Cribbean Guava Sorrel Concentrate
A vibrant Caribbean sorrel concentrate infused with guava and warm spices, perfect for cocktails, festive drinks, or reducing into a dessert syrup. While sorrel is a popular drink during the Christmas season in the Caribbean, this sorrel concentrate can be used all year long.
Ingredients
- 4 to 4 5 cups dried sorrel
- 3 pieces dried orange peel, about 3 inches each
- 1 small cinnamon stick
- 3 slices fresh ginger
- 1 teaspoon whole cloves
- 1 lb guava, sliced
- 16 cups water
- 1 bay leaf
- 3 cups sugar
Instructions
- Add the dried sorrel, cinnamon stick, ginger slices, and cloves to a deep stock or soup pot.
- Wash and cut the guava into pieces, and add it to the pot along with the dried orange peel. Some guavas can have a white, pink, or red interior. You may also use guava paste that can be found in Latino and Asian supermarkets.
- Add the water and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce to a simmer and cook for 35 to 40 minutes.
- Turn off the heat and allow the mixture to steep for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Strain the liquid using a strainer lined with cheesecloth, squeezing the sorrel and guava to extract all the juice and flavor.
- Return the strained liquid to a pot, add the bay leaf and sugar, and bring to a boil.
- Reduce to a simmer (immediately as it comes to a boil - explained in the video below) and cook for 60 to 70 minutes, or until reduced by at least one-third. For a syrup, reduce by two-thirds.
- Remove the bay leaf. Allow to cool completely, then bottle and store in the refrigerator.
Notes
Can I use fresh sorrel instead of dried?
Fresh sorrel can be used, but dried sorrel provides a stronger flavor and deeper color. You will need to adjust the quantity. How long does guava sorrel concentrate last?
Stored in clean, airtight bottles, it will keep for several weeks in the refrigerator. What is the difference between concentrate and syrup?
A concentrate is reduced by about one-third and is best for drinks. A syrup is reduced by two-thirds and is thick enough for topping desserts. Can I make this without guava?
Yes, you can omit the guava for a more traditional sorrel concentrate, but the flavor will be less fruity. Is this an alcoholic drink?
No, the concentrate is non-alcoholic, but it pairs well with prosecco, rum, or vodka.
Fresh sorrel can be used, but dried sorrel provides a stronger flavor and deeper color. You will need to adjust the quantity. How long does guava sorrel concentrate last?
Stored in clean, airtight bottles, it will keep for several weeks in the refrigerator. What is the difference between concentrate and syrup?
A concentrate is reduced by about one-third and is best for drinks. A syrup is reduced by two-thirds and is thick enough for topping desserts. Can I make this without guava?
Yes, you can omit the guava for a more traditional sorrel concentrate, but the flavor will be less fruity. Is this an alcoholic drink?
No, the concentrate is non-alcoholic, but it pairs well with prosecco, rum, or vodka.
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