Dominica Sorrel Punch (Spiced Hibiscus Drink)
In short: Dominica sorrel punch of dried hibiscus steeped with ginger, cloves, cinnamon and orange peel, sweetened and served ice-cold at Christmas. It takes about 20 min in total and makes 8 servings.
- Prep
- 10 min
- Cook
- 10 min
- Resting
- 8 h
- Total
- 20 min
- Servings
- 8
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 80 kcal
Sorrel is the red Christmas drink of the Caribbean, and in Dominica it is brewed with ginger, cloves, cinnamon and orange peel until deep ruby and tart. The sorrel is the dried calyx of a hibiscus plant, sold in Caribbean and African markets. It is steeped overnight, sweetened and served over ice, and many families add a splash of local rum. Make it a day ahead, as the flavor deepens.
Instructions
- Bring the water to a boil in a large pot with the ginger, cloves, cinnamon sticks and orange peel. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the sorrel. Cover and let it steep for at least 8 hours, or overnight at room temperature.
- Strain through a fine sieve into a pitcher, pressing on the sorrel. Discard the solids.
- Stir in the sugar until dissolved, then add the lime juice. Taste, and add more sugar or a little water to suit.
- Chill well. Serve over ice with a slice of orange.
Tips
- Do not steep for more than 24 hours, or the drink turns bitter. If you want a stronger flavor, use more sorrel rather than steeping longer.
- For an adult version, add 30 ml (2 tbsp) of dark rum per glass. The drink keeps in the fridge for up to 1 week.
Questions and answers
What is sorrel?
Sorrel here means roselle, a type of hibiscus. The red calyces are dried and brewed to make a tart, ruby-colored drink. It is unrelated to the leafy sorrel herb.
Where can I buy dried sorrel?
Look in Caribbean, African, Latin American and Middle Eastern shops, where it may be sold as hibiscus flowers, jamaica or roselle. Dried hibiscus tea works too.
How long does sorrel drink keep?
It keeps for about 1 week in a sealed bottle in the fridge, and for 3 months in the freezer.
How long does it take to make Dominica Sorrel Punch (Spiced Hibiscus Drink)?
About 20 min in total: 10 min of preparation and 10 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Dominica Sorrel Punch (Spiced Hibiscus Drink)?
About 80 kcal per serving, with 0 g of protein, 20 g of carbohydrates and 0 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 80 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 0 g |
| Carbohydrates | 20 g |
| Fat | 0 g |
| Fiber | 0 g |
| Sugar | 19 g |
| Sodium | 10 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
