Sorrel Drink

This homemade sorrel drink is a fragrant, deeply refreshing Jamaican and Caribbean Christmas classic made by steeping dried sorrel with warming spices, fresh herbs, and ginger. After a long, slow steep, the mixture is strained and sweetened with sugar and lemon for a bright, tart finish. Serve it chilled for a crisp, ruby-red drink that works beautifully for holidays, celebrations, or big-batch entertaining.

Instructions

1. 1

   Place the allspice, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and 14 cups of the water in a large pot. Cover and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Add the sorrel, thyme, rosemary, culantro, mint, and sage. Give it a light stir, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover and let simmer for 15 minutes. Remove from heat.

2. 2

   Let the sorrel mixture cool completely at room temperature, at least 4 hours or up to 12 hours.

3. 3

   Strain the cooled mixture into a large (1–1½-gallon) pitcher. Discard the solids.

4. 4

   Stir the sugar and lemon juice into the drink mixture in the pitcher. If using, stir in white rum to taste. Add more of the remaining 2 cups water as desired.

5. 5

   Serve chilled or over ice.

6. 6

   Enjoy!

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