Pink Lady
The Pink Lady has a delicate, fruity, and slightly sweet taste with a hint of tartness. The gin provides a subtle, herbal undertone, while the grenadine and egg white create a smooth, velvety texture.
Trinidad Sorrel Cocktail Recipe
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Trinidad Sorrel Nutrition Facts
Calories:200
Fat:0g
Protein:0g
Carbohydrates:25g
Alcohol %:10%
Created by
Nic Polotnianko
I fell in love with the art of mixology 6 years ago. Since then, I've honed my skills, crafting a myriad of cocktail recipes, and sharing my passion with other enthusiasts.
Last Updated: January 7, 2024
Contents
History
The Trinidad Sorrel cocktail is a holiday favorite in the Caribbean, particularly in Trinidad and Tobago. It's traditionally made during the Christmas season, when the Sorrel flower (a species of Hibiscus) is in full bloom. The vibrant red color of the drink is a festive favorite, and its unique taste is loved by both locals and tourists. This cocktail is perfect for those who enjoy fruity and floral flavors with a hint of spice.
How Trinidad Sorrel Tastes?
The Trinidad Sorrel cocktail is a delightful blend of sweet, tart, and spicy. The Sorrel gives it a unique tartness, while the added sugar provides a balancing sweetness. The rum adds a warming kick, and the spices give it a complex depth of flavor.
Interesting facts about Trinidad Sorrel
- The Trinidad Sorrel cocktail is traditionally made with homemade Sorrel drink, which is a steeped infusion of the Sorrel calyces.
- The drink gets its vibrant red color from the Sorrel flower.
- In Trinidad and Tobago, it's common to add a stick of cinnamon or a few cloves to the drink for extra spice.
Ingredients
- Sorrel drink: 16 oz(480ml)
- White rum: 2 oz(60ml)
- Sugar: 1tbsp
- Cloves: 2
- Cinnamon stick: 1
- Lime juice: 1tbsp
Sorrel Drink
The Sorrel Drink is a traditional Caribbean beverage made from the sepals of the Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa) flower. It lends a tart, floral, and slightly tangy flavor to the cocktail, creating a taste synonymous with tropical holidays. Too much can overpower, while too little won't let the drink sing its floral chorus.
Emma Rose
White Rum
White Rum, the backbone of many a Caribbean cocktail, brings a sweet and light alcoholic bite that pairs intricately with the Sorrel's tangy notes. Without it, the cocktail lacks the kick it deserves. If you're feeling adventurous, a spiced rum could add a new dimension, though the pure flavor of white rum provides a clear taste of the Caribbean sun.
Alex Green
Sugar
Just a tablespoon, as sweetness is key but shouldn't steal the show. It balances out the acidity and enhances the natural flavors. Forget the sugar, and you might find the drink's sassier side with a tad too much tartness.
Mary Mitkina
Cloves
These tiny aromatic gems contribute a warm, spicy kick that whispers 'holidays' with every sip. Too many can make the drink taste medicinal, but just right, and it’s like Christmas in a glass.
Emma Rose
Cinnamon Stick
A cinnamon stick infuses the cocktail with a warm, comforting spice, rounding out the cloves and balancing against the sugar and tartness of other ingredients. Missing out cinnamon can be like skipping the fireplace in winter – something warm's just lacking.
Alex Green
Lime Juice
Finally, a tablespoon of lime juice to deliver zesty brightness and cut through the rich spice. Lime juice keeps the drink fresh-faced; leave it out, and you might as well be wearing sunglasses at night.
Mary Mitkina
Recipe. How to make Trinidad Sorrel Drink
- In a cocktail shaker, combine the Sorrel drink, rum, sugar, lime juice, cloves, and cinnamon stick.
- Shake well until the sugar is fully dissolved.
- Strain into a glass filled with ice.
- Garnish with a lime wheel and serve.
Pro Tips
- For a non-alcoholic version, simply omit the rum.
- If you're making this for a party, you can easily multiply the recipe to make a large batch.
