Jamaican Sorrel for #SundaySupper
There is always something new going on in my kitchen. This beverage is a big deal…to the husband. Sorrel is a drink he loves and until now, he had to depend on someone giving it to us as a gift or going to Jamaica to have the real authentic drink. Sorrel is a popular beverage to have during the Christmas season. I’ll confess ~ I never really liked sorrel. Give me some other tropical drink. Give me soursop juice, carrot juice or fruit punch. Just not sorrel. Well, it seems that my taste is changing. I don’t know what I was thinking. Sorrel is amazing! Around this time of year in Jamaica, most households, family gatherings or formal gatherings will have Sorrel in their selection of beverages.
Today’s #SundaySupper theme is Holiday Drinks and Appetizers and our host is Connie from The Foodie Army Wife. A big shout out to my Bestie for giving me “The Real Taste Of Jamaica” by Enid Donaldson! It’s getting good use! I was happy to have it so I could share this recipe today. Please be sure to check out the other beverages and appetizers brought to you by the #SundaySupper family. You’ll need ideas if you are hosting or attending a holiday gathering.
Everyone that I’ve asked makes sorrel a little differently. Some people add a little wine to it. Some add a “little” White Rum, which is true in most cases. I didn’t do too much adapting but I plan to tweak it a bit more on the next round. I’ll add more ginger and just a little less sugar. This was a bit sweet for me but easily rectified by diluting it and adding ice. Sorrel is best served ice-cold. For my household, I omitted the rum because I wanted to be able to drink it at any time during the day, and also I wanted my children to be able to taste it. My children drank it several times, and that truly made me happy.
Jamaican Sorrel
A traditional Jamaican Beverage for the Christmas Holiday Season
Ingredients
- 3 Cups Dried Sorrel
- 1 inch Root Ginger, shredded
- 12 Whole Cloves
- 5 Pimento Leaves
- 6 Cinnamon Leaves
- 12 Cups Boiling Water
- 2 Cups Granulated Sugar
- 1 Tbsp Freshly squeezed Lime Juice
- 1 Tbsp Rice
Instructions
- Rinse the Sorrel sepals in a strainer under cold water for just a few minutes
- In a very large pot, add sorrel, ginger, rice grains, cloves pimento leaves and cinnamon leaves
- Pour boiling water over the contents of the pot and cover for 24 hours
- Strain the liquid into another large pot and add sugar and lime juice
- Stir to combine
- Transfer into bottles and chill
- Serve ice cold
Notes
This yields just over 2 litres of sorrel (optional) 1/4 Cups White Rum can be added to the pot after the sorrel has been strained and sweetened
This is a very important step. Steeping the Sorrel for at least 24 hours allows for a very rich, full-bodied liquid. I allowed mine to steep a little longer. I love all the natural ingredients that make up this drink. If unsweetened Sorrel wasn’t so extremely sour, I’d omit/reduce the sugar. But the sugar is a very necessary component. Substitutions will ruin this drink.
Sorrel
Once strained, sweetened and chilled – Sorrel is ready to be enjoyed!
Jamaican Sorrel
The perfect glass of Sorrel …
Jamaican Sorrel
Sorrel is an excellent gift. It can be made with or without alcohol – either way, it is extremely enjoyable. It can also be kept in the fridge for a long period of time! Especially with the addition of rum as a preservative.
