Sweet And Spicy Hibiscus Martini (Sorrel Martini)

If you’re looking for a bold, Caribbean-inspired cocktail that’s tart, zesty, and refreshingly different, this Sorrel Martini is for you! (It’s also known as a hibiscus martini, same flavor, just with island flair!) 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.

What is sorrel

Sorrel (also called hibiscus or hibiscus flower) 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.

How to make a sorrel martini (Hibiscus martini)

Ingredients you will need

To make this Hibiscus Martini, you will need:

• 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.

Instructions

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.

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.

Serving suggestions

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.

Storage

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.

More sorrel recipes to try

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

• Sorrel (Hibiscus) BBQ Sauce – Perfect as a dip or marinade for wings, ribs, or tofu.
• Light Sorrel cake – A delicious, subtly spiced cake infused with sorrel, perfect for any occasion!
• Sorrel wings –

Pairing Appetizers

• Bahamian conch fritters
• Sweet potato fish cakes
• Chicken balls
• Stuffed potato balls

FAQs

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!

Recipe

Hibiscus Martini (Sorrel Martini)

A zesty Caribbean cocktail where the tartness of sorrel (hibiscus) blends with fiery ginger and the bright citrus notes of Aperol. Paired with a floral gin like Harry Blu’s, this sorrel martini is vibrant, refreshing, and perfect for the holidays or happy hour.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Servings: 2

Course: Drinks

Cuisine: Caribbean Influenced

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

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For Ginger Simple Syrup

• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup water
• 1/4 cup sliced fresh ginger

For Martini

• 3 oz gin I used Harry Blu’s Gin — floral notes work well with sorrel
• 2/3 oz Aperol
• 1.5 oz sorrel drink see note below if you don’t have any ready
• 2/3 oz ginger simple syrup

Method

 

Ginger Simple Syrup

1. Add sugar and water to a small saucepan. Bring to a boil, stirring until sugar dissolves.
2. Add sliced ginger and reduce to a simmer. Let it simmer for 4 minutes.
3. Remove from heat and allow to steep until fully cooled.
4. Strain out the ginger before using.

To Make the Martini

1. In a cocktail shaker, combine gin, Aperol, sorrel drink, and ginger simple syrup.
2. Shake well (add ice if you prefer it chilled).
3. Pour into a martini glass.
4. Garnish with dried sorrel petals.

Notes

If you don’t have sorrel drink on hand:
Steep 3 tablespoons of dried sorrel leaves in 2 oz of hot water. Let it cool before using. You can also substitute with a hibiscus tea bag steeped in the same way.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!