Sorrel Drink Recipe

Soar into a feeling of satisfaction and happiness with a unique, delicious, and healthy Sorrel Drink!

The sorrel drink is a popular Jamaican beverage that’s made from dried sorrel or hibiscus. It leaves you with a cooling and refreshing feeling, especially when you serve it with ice.

It’s the perfect drink for the summer, celebrations, or the weekends for everyone to savor. With all-natural elements, you can make a drink that gives you an incredible experience beyond what you can imagine.

healthy sorrel drink

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While the traditional sorrel drink recipe uses hibiscus, ginger, cloves, berries, and sugar, let’s use fruits to achieve a similarly rich and sweet drink that will make you feel like you’re on a vacation in Jamaica!

How to Make Sorrel Drink

Take a break from classic juice recipes and make a Sorrel Drink that’s oozing with incredible flavor and quality. It’s absolutely easy to prepare and worth every minute of your time!

Ingredients

What goes into the best Sorrel Drink recipe?

sugar free sorrel drink ingredients
Dried hibiscus flowers

You can’t make a Sorrel Drink without dried hibiscus flowers, can you?

Dried zobo leaves, hibiscus flowers, or sorrel are perfect for giving the drink its signature sour and fresh quality. It has a tartness that tastes a lot like cranberries. These have a deep red color and aromatic touch that you’ll love.

I’m sure you’ll appreciate the floral flavor and fragrance of the hibiscus. These will also taste fantastic with fresh fruits. It’s also going to take your diet to the next level because of its health benefits.

Health Benefits of Hibiscus Flowers

  • Hibiscus flowers have powerful antioxidants that can reduce inflammation and oxidative stress.
  • According to Healthline, hibiscus flowers can help lower your blood pressure.
  • You can also boost your liver function with these flowers.
  • As suggested by the Cleveland Clinic, the extract from hibiscus flowers can promote digestion and weight loss.
  • One cup of hibiscus flowers only has about 28 calories!

There are many drinks you can make from hibiscus flowers. Aside from the sorrel drink, you can use them for lattes, sauces, garnish, syrups, cocktails, and so much more!

Pineapple

When it comes to adding fruits to sorrel, the pineapple should be your top option.

The pineapple has a sweet, tarty, and saccharine taste that matches the sorrel flowers. What’s more, this can give a tropical vibe to almost any drink. It also has a soft and juicy texture to enhance flavor. 

In fact, pineapple juice is one of my favorite drinks. I love pairing it with pomegranates, beetroot, or ginger. Wait until you taste it in the sorrel drink, it’ll be such an interesting experience!

Orange

Another fruit that you can add to the drink is the orange!

You will use both the orange juice and orange peel to infuse the drink with the citrus flavor. It will taste great with the pineapples because of its sweet and tarty flavors.

Oranges are also easy to juice and zest – effortless to add to the drink. There are also other citrus fruits you can use like clementines, nectarines, and even limes to give a similar flavor.

Ginger

Don’t make the sorrel drink too sweet and add in some ginger!

The ginger’s pungent and spicy flavors can balance the drink’s sweetness. It also gives a warm and relaxing feeling to any beverage. Thus, I add this to pineapple or apple juice for extra zing!

Using ginger also adds a soothing effect that will make you feel better. It goes well with almost any fruit, especially the hibiscus flowers. Have you tried adding it to your favorite drinks before?

Maple syrup

Finish off the sorrel drink with a natural sweetener like maple syrup!

Maple syrup is one of the best sweeteners for this drink because it’s organic. It tastes like a mix of vanilla and caramel for a rich flavor. This is also my favorite sweetener for Turmeric Tea and Iced Tea!

zero sugar sorrel drink

Without a doubt, you will feel refreshed, nourished, and satisfied with this Sorrel Drink! It’s infused with the best fruits for juicing. It has an amazingly delicious quality that you won’t believe it’s 101% homemade!

Directions

Follow these steps to make your own Sorrel Drink at home:

  1. Rinse the hibiscus flowers with cold water.
  2. Put the flowers in a pot.
  3. Then, boil the flowers with water and chopped ginger over medium heat for 15 minutes. 
  4. Add fresh pineapple chunks and orange juice. You can also add the orange peel.
  5. Stir the contents with a spatula and boil for another ten minutes. 
  6. Remove it from heat and let it sit for at least two hours.
  7. Press the fresh fruit with a masher to release more juices and flavor.
  8. Filter the juice with a fine-mesh sieve
  9. Add maple syrup or any sweetener of your choice.
  10. Pour the drink into a glass cup to enjoy!
Caribbean sorrel drink sugar free

Sorrel Drink is definitely one of the best beverages for any occasion! It is naturally better-tasting and nutritious than store-bought juices. You may not even get enough of it! 

Tips

How to Dry and Store Hibiscus Flowers

Dried sorrel or hibiscus flowers are available in African grocery stores. However, you can also dry them on your own. 

Sundry

Arrange the flowers on a tray and place them under the sun. This method can take up to five days. 

Oven dry
  1. Preheat the oven to the lowest temperature.
  2. Then, arrange the flowers on the baking tray.
  3. Let it dry with the oven door slightly ajar.
  4. Constantly check the flowers until you’re content with the dryness. 
Dehydrator
  1. Put the sorrel flowers on a dehydrator tray.
  2. Then, set the machine to the lowest temperature.
  3. Let them dehydrate for several hours, and constantly check them for doneness. 

Quick Tip!

To store the dried sorrel flowers, place them in an airtight container to last indefinitely. 