Jamaican Sorrel – Gift
Holiday Cocktails
- Glühwein from Magnolia Days
- Cookies-n-Cream Cocktails from The Urban Mrs
- Cranberry Fizz from Dinners, Dishes and Desserts
- Rosemary Orange Punsch from Galactopdx
- Candy Cane Martini from Hezzi-D’s Books and Cooks
- Raspberry Hot Chocolate from Momma’s Meals
- Chocolate Peppermint Eggnog from The Daily Dish Recipes
- Jamaican Sorrel from The Lovely Pantry
- Chocolate Peanut Butter Hot Chocolate Spoons from Chocolate Moosey
- Homemade Eggnog from Flour on my Face
- Moroccan Mint Tea from MarocMama
- Cherry Bomb from Noshing with the Nolands
- Wassail from There And Back Again
- Cranberry Sparkler Mocktail from Cupcakes & Kale Chips
- Pomegranate Cosmo from Supper For A Steal
- Poinsettia Mimosas from Big Bear’s Wife
- Mulled Wine: Spiked and Steamy from Daddy Knows Less
- Poinsettia Cocktails from The Catholic Foodie
- The Red Carpet Diva from Cooking Underwriter
Holiday Appetizers or Hors d’oeuvres
- Cheese Ball Wreath from The Meltaways
- Caramelized Onion and Goat Cheese Tarts from My Catholic Kitchen
- Prosciutto Goat Cheese Rolls with Fig Preserves and Arugula from Shockingly Delicious
- Muenster and Spinach Pinwheels from That Skinny Chick Can Bake
- Drunk Moose Meatballs from The Foodie Army Wife
- Smoked Salmon Blinis with Cranberry-Spiced Feta from Chattering Kitchen
- Sticky Wholegrain Mustard & Ginger Cocktail Sausages from girlichef
- Potato Leek Soup from What Smells So Good
- Cheesy Mushroom Pull Apart Bread from Small Wallet Big Appetite
- 5 Quick & Easy Appetizers for Your Holiday Party from Webicurean
- Bacon Peanut Caramel Corn from Gotta Get Baked
- Crostini topped with Voodoo Chicken Cream Dip from Country Girl in the Village
- Mushroom Strudel from Vintage Kitchen
- Roxanne’s Shrimp & Andouille Sausage Queso Dip from The ROXX Box
- Herbed Holiday Party Mix from Curious Cuisiniere
- Old fashioned Swedish Meatballs from I Run For Wine
- Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Bites from Cindy’s Recipes and Writings
- Fried Green Beans with Wasabi Ranch from Juanita’s Cocina
- Salsa Baked Cheese from Home Cooking Memories
- Cookie Dough Dip from The Cookie-A-Day Challenge
- Parmesan Onion Rounds from Kudos Kitchen by Renee
- Lip-smacking Cranberry Cocktail Meatballs from In The Kitchen with KP
- Hot Spinach Parmesan Dip from Comfy Cuisine
- Indian Spiced Tuna Balls from Soni’s Food
- Onion marmalade with Bacon from Ruffles and Truffles
- Sweet Potato Dip from Mama’s Blissful Bites
- Festive Cucumber & Ginger Sushi Rolls from The Ninja Baker
- Baked Jalapeno Popper Ranch Dip from Weekend Gourmet
- Baked Brie from Family Foodie
- Hoisin Asisan Meatballs from Damn Delicious
Do you have a favorite dish or beverage to take to a party? Please join on us on Twitter throughout the day during#SundaySupper on December 16th.
We’d also love to feature your recipe for holiday parties on our #SundaySupper Pinterest board to share them with all of our followers, too.
** Due to the tragic events in Newtown, Connecticut, we will not be having a live chat this Sunday December 16, 2012. Our hearts and prayers go out to the souls lost and the affected families. **
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I love that Sorrel can be made with or without alcohol… what a wonderful gift for friends this season.
Family Foodie recently posted..Baked Brie Cheese with Praline Sauce #SundaySupper
Thank you, Isabel. We always enjoyed receiving this lovely drink!
lovelypantry recently posted..Jamaican Sorrel for #SundaySupper
I’ve never had sorrel before. I know if you shared this recipe it has to be good. I’m looking for it in the store because I want to try it now.
Renee recently posted..Gluhwein – German Mulled Wine for #SundaySupper
I guarantee its absolute goodness! I haven’t seen it regular supermarkets. Hopefully you have a West Indian/Carribbean Supermarket reasonably close by.
lovelypantry recently posted..Jamaican Sorrel for #SundaySupper
I would loveto try this! And your photo are gorgeous!
Jen @ Juanita’s Cocina recently posted..Fried Green Beans with Wasabi Ranch ~ #SundaySupper Christmas Apps & Drinks Party!
