The Traditional Holiday Beverage

Ever since I can remember the holidays always involved the famous Sorrel beverage. Yes, it's true this beverage can be bought in stores, but there is nothing like homemade sorrel during the holidays.

Sorrel is a holiday beverage, and the main ingredient is the sorrel plant. The plant is referred to has the hibiscus flower. It is used to make a sort of tea that is served either hot or cold. The drink has a displeasing taste, so many people decide to cover the sour flavor with ginger and/or cinnamon. These flavorings help make the beverage a recognizable holiday drink in the Caribbean.

Picture by Andrew Scrivani for The New York Times

Sorrel is available in other parts of the world, just called a different name. In Latin markets hisbicus flowers is known as jamaica and so is the beverage. In West Africa the flowers are known as roselle and bissap and in Nigeria the drink is called zobo

Interested in making Sorrel click here

I would love for you to try the recipe and let me know your thoughts on the famous holiday beverage. Can't wait for Christmas day to sit back with my glass of sorrel in one hand and a plate of corn pudding, fruit cake, and ice cream in the other.