- Serve it chilled for the best flavor.
Perfect Pairings
Food Pairings
Grilled Seafood: The citrus notes from the lime and the spicy undertones from cloves and cinnamon compliment the fresh flavors of grilled shrimp or fish.
Spicy Caribbean Dishes: The sweetness and spiciness of traditional Caribbean cuisine, like jerk chicken, would be balanced by the refreshing qualities of the cocktail.
Dark Chocolate Desserts: The complexity of dark chocolate pairs well with the white rum and the tartness of the Sorrel drink.
Drink Pairings
Chilled White Wine: For those who enjoy a less potent beverage alongside their cocktail, a crisp white wine would be a refined companion.
Sparkling Water with Citrus: For a non-alcoholic pairing, try a bubbly sparkling water with a squeeze of lime to echo the cocktail's flavors.
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What you could change in Trinidad Sorrel
- If you can't find Sorrel drink, you can substitute it with cranberry juice or pomegranate juice.
- You can use brown rum instead of white rum for a deeper flavor.
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And of course - twists🍹
Spiced Sorrel Sling
*Substitute white rum with spiced rum for an extra kick. *Add a splash of ginger beer for effervescence.
This version will take you on a spiced journey, elevating the warmth of the cocktail. The ginger beer adds a fizzy twist that tickles the taste buds, perfect for when the night calls for something with a bit more pizzazz.
Tropical Sorrel Swirl
*Use coconut rum instead of white rum. *Add a touch of pineapple juice.
Infuse your Trinidad Sorrel with an island twist by using coconut rum and a dash of pineapple juice. It'll feel like you're sipping on a tropical breeze, with the coconut giving a creamy sweetness that complements the sorrel's tartness.
Hibiscus Highball
*Replace Sorrel Drink with hibiscus tea. *Introduce a splash of club soda.
If you want to tone down the sweetness and amp up the sophistication, a Hibiscus Highball is your go-to. The tea's floral notes are more pronounced, and the club soda provides a refreshing carbonation that keeps things light and classy.
In case you forgot basics how to make Trinidad Sorrel
Add your ingredients to the shaker first, then ice. Fill it up to ¾ of its capacity to ensure enough space for shaking. Hold the shaker with both hands (one on the top and one on the bottom) and shake vigorously. The shake should come from your shoulders, not your wrists.
Learn everything on how to shakePlace your chosen strainer on top of the shaker or mixing glass, ensuring a secure fit. Pour the cocktail into a glass through the strainer, which will catch solid ingredients and ice. If double straining, hold the fine mesh strainer between the shaker and the glass.
Learn everything on how to strainGarnishing a bar drink depends on the type of garnish and the cocktail. Generally, it involves preparing the garnish (like cutting a citrus wheel or picking a sprig of mint), and then adding it to the drink in a visually appealing way (like perching it on the rim or floating it on top).
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Frequently Asked Questions on Trinidad Sorrel
What is the origin of Sorrel Drink?
Sorrel Drink is a traditional beverage from the Caribbean, particularly popular in countries like Trinidad and Tobago, Jamaica, and Barbados. It's made from the sepals of the Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa) plant, which is a species of Hibiscus native to West Africa.
How is the fermentation process for making the Trinidad Sorrel?
The Trinidad Sorrel isn't traditionally a fermented drink. However, you could opt to ferment the Sorrel Drink itself for a different flavor profile. This would involve steeping the Sorrel sepals in hot water, adding sugar, and letting the mixture ferment for a few days before straining and using it in the cocktail.
Does this cocktail pair well with any specific dishes?
The fruity, spicy, and tart flavors of the Trinidad Sorrel pair excellently with traditional Caribbean cuisine. It can be enjoyed with a variety of dishes such as spicy jerk chicken, fried plantains, or rice and peas.
Can I use other types of alcohol in this cocktail?
While traditionally made with rum, variations of the Trinidad Sorrel can be made using other spirits like vodka or tequila for a twist. However, the unique flavor of rum complements the sorrel and spices exceptionally well.
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