Go Back
–+ servings
A jug of Caribbean sorrel drink with two glasses of sorrel with ice.

How to Make Sorrel Drink

The deep red color and warming flavor of this Caribbean sorrel drink is guaranteed to put you in a festive mood! This non-alcoholic favorite is made with tangy sorrel and gently spiced with cloves and cinnamon.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Steep 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 8
Course: Drinks
Cuisine: Caribbean
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For boiling
  • 3 ounces dried sorrel flowers I use the Carib brand
  • 4 cups water for boiling the sorrel
  • 2 cinnamon sticks
  • 8 whole cloves
For sweetening and finishing
  • 1 1/2 cups sugar or to taste
  • 4 –6 dashes Angostura bitters
  • 4 cups water for diluting after straining

Method
 

  1. In a large pot, combine dried sorrel, 4 cups of water, cinnamon sticks, and cloves.
  2. Bring to a high boil, then reduce to a rolling boil and let simmer for 8 minutes.
  3. Remove from heat, cover, and steep for at least 1 hour (or overnight on the counter).
  4. Strain the liquid into a large pitcher. (You should get about 2 3/4 cups of concentrate.)
  5. Taste for acidity. Stir in the remaining 4 cups of water, sugar, and bitters. Adjust sweetness and flavor to taste.
  6. Chill in the fridge. Serve over ice.

Notes

Add the rind of 1 orange to the pot for extra citrusy flavor.
Fresh ginger (about 1 ounce) adds more spice—boil it with the sorrel and spices.
Ginger wine is a great addition. Start with 3/4 cup after straining, then adjust to taste.
Add 1/2 cup of white rum to turn this into a Caribbean cocktail.
If using fresh sorrel, double the amount—dried sorrel is more concentrated.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!