martini glasses filled with sorrel martinis with shakers and the aperol in the background.


Substitutions & Variations


  • No gin? Swap it for vodka for a cleaner, less floral taste.
  • No Aperol? Try Campari for a bolder, more bitter profile.
  • Want it alcohol-free? Replace the gin with tonic water and a squeeze of lemon for a refreshing mocktail.
  • No dried sorrel? Use hibiscus tea bags steeped in hot water for a similar flavor.
  • Too tart? Add a bit of superfine sugar to adjust the sweetness to your liking.

How to Serve a Sorrel Martini


Serve your martini in a traditional glass with a garnish of dried hibiscus flowers. For extra flair, try adding a slice of orange, a piece of fresh ginger, or even a sprig of mint.

Storing Your Sorrel Martini


If you want to prepare your martini in advance, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a few days. Shake well before serving.

  
A hand picking up a glass of martini with a gold base.

More Sorrel Recipes to Try


If you love the bold, tangy flavor of sorrel, check out these other Caribbean-inspired recipes:


Looking for appetizers to pair with your drink? Try:



Try It & Share!


I’d love to hear how your Sorrel Martini turns out! If you try this recipe, leave a comment below and let me know what you think.

Don’t forget to share your cocktail creations on social media and tag me so I can see your amazing drinks! Cheers to bold flavors and Caribbean vibes!










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