How to Make Traditional Jamaican Sorrel Drink (A Caribbean Holiday Favorite!)

🌺 A Caribbean Tradition You Can Taste

In Jamaica, sorrel drink isn’t just a beverage — it’s a holiday tradition, served at Christmas, New Year’s, and family gatherings for generations. Made from hibiscus flowers (called sorrel locally), fresh ginger, and warm spices, it’s a bold, beautiful drink that’s as refreshing as it is meaningful.

Now you can bring this taste of the islands right into your own kitchen — no holiday required.


🍹 Ingredients (Makes about 1 gallon)

  • 2 cups dried hibiscus flowers (sorrel)
  • 10 cups boiling water
  • 2-inch piece of fresh ginger, sliced
  • 6 whole cloves
  • 2 cinnamon sticks
  • 2–3 cups sugar (to taste)
  • 1 tablespoon pimento (allspice) berries (optional)
  • Juice of 1 lime (optional)
  • Jamaican white rum (optional for adults)

👩🏽‍🍳 Instructions

1️⃣ Steep:
Add the hibiscus flowers, ginger, cloves, cinnamon, and pimento berries into a large heatproof container. Pour boiling water over the mixture.

2️⃣ Infuse:
Cover and let steep for 6–12 hours or overnight for deep, rich flavor.

3️⃣ Strain & Sweeten:
Strain the liquid into a pitcher, removing the solids. Stir in sugar while tasting to reach your perfect sweetness. Add lime juice if desired.

4️⃣ Chill:
Refrigerate until fully chilled. Serve over ice.

5️⃣ Optional:
For a festive adult version, add a splash of Jamaican white rum!


🌍 Why We Love It

  • Rich in antioxidants from hibiscus
  • Packed with warm, holiday flavors
  • Easy to batch for parties or family gatherings
  • A cultural staple across generations

🛒 Shop My Sorrel Drink Essentials

🌺 Anthony’s Organic Hibiscus Flowers (Sorrel)

These organic hibiscus petals are perfect for vibrant color and traditional flavor, delivering the bold tang that makes Jamaican sorrel so irresistible.

🍶 Glass Beverage Dispenser with Spigot

Serve your sorrel in style! This sleek, large-capacity glass dispenser is ideal for parties and gatherings, and the spigot keeps things mess-free.

🌿 Food to Live Allspice (Pimento) Berries

Add warm, island spice to your brew with these authentic Jamaican allspice berries — they give sorrel its classic, rounded flavor profile.


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