1. Dictionary
  2. Food and cooking
  3. Sorrel

Jamaican Patois · Food and cooking

Sorrel

Sorrel drink (hibiscus drink)

Say itSOR-rel

What “Sorrel” means

In Jamaica, sorrel is a deep red drink made by steeping the red sepals (fresh or dried) of the sorrel plant (a hibiscus, also called roselle) with ginger, then sweetening it. The word also means the plant itself. It isn't the European herb called sorrel.

Examples

Di sorrel ready.

The sorrel is ready.

Di sorrel have ginger inna it.

The sorrel has ginger in it.

How to use it

Everyday word, tied closely to Christmas. Adults often add rum.

Cultural context

Sorrel is the classic Jamaican Christmas drink, made in big batches and shared with visitors over the holidays.