As the holiday season approaches, the air becomes infused with the enticing aromas of clove, ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg. These warming spices not only fill the atmosphere but also tantalize the taste buds, invoking a sense of festive joy. For those seeking a beverage that embodies the rich history of holiday traditions, Sorel Liqueur is an exceptional choice.
Sorel Liqueur, also known as The Red Drink, is an award-winning spiced hibiscus liqueur that draws inspiration from the ancestral Afro-Caribbean beverage, sorrel. Crafted with meticulous care, it encapsulates the very essence of holiday flavors in a bottle, resembling the spirit of Christmas itself. The infusion of Moroccan hibiscus, Brazilian clove, Indonesian cassia and nutmeg, and Nigerian ginger creates a symphony of tastes that is sure to ignite the holiday spirit—quite literally, as the pun suggests.
This delightful liqueur, born from the spice trade, traces its roots back to the 1600s when hibiscus flowers were imported from West Africa to the New World. Caribbean traditions embraced hibiscus-based beverages, and sorrel became a symbol of festive celebrations. Sorel Liqueur pays homage to this tradition with its modern twist on a timeless classic.
Jackie Summers, the creator of Sorel Liqueur, crafted this beverage as a tribute to his heritage, representing the legacy of his lineage rooted in Barbados. Drawing inspiration from his grandparents’ sorrel recipe, he developed the first-ever shelf-stable version of this 500-year-old beverage. The bright red liqueur from Brooklyn is a fusion of Moroccan hibiscus, Brazilian clove, Indonesian cassia, and Nigerian ginger—a harmonious blend that echoes the diversity of Caribbean influences. Below are a few delicious holiday cocktails to make your holiday season brighter:
Nearest & Dearest
1.5 oz Sorel
1.5 oz Uncle Nearest Whiskey
3 Dashes Orange Bitters
3 Dashes Angostura Bitters
In a mixing glass with ice, add all ingredients then stir gently for 20 seconds and strain into a cocktail glass. Garnish with expressed orange peel.
The Velvet Lounge
4 oz Sorel
Warm Sorel in a saucepan until light steam is achieved. Pour in your favorite mug and enjoy!
Spiced Sorel Spritz by Jaylynn Little
.5 oz Black Pepper & Rosemary Simple Syrup
2 oz Sorel Liqueur
3 Dashes of Orange Bitters
3 oz Prosecco
Splash of soda water
Add to a spritz or wine glass. Add ice and sparkling wine. Garnish with a rosemary sprig and orange slice.
Sorel Hibiscus Mule
1 Part Sorel
2 Parts Dry Ginger Beer*
Squeeze of Lime
In a glass of choice, fill 3/4 of the way with ice; add Sorel; squeeze one lime wedge and drop into the glass; top with chilled ginger beer. Garnish with lime.
*Recommended: Fever-Tree Ginger Beer
Sorrel holds a special place in the hearts of Caribbean communities worldwide, offering a taste of home and holiday traditions. Passed down through generations, each household has its unique recipe, creating a sense of continuity and connection to the past. With its rich history and vibrant flavors, Sorel Liqueur serves as a delightful bridge between the past and present, making it a perfect companion for holiday celebrations.
