Sorrel Liqueur: A Festive Sip With Garden Charm

If Christmas had a perfume, it would smell exactly like sorrel bubbling away with spices and a hint of rum. But if you want something a little more grown-up — and impressively gift-worthy — this Sorrel Liqueur is a gorgeous twist on our beloved seasonal drink.

I started making these years ago and honestly forgot how magical it is. The flavour is deep, spiced, slightly sweet, and smooth… and here’s a little gardener’s secret:
Use black sorrel if you can find it.
It transforms the liqueur into a dark, port-like beauty — rich colour, bold flavour, and pure Caribbean elegance in a bottle.

Perfect for sipping chilled, dressing up a cocktail, or handing out as Christmas gifts (if you don’t drink it all first… no judgement).

Sorrel Liqueur Recipe (Long-Steep, Full Bottle Version)

Ingredients

• 4–5 cups fresh sorrel calyx (preferably black sorrel for that rich, port-like colour)

• 1 bottle (750 ml) white rum

• 1½–2 cups sugar (to taste)

• 1 cinnamon stick

• 4–5 cloves

• Small piece of fresh ginger

• Strip of orange peel (optional)

---

Method

1. Prep the sorrel:
   Rinse the fresh calyx thoroughly, then shake them dry to remove excess water.
   (A little moisture is fine, but too much will dilute the rum.)

2. Fill your jar:
   Add the sorrel, cinnamon, cloves, ginger, and optional orange peel to a large glass jar or bottle.

3. Sweeten:
   Add the sugar on top. It will dissolve gradually during the steep.

4. Rum time:
   Pour in the entire 750 ml bottle of white rum.

5. Cover tightly:
   Seal the jar/bottle well — no sneaky air allowed.

6. Steep:
   Store in a cool, dark place for 3 full weeks, shaking gently every 2–3 days.
   This long steep is what builds that deep, luscious colour and smooth flavour.

7. Strain & bottle:
   Use a fine sieve or cheesecloth and transfer into clean bottles.

8. Optional mellowing:
   Rest for 2–3 more days if you want a softer finish — or dive right in. No judgement.

---

Serving Ideas

• Serve chilled in small glasses — rich, smooth, and festive.

• Splash into prosecco for a Christmas spritzer.

• Drizzle over vanilla ice cream for a grown-up dessert twist.

---

Final Touch

If you’re gifting it, add a ribbon and handwritten tag.
If you’re keeping it, just hide it where the housemates can’t find it.
Either way — this little bottle packs a joyful holiday punch.

Enjoy!

The Grey-Haired Gardener

Grey hair, green thumb, garden savvy