Christmas Drinks

SORREL: A SIGN OF TRINI CHRISTMAS

Locally, sorrel is planted a few months in advance just in time for the Christmas Season . It could be seen in the markets, colouring the stalls in a sea of red. Sometimes while driving you can see vans parked at the side of the road or highway filled to capacity with sorrel awaiting passersby. Truly a sign that Christmas is near.

To me Sorrel is synonymous with Christmas in Trinidad. In every home you can find this Sorrel drink being made in preparation for invited guests during the Christmas season. The drink is made from the bright, red sepals of the sorrel plant that is sour in taste. 

Sorrel Drink Recipe

1 lb. sorrel
10 cups water
1 cup sugar
2 sticks cinnamon

3 cloves
4 tbsp. grated ginger

optional:
¼ cup rum

Method

1.    Wash the sorrel.

2.    Separate the sepals from the ‘seed’. Please, note the technique used. Do not touch the seed with your fingers. The seed has fine ‘hairs’ that could penetrate the skin. 

This is how it looks when separated. Note where the seed is being held.

1.    Wash the sorrel sepals again.

2.    Place in a deep pot and add the water, cinnamon, and optional spices.

3.    Boil for about 20 minutes or until the sepals begin to lose their colour and look jelly-like.

6.    Strain the sorrel and allow to cool.

7.    After it cools, sweeten with sugar and add the rum if desired.

Pour into bottle and refrigerate. Serve chilled.