PUNCH IT UP FOR THE HOLIDAYS!

A favorite Jamaican holiday drink with a twist....

The holidays bring many temptations one of which is overindulging in some of your favorite drinks made by friends and families. In Jamaica, one drink that is a favorite enjoyed by me and many others is a fragrant, punch that is prepared from the flowers of the Sorrel plant.

Twisted and tasty...just enough to get the party started. Moe

Here is the way my mom made it, just the way I like. She always made sure there was plenty around for the family and guests to enjoy.

SORREL PUNCH WITH A TWIST

Ingredients:

From the Kitchen of Hillside Veranda here is everything you need.

• 4 cups fresh or dried sorrel

• 6 liters of spring water

• 1 cup of freshly grated ginger

• 4 cups brown sugar

• 1 cup Red Label Wine (optional)

• ½ cup Jamaica white overproof rum (optional)

• 10 pimento seeds

• 1 tablespoon grated orange zest(topping) optional

Instructions:

Begin by:

(1) Put a large pot on the fire with water to boil.

(2) Peel enough ginger to produce one cup.

(3) Once the water is bubbling. Add the sorrel and ginger!

(4) Allow to boil for one minute.

(5) Remove from the heat and add pimento seeds and cover

(6) Let it sit covered for 4 hours. (I leave mine overnight).

(7) Uncover and use a large strainer to strain off liquid into a large pot.

(8) Discard the sorrel leaves and keep the liquid.

(9) Add wine, rum and sugar to the liquid. (you may add sugar less or more to your taste). May also add water to your liking.

(10) Store in glass bottle in refrigerator.  

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Tips/Tricks: May be consumed hot or cold. Keep refrigerated for up to two weeks. May substitute with any fruit flavored wine. May exclude the rum if desired. Serve up in a tall glass with ice and top with orange zest. Enjoy.

If you made this recipe, let us know how it turned out or any suggestions you may have. Contact us @ colmecul1@gmail.com.

Sorrel Punch is enjoyed not only during the holiday season but all year long.

As always, That a what a Gwaan, when it a Gwaan. Hashtag# Punch it up this holiday!

Moe-