Make Jamaican Sorrel with Florida cranberries

TAMPA (FOX 13) - It's the holiday season in Florida, which means the weather is most likely beautiful. 

FOX 13's Vanessa Ruffes was tasked with creating a Christmas spiced-drink that can be refreshing. You can bring a little of the Caribbean to your holiday with a "Jamaican Sorrel" made of Florida cranberries grown in the FOX 13 Good Day Garden. 

Florida cranberries are part of the okra family with cranberry-colored edible leaves. You can learn more about Florida cranberries -- also known as roselle or Jamaican sorrel -- on the University of Florida's website or from the Florida Cranberry Alliance.

The plant is not one you can find at any grocery store. If you're interested in purchasing them and testing them out in in the kitchen, David Whitwam of Whitwam Organics suggested looking around at various farmer's markets, such as the ones listed on Tampa Bay Markets' website.

The following recipes yields six cups of Jamaican Sorrel. And remember, you can always find more recipes over at www.foodshelikes.com. 

INGREDIENTS:
1 cup Florida cranberry, removed from pods, chopped (can be fresh or frozen)
6 cups water
4 whole cloves
1 cinnamon stick
1 cup sugar
Peel of 1 orange
3 tbsp. ginger paste
Spiced rum, white rum, or red wine (optional)

INSTRUCTIONS:
Place all ingredients (minus alcohol) in a saucepan or pot and bring mixture to a boil.
Turn off heat and let mixture steep for at least 20 minutes.
Strain mixture and let chill in the fridge.
Can serve on ice, and spiked, if desired.