Last Night with Sorel, Tenneyson and Polar Seltzer (Lemon)
By: Warren Bobrow
Published: May 23, 2012

Can I tell you my friends to find yourself a bottle of Sorel? 
Please do.  By any and all means possible.  When I first tasted Sorel at the Manhattan Cocktail Classic I was, in short, blown away. 
But what is Sorel? 
From the American Heritage Dictionary: (Sorrel)

Any of several plants of the genus Rumex, having acid-flavored leaves sometimes used as salad greens, especially R. acetosella, a widely naturalized Eurasian species. Also called dock.
Any of various plants of the genus Oxalis, having usually compound leaves with three leaflets.


	It's mostly used in European liqueurs and preparations.  I'd never heard of it used here in the United States. 
 
Upon opening the bottle, my first impression was Mexican Cane Sugar Cola.  It was uncanny how this liqueur just spoke of cola.  Lurking in the background there is a depth of hibiscus and cloves- not unlike a good spiced rum or punchbowl.
Yes!  That's it.  Sorel is a punchbowl in a bottle!
 
I love the fact that it's not cloying in any way.  I took a giant ice-cube from the Williams-Sonoma ice cube tray and placed it in a crystal glass, then carefully poured maybe a bit too much Tenneyson Absinthe over the top of the cube. 
 
Then, I poured about double that amount of Sorel.
 
Not to be outdone I topped off the glass with a healthy splash, then another of Polar Lemon Seltzer- and a cocktail was born!  But I cannot forget the finish of Bitter End Thai Bitters...
 
That would be cheating not to include the spark of Thai Chili in my glass!
 
But what is this drink called?
 
Sorel Royale Cocktail
 
Ingredients:
 
For two vividly mesmerizing drinks. 
Try not to be beguiled into thinking this is a weak cocktail!
 
2 Shots Sorel Liqueur
1 Shot Tenneyson Absinthe
1 Giant Ice cube
Polar Seltzer Water
Fresh mint garnish
Bitter End Thai Bitters
 
Preparation:
 
Place a large ice cube in a short rocks glass
Pour over 1/2 Shot of Tenneyson Absinthe
Pour over 1 Shot of the Sorel Liqueur
Top with Polar Lemon Seltzer
Garnish with fresh mint and a couple drops of the Bitter End Thai Bitters over the top...

Comments:
Rochelle
June 21, 2012

Sorel or Sorrel as we call it in Jamaica is quiet popular.  It is our Christmas drink. Made by regular householders. Boiled and steeped in hot water, then Over proof rum and sugar is added and spiced with cinnamon, ginger, pimento or cloves.  Never thought to use it as you have done in mixed drinks. Interesting...Love you blog.