A Trini Christmas is not the same without a true trinidad sorrel drink, ponche o creme or black cake ,well at least in my household it is , (scientific name Hibiscus Sabdariffa)
You know it’s christmas time in Trinidad when you see vans parked on the side of roadways filled with the bright red sorrel.
Sorrel— belongs to the hibiscus family and is a short shrub that bears flowers quite like ochro and hibiscus. Once the flower falls off, the calyx at the base of the flower swells and thickens and grows to cover the seed capsule. This cover is what we know as sorrel and is used in the delicious drink of the same name. – Trinidad Guardian
So here is my version of a True Trini Sorrel Drink. Make it a delicious cocktail by adding some alcohol.
The Best Trinidad Sorrel Drink
A Trinidad Sorrel Drink
In Trinidad Christmas wouldn’t be the same without Sorrel.
And yes, there is rum in most of the drinks , we just love our rum drinks during the holidays!
But Hey! the drinks are still superb without rum.
The sorrel flower is in full bloom at Christmas time in Trinidad and most of the Caribbean so that’s one of the reasons it’s traditionally considered a holiday drink.
But with dried sorrel being manufactured and exported, you can have this delicious drink all year round.
The flavor of Sorrel is like cranberry and raspberry with a hint of pineapple.
Read More About Sorrel Here 
When I was growing up in the Caribbean, I never saw dried sorrel, it’s only since I have been living in the United States I have seen the dried variety
This Sorrel drink below was made using fresh Sorrel and has a much lighter color in appearance in comparison to the dried sorrel
This Sorrel drink below was made using the dried Sorrel , if you notice it is much darker in color than the fresh Sorrel above, but taste just as good.
You will find dried sorrel in any West Indian or Latin market in the USA, or you can always order it from Amazon
Serves 16
12
A refreshing Caribbean holiday drink. Take it up a notch by adding some spiced rum for a delicious adult cocktail.
10Prep Time
60Cook Time
300
Save RecipeIngredients
- 4.5 - 5 ounces dried sorrel
- 2- 3 cups sugar or sugar substitute
- 1 small piece of fresh ginger. (about 1 inch) or a knuckle
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 2 bay leaves
- 6 whole cloves
- 4-inch piece orange peel
- 1 gallon of water (16 cups) plus 4 more cups
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract or mixed essence
Method
- Bring 16 cups water to a boil , add , cinnamon sticks , whole cloves , bay leaves and ginger.
- Stir continuously while boiling for 1 minute, cover and allow to simmer on low for 30 minutes.
- Add Sorrel ,sugar , orange peel and remaining 4 cups water , continue on simmer for another 30 more minutes.
- Let steep for about 4 hours or overnight, covered.
- Using a sieve ,strain and squeeze sorrel flowers, then discard.
- Add vanilla,taste for strength and sweetness. If it is to potent, add water, if it’s to tart add more sugar.
- Pour into glass jars or bottles and store in a cool place until ready to use.
Notes
If you are using the fresh sorrel,there is no need to boil the sorrel, just follow the same steps and after adding the sorrel,cover pan and turn off the flame and allow to steep for a minimum of 4 - 8 hours and up to 24 hours.
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