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Liora Vance

The Red Cup (Chilled Summer Sorrel)

A tart, cooling roselle hibiscus drink for hot afternoons. Barely sweet, deeply red, made to sip slowly over ice.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Steep 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 6 Cups
Course: Drinks
Cuisine: Caribbean
Calories: 40

Ingredients
  

  • 1 Cup Dried sorrel / dried hibiscus (roselle)
  • 6 Cups Water
  • 1 Inch Fresh ginger sliced
  • 3-4 Whole Cloves (optional)
  • A few strips of orange peels (optional)
  • 3 Tbsp Honey or Cane Sugar to taste
  • 1 Lime juiced
  • Ice and/or sparling water to serve

Equipment

  • 1 Medium saucepan
  • 1 Fine mesh strainer
  • 1 Larger pitcher or jar holds the batch in the fridge for about 5 days
  • 1 Long spoon

Method
 

  1. Rinse the dried sorrel under cool water. Bring the 6 cups of water to a boil. Add the sorrel, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and orange peel, then turn off the heat. Cover and steep 15 to 20 minutes for a bright drink, or longer (even overnight in the fridge) for a deeper one. Strain out the solids. While the liquid is still warm, stir in the honey until it dissolves, then add the lime juice. Cool to room temperature, then chill until cold. Serve over plenty of ice. Top with a splash of sparkling water if you like it lighter. Keeps about 5 days, covered, in the fridge.

Notes

  • Dried sorrel and dried hibiscus are the same thing. A Caribbean, Latin, or Middle Eastern market will have it cheaper than a wellness shop.
  • Go easy on the sweetener. The tartness is the point, so start with less than you think you want and add to taste.
  • If you are pregnant or take blood pressure medication, check with someone who knows your history before making sorrel a daily habit.