How to Make the Perfect Sorrel Drink
Caribbean · Easy · 25 min · 8 servings
This beautiful ruby red hibiscus drink is a naturally kid friendly Caribbean beverage that children are drawn to for its stunning color and sweet tangy flavor. Parents love serving this as a festive and refreshing alternative to sugary sodas that looks impressive at any family gathering or holiday celebration.
Why this recipe works
This Sorrel Drink recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 25 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 60 calories with 0g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 6 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 2 cups dried hibiscus petals
- 6 cups water
- 0.5 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 stick cinnamon
- 2 cups ice cubes
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Boil the Petals
Bring the water to a boil in a medium pot, add the dried hibiscus petals, grated ginger, and cinnamon stick, then reduce heat and simmer gently for 10 minutes until the liquid turns a deep ruby red.
Step 2: Sweeten the Drink
Remove the pot from heat and stir in the sugar while the liquid is still hot so it dissolves completely and evenly throughout the drink.
Step 3: Strain and Cool
Pour the liquid through a fine mesh strainer into a large pitcher, discard the petals and spices, then allow the drink to cool to room temperature before refrigerating.
Step 4: Serve Over Ice
Once chilled, pour the sorrel drink over plenty of ice in tall glasses and serve immediately as a beautiful and refreshing Caribbean treat that kids and adults both adore.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- dried hibiscus petals → hibiscus tea bags which are widely available and produce the same gorgeous color and tart flavor
- fresh ginger → a small pinch of ground ginger which gives a milder warmth that younger children tend to prefer
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Adding the sugar while the liquid is still boiling on the stove which causes excess evaporation and makes the drink too concentrated
- Not straining the drink thoroughly which leaves behind small pieces of petal that create an unpleasant texture in the finished drink
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 60 calories, 0g protein, 16g carbs, 0g fat, 0g fiber.
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