Sorrel, a vibrant crimson drink, is a beloved Christmas tradition in Trinidad and Tobago, and throughout the Caribbean. Its tart, slightly sweet flavor is the perfect refreshing counterpoint to the tropical heat, or a cozy warming drink on a cooler evening. This guide will walk you through making authentic Trinidad sorrel, ensuring your holiday season is filled with deliciousness.
Ingredients for Authentic Trinidad Sorrel
This recipe yields approximately 1 gallon of sorrel. Adjust quantities as needed.
- 2 lbs. fresh sorrel: You can usually find fresh sorrel at Caribbean grocery stores or farmers' markets in the late fall and winter. Look for vibrant red flowers and leaves; avoid wilted or damaged ones. Alternatively, you can use dried sorrel, but you'll need to adjust soaking time.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (or to taste): The sweetness is adjustable according to your preference. Some prefer a more tart sorrel, while others prefer it sweeter.
- 1 orange, thinly sliced: The orange adds a bright citrusy note that complements the sorrel perfectly.
- 1/2 cup ginger, thinly sliced: Fresh ginger provides a warming spice that balances the tartness of the sorrel.
- 2 cinnamon sticks: These add a touch of warmth and complexity to the flavor.
- 4 cloves: Cloves add a subtle, warm spice to the drink.
- 1/2 cup of lime or lemon juice: This enhances the tartness and acts as a natural preservative.
- Water: Use enough water to cover the sorrel during the soaking and boiling process. Aim for about 1 gallon total.
- Optional additions: Many people add a splash of rum or other alcohol for an adult beverage. You can also experiment with other spices like allspice berries or star anise.
Step-by-Step Instructions: Making Your Trinidad Sorrel
1. Preparing the Sorrel: Thoroughly wash the fresh sorrel leaves and remove any stems. If using dried sorrel, skip this step.
2. Soaking the Sorrel: Place the washed sorrel in a large bowl or container. Cover generously with water and let it soak for at least 4-6 hours, or preferably overnight. This step helps to soften the leaves and extract maximum flavor.
3. Boiling the Sorrel: In a large pot, combine the soaked sorrel, orange slices, ginger, cinnamon sticks, and cloves. Add enough water to cover everything completely. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 20-30 minutes, or until the sorrel leaves have softened significantly.
4. Straining the Sorrel: Carefully remove the pot from heat and allow it to cool slightly. Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove all the solids. You can use a strainer to collect the sorrel liquid and squeeze out any remaining liquid from the pulp. Discard the solids.
5. Sweetening and Adding Citrus: Add the sugar and lime/lemon juice to the strained sorrel liquid. Stir until the sugar is completely dissolved. Taste and adjust sweetness or tartness as needed.
6. Chilling and Serving: Pour the sorrel into a pitcher or bottles and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to blend and chill thoroughly. Serve chilled. Garnish with an orange slice or a sprig of fresh sorrel before serving.
Tips for the Best Trinidad Sorrel
- Use fresh sorrel if possible: Fresh sorrel offers a superior flavor compared to dried sorrel.
- Don't be afraid to experiment: Feel free to adjust the spices and sweetness to your liking.
- Make it ahead: Sorrel tastes even better after it's had time to chill and the flavors have melded together.
Enjoy your delicious homemade Trinidad sorrel! It's a perfect drink to share with friends and family during the holidays. This festive beverage is guaranteed to become a cherished tradition in your home.
