Beneath Tobago’s bright December sun grows a festive treasure, the sorrel plant (Hibiscus sabdariffa). Known for its deep ruby-red petals, sorrel has become a beloved symbol of the island’s holiday season, filling homes with colour, laughter, and anticipation.

Long before it became a Christmas favourite here, sorrel thrived in West Africa, where its tart, vibrant calyces were used in drinks, teas, and traditional remedies. During the era of the Transatlantic slave trade, Africans brought their knowledge of this remarkable plant to Tobago’s shores. In their provision grounds, they nurtured sorrel and preserved the customs of home, even in hardship.

Over time, Tobago made sorrel its own. As the year draws to a close and the first calyces bloom, families head to gardens and markets to gather the season’s best. That’s when the magic begins, petals washed and set to boil with ginger, cinnamon, and clove, scenting kitchens with the unmistakable aroma of Christmas. For many, a splash of rum adds that extra warmth reserved for celebration.

Beyond its bright colour and refreshing taste, sorrel carries a deeper story. It connects generations of children proudly helping in the kitchen, grandparents passing down recipes whispered across time. In villages from Speyside to Black Rock, a glass of sorrel isn’t just a drink… It’s a reminder that the holidays are about togetherness.

Today, sorrel shines in cocktails, desserts, and year-round beverages. Yet, its heart remains in the Christmas season, that special moment when Tobago drinks in its history, its resilience, and its joy.

So when you raise a glass this Christmas, you’re not just enjoying a festive refreshment.
You’re celebrating a tradition carried across oceans, cherished on this island, and poured with love into every sparkling sip.