Rich, Spiced, and Full of Christmas Cheer — Authentic to the Core
Servings: About 8–10
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Steep Time: 6–12 hours
Total Time: About 12 hours (including steeping)
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 4 cups dried sorrel (hibiscus petals)
- 10 cups water
- 2 Tbsp fresh ginger, grated or sliced
- 8–10 whole pimento seeds (allspice)
- 3–4 whole cloves
- 1 cinnamon stick (optional but nice)
- 1–1½ cups brown sugar (to taste)
Traditional (Non-Alcoholic) Version:
- Juice of 1 lime (optional)
- Extra water or ice to dilute if too strong
Rum-Infused (Festive) Version:
- ½ to 1 cup Jamaican white rum (Wray & Nephew is traditional)
- ½ cup red wine or port (optional, gives depth and richness)
Equipment
- Large stainless steel or glass pot (avoid aluminum — it can affect taste)
- Fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth
- Large pitcher or glass jar for steeping
- Wooden spoon
Step-by-Step
1️⃣ Boil the Base:
Bring 10 cups of water to a boil. Add sorrel, ginger, pimento, cloves, and cinnamon stick. Boil for 5 minutes.
2️⃣ Steep the Flavor:
Remove from heat. Cover and let steep 6–12 hours (overnight is best). The longer it sits, the richer the color and flavor.
3️⃣ Strain and Sweeten:
Strain the liquid through a fine mesh or cheesecloth into a large bowl or pitcher.
Add brown sugar while the drink is slightly warm, stirring until dissolved. Adjust sweetness to your liking.
4️⃣ Choose Your Style:
- Traditional: Add a squeeze of lime juice and chill with ice or water.
- Rum-Infused: Stir in Jamaican white rum (and red wine, if using). Mix gently and taste — it should be smooth, spicy, and rich.
5️⃣ Chill and Serve:
Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving. Serve cold over ice.
Tips & Swaps
- Ginger Strength: Want it fiery? Use more ginger or let it steep longer.
- Sweetness: Sorrel can get tart — balance with sugar or honey to taste.
- Storage: Keeps up to 7 days refrigerated. Shake before serving as natural settling occurs.
- Flavor Boost: Add orange peel or a dash of vanilla essence for a subtle twist.
- Party Hack: Freeze leftover sorrel in ice cube trays for a spiced “ice cube” in drinks later.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with:
- Jamaican rum cake or Christmas pudding
- A slice of sorrel-glazed ham
- Or simply as a cold welcome drink for guests
Optional Presentation:
Serve in tall glass tumblers with crushed ice and a cinnamon stick or lime wheel garnish. For that WAM Flavors holiday look, line the rim with brown sugar and float a single hibiscus petal on top — elegance meets island tradition. 🎄✨
