By Grocery List Plus Editorial Staff | Published on June 14, 2026
Serves 6
306 cal · 75 min
Caribbean Sorrel
Recipe GLPR1fed85b27dd678
A vibrant, tart-sweet beverage made from steeped dried hibiscus flowers infused with warm spices. This traditional Caribbean drink is refreshing served chilled and can be enjoyed on its own or mixed with sparkling water and rum for celebrations.
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Ingredients
2 cups lightly packed dried hibiscus flowers
3 cinnamon sticks (preferably Vietnamese or Indonesian)
1 teaspoon whole cloves
2⅓ cups sugar
Directions
In a large pot, bring 12 cups of water to a boil over high heat.
Add the dried hibiscus flowers, cinnamon sticks, and whole cloves to the boiling water.
Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the mixture simmer gently for 45–50 minutes, allowing the flavors to fully infuse and the liquid to deepen in color to a rich burgundy.
Carefully strain the liquid through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a clean pot or bowl, pressing gently on the solids to extract all the flavor. Discard the hibiscus flowers, cinnamon sticks, and cloves.
Stir in the sugar while the liquid is still warm, stirring until completely dissolved.
Allow the sorrel to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until thoroughly chilled.
Serve chilled in glasses, optionally diluted with additional water, ice, or sparkling water to reach your preferred strength and sweetness.
Comments
Sorrel is a seasonal drink that leans on dried hibiscus flowers, cinnamon, and cloves—hibiscus is the real constraint, requiring a trip to a specialty market or online order since Charlotte's mainstream chains stock it inconsistently if at all. The 75-minute stated time is honest for steeping and cooling, though factor in shopping time if you don't have hibiscus on hand. At roughly $0.50 to $1.00 per serving (depending on hibiscus price), it's economical, and it's a make-ahead drink that keeps refrigerated for days, ideal for holiday entertaining. This works best for cooks who plan ahead or have a source for Caribbean spices; for a weeknight craving, budget the extra errand.
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