Joy's Island Spice Sorrel Hibiscus Elixir
Joy's Island Spice Sorrel Hibiscus Elixir takes its inspiration from the traditional Jamaican sorrel Joy grew up drinking with her family. Hibiscus is layered with fresh ginger, cinnamon, cloves, allspice, orange peel and jasmine for a deep ruby-red elixir that's tart, spicy and wonderfully aromatic. Cranberry and pomegranate notes lead into warming spice and bright citrus, with enough complexity to sip simply or bring some serious personality to a cocktail.
Why We Love It
Joy's has swagger. It's tart, spicy, floral and a little bit sultry, with that glorious hit of fresh ginger keeping everything bright. We especially love that it isn't trying to be gin, rum or anything else already sitting at the bar. Sorrel has its own history, its own point of view and plenty to say for itself.
How to Drink Joy's Sorrel
Keep it simple and pour Joy's over plenty of ice with sparkling water and a squeeze of lime, or swap in ginger beer when you want to turn up the spice. It's concentrated enough to stand up beautifully in cocktails, so don't be afraid to use it anywhere you want tart fruit, warming spice and a little more intrigue.
Cheeky & Dry Signature Serve — Island Time: 2 oz Joy's Sorrel, ½ oz fresh lime juice, ½ oz pineapple juice, and 3 oz ginger beer. Build over plenty of ice, stir gently, and garnish with a lime wheel and fresh mint.
Pair it with: Jerk chicken, grilled shrimp, curried vegetables, spicy noodles, roasted sweet potatoes, or a sharp cheddar. Hibiscus and ginger are particularly good friends with heat, smoke and spice.
Tasting Notes
- Nose: Hibiscus, fresh ginger, orange peel, and warming spice
- Palate: Tart cranberry and pomegranate with cinnamon, clove, allspice, and bright citrus
- Finish: Lingering ginger spice with floral and citrus notes
- Body: Rich and concentrated with a silky texture
Frequently Asked Questions
What is sorrel?
Sorrel is a traditional Caribbean drink made from the deep red calyces of roselle, a member of the hibiscus family, often steeped with ginger and warming spices. It's especially associated with Christmas and celebrations in Jamaica, though it's far too delicious to save for December.
What does Joy's Sorrel taste like?
It's tart, fruity and warmly spiced, with hibiscus bringing cranberry and pomegranate-like flavors alongside fresh ginger, cinnamon, cloves, allspice and orange peel. Jasmine adds a subtle floral note without turning the drink perfumey.
Is Joy's Sorrel sweet?
There is sweetness, but tart hibiscus, fresh ginger, citrus and warming spices keep it balanced. The overall impression is rich and concentrated rather than simply sweet.
How do I drink Joy's Sorrel?
Pour it over ice and add sparkling water or ginger beer for an easy serve, enjoy it warm, or use it as a cocktail ingredient. Its concentrated flavor means a little can bring quite a lot to a drink.
Is Joy's Sorrel a non-alcoholic spirit?
Not exactly. Joy's is better described as a non-alcoholic hibiscus elixir. It isn't designed to replicate a traditional spirit, though its concentrated botanical character makes it particularly useful in cocktails.
What ingredients are in Joy's Sorrel?
The botanical profile includes hibiscus, fresh ginger, cinnamon, cloves, allspice, orange peel and jasmine.
Where does Joy's Sorrel come from?
Joy's is made in the United States and is rooted in founder Joy's Jamaican heritage and the traditional sorrel she grew up drinking with her family.
What size is the bottle?
Joy's Sorrel Hibiscus Elixir comes in a 25 fl oz / 739 ml bottle.