Thanks Jen! I hope you get to try it…I bet you’d love it with some rum!
lovelypantry recently posted..Jamaican Sorrel for #SundaySupper
Wow, this looks like a perfect housewarming gift for the holidays!
Chung-Ah | Damn Delicious recently posted..Blurb Giveaway!
Thanks, Chung-Ah! Sorrel is always well received!! 🙂
lovelypantry recently posted..Jamaican Sorrel for #SundaySupper
Excellent post bestie!!! You are so right … substitution will ruin this drink. Glad you were able to make it for the family and that I could play a part 🙂 I am sure your counterparts in the food bloggers fraternity who try this recipe will enjoy this Jamaican Christmas traditional beverage!! Love you!
Nioka recently posted..And Marketing Lives On
I can’t thank you enough! I hope those interested do get to try but realistically, sorrel isn’t easy to accquire in North America. It would have to be purchased online. Its so worth it!
lovelypantry recently posted..Jamaican Sorrel for #SundaySupper
I have never seen this before. Thank you so much for sharing. Your pictures are outstanding!!
Tara recently posted..Cherry Bomb for Holiday Drinks and Appetizers #SundaySupper
Thank you, Tara!!! I appreciate that!
lovelypantry recently posted..Jamaican Sorrel for #SundaySupper
I confess I’ve never heard of sorrel, and it sounds like I need to track some of this dried flower down. This drink looks perfect for the season Where do I find it? Also the pimento and cinnamon leaves? Do you get them online?
The Wimpy Vegetarian recently posted..Boozy Pumpkin Bread Celebration
Susan, I bought the dried sorrel, pimento leaves as well as the cinnamon leaves at my local West Indian/Caribbean Supermarket. I know that sorrel may be challenging to find but I understand that it is available online. I did a quick check on Amazon and its available there. Its cheap and easy to make.
lovelypantry recently posted..Jamaican Sorrel for #SundaySupper
I have been very curious about this since I saw the title this week. Wow – this looks so amazing! I do believe a trip to the herbal section is in order for me! Thank you for sharing it 🙂
Conni Smith recently posted..Drunk Moose Meatballs | It’s a #SundaySupper Holiday Event
Thanks Conni! I’m not sure if you’ll find it in your neck of the woods – but please tell me if you do. Otherwise you may have to check Amazon 🙂
lovelypantry recently posted..Jamaican Sorrel for #SundaySupper
I had this once I think but never made it!
Sarah Reid, RHNC (@jo_jo_ba) recently posted..Potato Leek Soup for #SundaySupper Holidays
Its available now! In Pickering! Cheap, with tons of health benefits! I need to do more research but it tastes wonderful – it just HAS to be good for you.
lovelypantry recently posted..Jamaican Sorrel for #SundaySupper
Never heard of this drink, but it sounds like a wonderful spiced festive wine! Gorgeous color!
Paula @ Vintage Kitchen recently posted..Mushroom Cheese Strudel #SundaySupper
Thanks, Paula! Christmas isn’t Christmas without Sorrel! 🙂 (so says the Jamaican who is making sorrel for the first time) lol
lovelypantry recently posted..Jamaican Sorrel for #SundaySupper
How unique! I can’t say that I’ve tried anything like this before – sounds really great!
Katie recently posted..Onion Marmalade with Bacon for #SundaySupper
Thanks, Katie! If you ever feel adventurous, please do give it a try!
lovelypantry recently posted..Jamaican Sorrel for #SundaySupper
I’m very intrigued by Sorrel! Never tried it or seen it but your drink sounds delicious and looks gorgeous Lyn!!
Soni recently posted..Indian Spiced Tuna Balls (Tuna Chop) #SundaySupper
Thanks, Soni! Its quite a treat! I wish I could send you all samples!
lovelypantry recently posted..Jamaican Sorrel for #SundaySupper
Until Lyn comes and answers all your questions, this drink is guaranteed to please. It has also been said to have great health benefits!! You will love it!!
