For those who love food and wine, Christmas cocktails are more than just a libation. Like the hanging of decorations or the lighting of the tree, these cocktails are reserved for this special time of year. Most of us are well acquainted with eggnog, and while I do love a creamy, boozy batch, one of my favorite Christmastime drinks is Sorrel rum punch.

I was first introduced to Sorrel through a good friend and learned that it was the traditional holiday cocktail of the Caribbean. But through the years of indulging in this deliciously floral and warming punch, I’ve come to enjoy it anytime during the colder months of the year. Sorrel rum punch gets its name and rosy color from a type of hibiscus flower named sorrel.

The flower is deeply pigmented with delicate floral aromas and offers both tart and sweet flavors. While it’s commonly used in the summer for teas and lemonades, Sorrel rum punch is the staple cocktail come Christmastime. It begins by steeping the dried flowers with seasonal spices, like cloves and cinnamon, and is served with fresh citrus slices. While it can be served sans the alcohol, a helping of white rum brings the warm and merry feeling of the holidays full circle.

Sorrel Rum Punch