On December 31, 2021, Forbes announced that hibiscus and sorrel will be the biggest flavor of 2022.
Both have been closely linked to the African diaspora for quite some time. According to Serious Eats, “hibiscus, which is the key ingredient in sorrel, evokes a legacy of joy and survival,” and how powerful that a plant can do that.
For some, sorrel is an acquired taste, with its tart and even bitter flavor. It’s commonly connected to Jamaica, especially during the festive season, but other cultures also put their own spin on the drink. Throughout Latin America, it goes by several names, including jugo de Jamaica and rosa de Jamaica. African countries like Ghana and Senegal call it bissap and sobolo respectively, while Nigeria’s sorrel beverage is called zobo.
Sorrel is frequently mixed with rum, but this isn’t mandatory. Some add syrups, honey and cane sugar, while others add a dash of cinnamon, ginger, cloves, pimento or nutmeg. Serious Eats noted that it’s not unheard of to add orange, lime or lemon for a citrus twist. It’s also possible to use sorrel to make various treats like cookies and jam.
Here are some Black-owned spots you can patronize for hibiscus and sorrel products this year.
1. Hibiscus Brew
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If you’re in Brooklyn, head over to Hibiscus Brew, founded by Allison Dunn. Born in Jamaica, she took a risk of opening up shop in the middle of the pandemic, with great success.
Jamaicans are known for their unshakable work ethic, so it’s no surprise that Hibiscus Brew is not Dunn’s only focus.
“I’m always looking to start doing something else,” she told Travel Noire. “That’s just the Jamaican spirit. We’re hard workers.”
Grab a Hibiscus smoothie, sorrel sold by the bottle and other products.
2. Eating Tree
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Formerly called Feeding Tree, this restaurant on Gerard Avenue in the Bronx offers authentic Jamaican fare, such as oxtail, curry chicken, ackee and saltfish and more.
At the front of the restaurant, there’s an assortment of beverages including Ting (grapefruit soda), lemonade, freshly-made vegetable and fruit juices and of course, sorrel.
3. Brooklyn Brewed Sorrel
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If you’re interested in getting your hands on sorrel without the rum, consider Brooklyn Brewed Sorrel, founded by Nzinga Knight.
According to the website, the ingredients include, “sorrel (roselle flower), ginger, cinnamon, allspice, bay leaves, clove and orange peel. Our sorrel is brewed to perfection, bottled, aged and naturally preserved.”
Order online here.
4. Ellis Isle
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This family-owned company was founded by Nailah Ellis in 2008. She was inspired by her great-grandfather, who shared his recipe with her.
The company is focused on utilizing all natural ingredients. The lineup of refreshing, Hibiscus-based drinks include Wet Shuga, Ellis Isle Tea (sweetened) and Ellis Isle Tea (unsweetened).
As the website explains, “the gorgeous red color comes straight from the hibiscus flowers that we steep. As soon as those petals hit the water, the vibrant color and rich flavors start to spread.”
5. Lips Cafe
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Lips Café on Nostrand Avenue in Brooklyn, was founded by Jamane and Donna Weekes, a son and mother duo.
In addition to the expected coffee and tea, enjoy Caribbean-inspired items like mango lattes, ginger-pineapple juice and sorrel.
“The biggest pro that I’ve seen from opening this space is being able to provide something that hasn’t been brought to this neighborhood before,” Jamane told Travel Noire in 2020. “I’ve met so many cool and dope people in the last three months just from opening this shop because nobody has to come in here, and I’m appreciative everybody does.”
6. Island Pops
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Natives of Trinidad, Khalid Hamid and Shelly Marshall founded their company as a way to connect with home.
After taking an ice cream-making course, they established their business in 2015.
Ice cream flavors include Caribbean Vanilla, Rum and Raisin and Soursop. One of the Sorbet flavors is Sorrel Rum.
7. Things Jamaican
If you’re interested in buying dry sorrel to make your own drinks from scratch, check out Things Jamaican.
They recommend pairing sorrel punch with rum cake- an extra kick for the taste buds.
Order sorrel and other island products online, or go to one of the three physical locations, all which are in Jamaica’s capital, Kingston.