While Sorrel (the dried sepals [the outer parts] of the genus Hibiscus [Roselle] flower which create a versatile and colorful red liquid when infused with hot water) is predominantly made around Christmas-time in the Caribbean (that’s when the flowers are ready for harvest), there’s no reason why this refreshing passionfruit and citrus infused version cannot be enjoyed all year long.
You’ll Need…
1 1/2 cup dried sorrel
4 cloves
1 small stick cinnamon
10 cups water
1 bay leaf
3 slices ginger
1 small orange (sliced)
1 1/2 cups sugar
3 large passionfruit (cut in half)
1/2 lime
Notes! Please follow along with the video below as the recipe is described in more detail there. The sugar amount is a guide and can be customized to your tolerance for sweetness. Additionally, you may use any sweetener you prefer. If doing this recipe gluten free, please go through the full list of ingredients to ensure they meet with your specific gluten free dietary requirements.
I’ve been based in Canada for over 30 years, so getting access to freshly picked Sorrel is not an option. You’ll notice in the image above that I used dried sorrel petals which are easily available on and offline. Were I in the Caribbean I’d use the fresh harvested petals.
Also note that the “passionfruit” I had access to, were not the passionfruit I knew growing up. I believe these are called Granadilla Passionfruit and are available in most grocery stores today.
Place 10-12 cups of water in a deep pot to boil on a medium/high flame. Add the dried sorrel, cinnamon stick, bay leaf, ginger and cloves. Do keep in mind that should you want a STRONGER sorrel drink, double up on the dried sorrel petals. The goal for me is to not have the flavor of the Passionfruit get lost.
As it comes to a boil, reduce the heat to a rolling boil and cook for 8 minutes. Then remove the cinnamon stick and add the sugar. Stir to dissolve the sugar.
Scrape the seeds of the passionfruit into the pot along with the skins. Add the sliced orange at this point as well. Cook for a further 2-3 minutes.
Shut the stove off and allow it to cool for 2-3 hours and in the process the flavors will steep and develop further.
Once cooled completely, strain into a pitcher and hit it with the juice of the lime. Yes you may adjust the sweetness to your tolerance.
Keep in mind that if you add ice to the finished Passionfruit Sorrel drink, it will dilute a bit as the ice melts.
Store in the fridge for at least 2 weeks.
