Elements: Sorel Hibiscus Liqueur
Sorrel (hibiscus) has a cultural and celebratory significance among the African diaspora. The plant was used for medicinal purposes in West Africa since at least the 1600s, and was brought to the Caribbean by enslaved Africans during the transatlantic slave trade. Eventually, they turned hibiscus into a tasty beverage made with native spices like nutmeg, cinnamon, bay leaves, sugar, and other ingredients that were available on the island.
The original “red drink” continues to evolve and gain in popularity, thanks in part to Juneteenth celebrations rising from a regional festivity to become a federal holiday. Drawing from the history and flavors of the hibiscus drink, as well as his Caribbean roots, Brooklyn-based distiller Jackie Summers created Sorel, a shelf-stable liqueur that represents more than 500 years of joy and perseverance in a bottle. Since its relaunch in October 2021, with the support of spirits entrepreneur Fawn Weaver and the Uncle Nearest Venture, Sorel has earned top honors at major spirits awards. “As a modifier, Sorel is a cheat code,” Summers says, in that it has advanced capabilities as a cocktail ingredient. “It pushes flavor forward, and the taste—if not the effect—of alcohol back.”
Low in alcohol, at 15 percent, and with notes of clove, cinnamon, and ginger, Sorel is perfect for drinking all year long, alone or in a rising tide of cocktails. Due to its versatility, the liqueur is becoming increasingly popular with bartenders.
Troublemaker
1 oz. blended Scotch whisky (Nosh uses Monkey Shoulder or Famous Grouse)
1 oz. Jamaican rum (Appleton Estate)
3/4 oz. Sorel
3/4 oz. fresh lime juice
1/2 oz. demerara syrup (1:1)
Tools: shaker, strainer, fine strainer
Glass: coupe
Garnish: nutmeg
Shake all of the ingredients with ice, then double strain into a chilled glass, and garnish with fresh-grated nutmeg.
Ben Converse, Nosh, Rochester, New York
Paradise Punch
2 oz. garden tisane
3/4 oz. Sorel
1/2 oz. fresh lemon juice
1/4 oz. simple syrup (1:1)
Tools: shaker, strainer
Glass: rocks
Garnish: edible flower or fresh herbs (mint, lemon balm, lavender, or whatever type you prefer)
Shake all of the ingredients with ice, strain into a glass filled with fresh ice, then garnish.
Garden TisaneBring 2 cups of water to a boil, then remove from heat and add 1/4 cup of fresh herbs (use any herb or combination you prefer—lemon balm, mint, shiso, lavender, basil, and lemongrass all work well). Cover the pot and let steep for 30 minutes, then strain and let cool. Keeps refrigerated for up to 1 week.
Keyatta Mincey Parker, Sips of Paradise, Atlanta
Fantastic Voyage
1 oz. Sorel
3/4 oz. white rum (Barriere uses Ten to One)
1/2 oz. fresh lime juice
1/2 oz. lime oleo-saccharum
1/2 oz. pure cane syrup
Chilled sparkling wine
Tools: shaker, strainer, fine strainer
Glass: Champagne flute or coupe
Garnish: dehydrated lime wheel (optional)
Add all of the ingredients except the sparkling wine to an ice-filled shaker and shake well to chill. Double strain into a chilled glass, top with sparkling wine, then garnish.
Lime Oleo-SaccharumWash 6 fresh limes and use a vegetable peeler or paring knife to remove the zest. Combine the zest with 1 cup of granulated sugar in a sturdy bowl or container, and mash with a muddler or wooden spoon. Cover the mixture and set aside for at least 5 hours (and up to 24), mashing occasionally with a muddler. Using a sieve, strain out the peels and press to extract as much of the oil as possible. Store the mix in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Tiffanie Barriere, Atlanta
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