Nioka recently posted..And Marketing Lives On
I need to look into the health benefits. Afterall, its coming from a plant! And it has all the natural ingredients to spice it up and make it so flavourful.
lovelypantry recently posted..Jamaican Sorrel for #SundaySupper
What a gorgeous color, Lyn! I would love to receive this as a holiday gift…I’m so curious about its taste 🙂
Liz recently posted..Muenster and Spinach Pinwheels….#SundaySupper, #HolidayDrinksandAppetizers
Thanks, Liz! I wish I could describe the flavour… its similar to cranberry but richer and the ginger gives it a wonderful touch. I wish I could send you a sample! 🙂
lovelypantry recently posted..Jamaican Sorrel for #SundaySupper
What a lovely color! So inviting. I’d like to try some!
Cindys Recipes and Writings recently posted..Special Treat for Steak and Seafood Lovers
Thanks, Cindy – I wish you could have some!
lovelypantry recently posted..Jamaican Sorrel for #SundaySupper
What a gorgeous color – I would love to have a glass of this right now!
Erin @ Dinners, Dishes and Desserts recently posted..Cranberry Fizz #SundaySupper
Thanks, Erin!
lovelypantry recently posted..Jamaican Sorrel for #SundaySupper
I have no idea what Sorrel tastes like but I love Jamaican flavours so I bet I would love this. Your photos make me want to reach in the screen and help myself to a glass
Laura Hunter | Small Wallet Big Appetite recently posted..Cheesy Mushroom Pull Apart Bread #SundaySupper
I wish you could have some! Sorrel has a distinct flavour that is unforgettable 🙂
lovelypantry recently posted..Jamaican Sorrel for #SundaySupper
What a fantastic drink! I think this would make an awesome gift! I like how it can be alcoholic or non-alcoholic, normally I’d pick alcoholic all the way, but the bambino would think differently! Thanks for sharing.
Tammi @ Momma’s Meals recently posted..With Saddened Hearts…..
Thanks, Tammi! Yes, well you have to hold out for a while! lol I’ll have a drink for you in the meantime 😉
lovelypantry recently posted..Jamaican Sorrel for #SundaySupper
I love sorrel. I frequently cook them in sugar water and then put into champagne. Such a beautiful flower.
Megan – I Run For Wine recently posted..Old Fashioned Swedish Meatballs for #SundaySupper Holiday Drinks & Appetizers
Well its nice to hear of another way to consume sorrel! I agree, Megan. Sorrel is lovely. Thanks for sharing how you make it 🙂
lovelypantry recently posted..Jamaican Sorrel for #SundaySupper
Hey Lyn, thanks for introducing me to sorrel. I’ve never heard of it before but with all those wonderful ingredients in it, it sounds yummy! It’s great that it can be made with or without alcohol (I’d prefer with, naturally 😉 Beautiful photos – the deep dark red really pops!
Nancy @ gottagetbaked recently posted..Blogging Day of Silence
You’re welcome, Nancy. It is truly a Jamaican treasure and I’m so happy I could share it for #SundaySupper.
lovelypantry recently posted..Jamaican Sorrel for #SundaySupper
What a fascinating drink and such lovely pictures. I’ve heard of sorrel before, but never knew what it was. I’m keeping an eye out for it now so we can make this drink. Thanks for sharing!
Sarah | Curious Cuisiniere recently posted..Curry Roasted Mini Pumpkin
Thank you, Sarah! Its available online if you can’t find it locally. I hope you get to try this Caribbean treasure! 🙂
lovelypantry recently posted..Jamaican Sorrel for #SundaySupper
What a beautiful drink. Looks and sounds like something I have had at Peruvian restaurants. Wonder if it is similar.
Brianne @ Cupcakes & Kale Chips recently posted..Classic Snickerdoodles for my Dad
I have had sorell with a Jamaican friend at work & always wondered how it was made. Love this simple recipe. There’s a store nearby where I can get it. Will give it a shot. looks great Lynn & love the collage you made !
I’ve never heard of sorrel, so thanks for the lesson!
Carla recently posted..Holiday Desserts Round Up 2012