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trinidad sorrel

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Drinks Gluten Free

Refreshing Passionfruit Sorrel Drink.

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While Sorrel (the dried sepals [the outer parts] of the genus Hibiscus [Roselle] flower which create a versatile and colorful red liquid when infused with hot water) is predominantly made around Christmas-time in the Caribbean (that’s when the flowers are ready for harvest), there’s no reason why this refreshing passionfruit and citrus infused version cannot be enjoyed all year long.

You’ll Need…

1 1/2 cup dried sorrel
4 cloves
1 small stick cinnamon
10 cups water
1 bay leaf
3 slices ginger
1 small orange (sliced)
1 1/2 cups sugar
3 large passionfruit (cut in half)
1/2 lime

Notes! Please follow along with the video below as the recipe is described in more detail there. The sugar amount is a guide and can be customized to your tolerance for sweetness. Additionally, you may use any sweetener you prefer. If doing this recipe gluten free, please go through the full list of ingredients to ensure they meet with your specific gluten free dietary requirements.

I’ve been based in Canada for over 30 years, so getting access to freshly picked Sorrel is not an option. You’ll notice in the image above that I used dried sorrel petals which are easily available on and offline. Were I in the Caribbean I’d use the fresh harvested petals.

Also note that the “passionfruit” I had access to, were not the passionfruit I knew growing up. I believe these are called Granadilla Passionfruit and are available in most grocery stores today.

Place 10-12 cups of water in a deep pot to boil on a medium/high flame. Add the dried sorrel, cinnamon stick, bay leaf, ginger and cloves. Do keep in mind that should you want a STRONGER sorrel drink, double up on the dried sorrel petals. The goal for me is to not have the flavor of the Passionfruit get lost.

As it comes to a boil, reduce the heat to a rolling boil and cook for 8 minutes. Then remove the cinnamon stick and add the sugar. Stir to dissolve the sugar.

Scrape the seeds of the passionfruit into the pot along with the skins. Add the sliced orange at this point as well. Cook for a further 2-3 minutes.

Shut the stove off and allow it to cool for 2-3 hours and in the process the flavors will steep and develop further.

Once cooled completely, strain into a pitcher and hit it with the juice of the lime. Yes you may adjust the sweetness to your tolerance.

Keep in mind that if you add ice to the finished Passionfruit Sorrel drink, it will dilute a bit as the ice melts.

Store in the fridge for at least 2 weeks.

Drinks

Refreshing Sorrel Lemonade.

2 Comments on Refreshing Sorrel Lemonade.

I’m not the biggest fan of lemonade, but toss is a Caribbean twist and BOOM.. one of the most refreshing summertime drinks you can serve/enjoy. Additionally, you can get your adult on and toss in some rum, vodka or tequila.. thank Uncle Chris later!

You’ll Need…

8 cups water (divided)
15 sorrel buds (dried)
1 slice ginger
1 clove
1 inch cinnamon
1 cup sugar
2 tablespoon mixed essence
2 tablespoon honey
6 lemons (juice)
1/2 teaspoon
Angostura Bitters
lemon slices for decorating

Bring 4 cups of water to a boil, then add the sorrel buds and simmer for 5 minutes.

Turn off the stove and add the ginger, clove and cinnamon to steep. We didn’t boil the sorrel with the clove, cinnamon nor ginger as we want a hint of those flavors and NOT a strong influence. It’s a great time to add the sugar while the liquid is warm. Stir to dissolve.

Juice the lemons in the meantime.

After the sorrel liquid is cooled (about 1 hour), strain into a large jug or bowl and add the remaining 4 cups of water, lemon juice, bitters, honey and mixed essence (you’ll find this at Caribbean shops).

Stir well and serve cold with a slice of lemon.

I’d recommend adjusting the sugar to your own liking and note that adding ice will dilute the drink a bit. The sorrel as we know it (in the Caribbean) is also known internationally as Hibiscus flowers or Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa)

Drinks

Festive Champagne Sorrel Drink Recipe.

2 Comments on Festive Champagne Sorrel Drink Recipe.

Champagne Sorrel Drink (8)

Sorrel and homemade ginger-beer are two drinks you’re guaranteed to find being enjoyed in just about every Caribbean home you visit during the Christmas season. Even after we moved to Canada, it was our yearly tradition to source out a grocery store which stocked the dried petals of sorrel or have relatives who would be visiting stock their suitcases with a package or two on their way up. The odd time we could get the fresh flowers, it was a welcomed bonus (like finding buried treasure). It’s funny how after so many years of using the dried stuff, you almost prefer it to the fresh ones now.

Here’s my take on taking the traditional way of making our delightful sorrel drink and adding a bit of flair to it with Champagne or sparkling wine.. you can thank me later!

You’ll Need…

1 – 1 1/2 cups dried sorrel
1/2 cup sugar
thick slice ginger
1/2 large orange (slices)
6 cups water
1 bottle sparkling wine (or champagne)

* grapes and orange slices for garnish. You can add a bit more sugar if you wish, but do keep in mind that the champagne will already be sweet.

Place all the ingredients in a sauce pan (except the champagne) and bring to a boil, stir well to make sure the sugar melts. Reduce to a simmer for 5 mins. Turn off the heat, cover the pot and let it steep until it cools (about 2 hours).

Champagne Sorrel Drink (1)

Champagne Sorrel Drink (2)

Champagne Sorrel Drink (3)

When it cools, you’ll need to strain it into another container. Then strain it again to make sure you get all the possible debris out (as you can see from my second strain). Use a fine mesh strainer or cheese cloth. Discard the remnants.

Champagne Sorrel Drink (4)

Pour the cool/strained sorrel mix into your serving container and chill. When you’re ready to serve, open your champagne or sparkling wine and pour in. Toss in some fresh cut orange slices to garnish. You can freeze some seedless grapes and use as ice cubes in the glasses you’ll be serving your champagne sorrel in. Remember if you use ice it will thin-out the drink and change the consistency and flavor.

Champagne Sorrel Drink (5)

Champagne Sorrel Drink (6)

Champagne Sorrel Drink (7)

If you’re looking for a wicked drink to serve up on New Year’s eve or to introduce your friends to one of the most cherished of Caribbean customs (drinks) this holiday season.. this champagne sorrel is a MUST! HAPPY HOLIDAYS!