Sorrel (Refresco de Flor de Jamaica): Colombian Islander Hibiscus Tea

Sorrel (widely known across Latin America as Agua de Flor de Jamaica) is a spectacularly vibrant, ruby-red beverage famous for its tart, refreshing flavor. In Colombia, it is especially beloved on the Caribbean coast and stands out as the ultimate signature drink of the San Andrés and Providencia islands.

The secret to this incredible drink lies in infusing dried hibiscus flowers with a warm, aromatic blend of fresh ginger, cinnamon, and anise. By steeping the flowers off the heat, you prevent any bitterness, yielding a perfectly balanced 20-minute refreshment that can even be spiked with a local kick!

Sorrel (Islander Hibiscus Tea)

A vibrant, spiced, and deeply refreshing island drink! A beautiful ruby-red infusion of hibiscus flowers, ginger, cinnamon, and anise.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 20 minutes mins

Course Drinks / Juices

Cuisine Caribbean, Colombian, Islander, Latin American

Servings 10 people

Ingredients

  

• 1 lb Dried hibiscus flowers flor de Jamaica
• 1 Medium ginger root peeled and sliced or crushed
• 1 tablespoon Ground cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon Anise seeds
• 3 Liters Water
• Sugar to taste
• Ice

Instructions

 

• Boil the spices: Place the 3 liters of water into your appropriate cooking pot and bring it to a boil. Add the ginger, ground cinnamon, and anise seeds. Let this aromatic mixture cook together for about 10 minutes.
• Steep the flowers: After 10 minutes, add the dried hibiscus flowers to the boiling water, cover the pot tightly, and immediately remove it from the heat.
• Cool and sweeten: Let the beverage steep and rest undisturbed until it has cooled completely. Once cold, strain the liquid and add sugar to your liking, stirring well until fully dissolved.
• The adult twist (Optional): If you want to give the beverage a traditional festive kick, you can optionally add a splash of aguardiente (Colombian anise-flavored liquor) or white rum!
• Serve: Serve this spectacular ruby-red drink in large glasses filled with plenty of ice.

Notes

• The Island Name: In the Colombian archipelagos of San Andrés, Providencia, and Santa Catalina, this exact flower and the resulting drink are traditionally known as Sorrel.
• Mineral Boost: Hibiscus contains valuable minerals like phosphorus, iron, and calcium, which are especially positive for health during childhood, adolescence, and reproductive life.
• Anti-Aging: This flower boasts large quantities of vitamins A, C, B1, and E. The exceptionally high Vitamin C content provides immense benefits to the body, helping to prevent premature aging.
• Healing Properties: Hot hibiscus tea is known as a great natural remedy for treating insomnia. It is also excellent for combating respiratory infections, anemia, and fatigue.
• Detoxifying: It is widely recognized in natural medicine that flor de Jamaica helps cleanse and protect the liver and kidneys.
• Heart Health: This infusion is a fantastic treatment for preventing hypertension and has been proven capable of decreasing bad cholesterol levels by up to 35%!

Keywords Islander Hibiscus Tea, Sorrel