Oranges

Buying oranges
  • Oranges should feel heavy for their size and be free from soft spots.
  • The skin should also be smooth and finely textured.
Storing oranges
  • According to Healthy Family Project, oranges can last up to two days at room temperature.
  • Ripe ones are best refrigerated for up to two weeks. 
Preparing oranges
  1. Wash the orange over running water.
  2. Zest the peel with a grater or zester.
  3. Then, roll it on a flat surface to loosen up the pulp and juice.
  4. Cut it in half and squeeze out as much of the extract as possible. 

Pineapple

Buying pineapples
  • Healthline suggests buying a pineapple with vibrant green leaves.
  • You should also smell a sweet scent at the base.
  • Heavy pineapples with tender fronds are juicy.
Storing pineapples
  • Use room temperature pineapples within two days.
  • Otherwise, place it in a mesh bag and refrigerate it for up to five days. 
Preparing pineapples
  1. Slice the bottom of the pineapple to mount it on a surface.
  2. Then, hold the top as you run your knife downward to peel it.
  3. Slice the pineapple into chunks. 
zobo sorrel hibiscus drink

Sorrel Drink Variations

Do you want to make the Sorrel Drink so much more interesting?

Always go for quality dried hibiscus flowers to make the sorrel drink. Check for the best options to use and try different brands to find out which one best suits your taste and style.

Aside from oranges and pineapples, you can also use strawberies, watermelons, apples, dates, monk fruit, nectarines, clementines, and more. You can add sugar, peppercorns, cinnamon sticks, anise, bay leaf, allspice, and more.

Try this drink with other tropical fruits, herbs, and spices for other variations!

  • Pot: Boil the sorrel drink in a pot. 
  • Masher: Pound the ingredients with a masher to release flavor. 
  • Fine-mesh sieve: Filter contents using a fine-mesh sieve for texture. 
  • Spatula: Stir the drink together with a wooden spatula. 
  • Glass cup: Drink the juice in a glass cup. 

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How to Serve Sorrel Drink

sorrel drink

How can you best enjoy the Sorrel Drink?

You can serve it hot or cold, depending on your liking. No matter what time of the day it is, it will keep you refreshed and energized. I also suggest drinking it a few hours before bedtime for better sleep quality.

Before serving, it is best to let it steep for at least two hours to let the flavor set. It may be delicious but remember to drink this in moderation. You can have a glass of sorrel drink every other day.

According to RxList, sorrel drink is possibly unsafe for children and pregnant women. Therefore, if you have any underlying conditions, remember to consult your doctor before drinking. 

This post may contain general information and does not constitute professional medical advice. Always seek information or advice from a qualified medical professional. Please read the full disclaimer for details.

Here are the best dishes to pair with this drink:

storing sorrel drink

Storage Tips

  • At room temperature: You can let it steep at room temperature for hours. It can last up to three days at room temperature. 

make ahead

In the fridge: Store the drink in a glass bottle and refrigerate it to last up to seven days.

To freeze: Pour the beverage over ice cube trays. Once frozen solid, store in freezer bags for several weeks.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is sorrel drink good for?

The sorrel drink helps prevent diseases, boosts immunity, and improves overall health. It’s good for your heart, skin, and brain. This juice can also aid in cancer prevention.

What is sorrel made from?

It is mainly made of sorrel or hibiscus flowers. You can also mix in pineapples, oranges, ginger, or other fruits and spices. Add a sweetener for a richer taste and texture.

How long can you keep sorrel drink?

At room temperature, the sorrel drink can last up to three days. In the fridge, it will last for about a week. You can also freeze the juice for several weeks or even months!

Is sorrel drink good for cholesterol?

Yes, it is great for reducing cholesterol levels. It unclogs your arteries for better blood flow. With the antioxidants from this drink, you can protect yourself from heart problems, too.

Caribbean sorrel drink

Sugar-Free Sorrel Drink (VIDEO)

5 from 1 vote
Tremendous flavor, freshness, and nutrition? This healthy Sorrel Drink is the ultimate answer!
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 5 people
Course Drinks, Drinks and Juices
Cuisine African, West African
Calories 72kcal

Ingredients
 
 

  • 1 cup hibiscus (zobo leaves/sorrel flower)
  • 1 pineapple (ripe)
  • 1 fresh orange (orange juice)
  • 100 g fresh ginger (chopped)
  • ¼ cup maple syrup (or any sweetener of choice)
  • 4 cups water

Instructions
 

Prepare the hibiscus flowers.

  • Rinse the sorrel flowers with cold water to get rid of any dirt.
  • Put the hibiscus flowers in a pot.
  • Boil the flower with water and chopped ginger over medium heat for 15 minutes.

Incorporate fresh fruits.

  • Add fresh pineapple chunks and orange juice for sweetness. You can also incorporate the orange peel for extra zest.
  • Stir the contents and boil for another 10 minutes.
  • Remove it from heat and let it sit for at least 2 hours.
  • Press the fresh fruit with a masher to release more juices and flavor.
  • Strain the juice with a fine-mesh sieve.
  • Add maple syrup or any sweetener of your choice.
  • Pour the drink into a glass bottle to refrigerate.

Video

Notes

  • Use your favorite citrus fruits and seasoning to make a recipe.
  • For a finer texture, juice the orange, ginger, and pineapple.
  • Caution must be taken when servings this to children and pregnant women. 

Nutrition

Serving: 1 (of 5)Calories: 72kcalCarbohydrates: 18gProtein: 1gFat: 0.2gSaturated Fat: 0.04gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.04gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.04gSodium: 15mgPotassium: 176mgFiber: 1gSugar: 12gVitamin A: 199IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 41mgIron: 0.2mg
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