Our Story

Once upon a time, in the vibrant streets of Brooklyn, a first-generation Caribbean-American foodie and designer named Nzinga Knight was inspired by her father's sorrel recipe. Sorrel, a traditional hibiscus-spiced beverage, had been a beloved drink in the Caribbean for centuries. For Nzinga, it was more than just a drink. It was a taste of home, a symbol of celebration, and a connection to her roots.

In 2015, Nzinga started experimenting with her father's sorrel recipe, brewing and bottling the drink to share with friends at parties. The response was overwhelmingly positive, and soon enough, people were asking to buy her sorrel. Nzinga realized that she had stumbled upon a business opportunity that could not only honor her family's heritage but also spread the joy of Caribbean culture to a wider audience.

And thus, Brooklyn Brewed Sorrel was born. The mission was simple: to help people feel like they're on a beach in the Caribbean, even if they're far away from the islands. Sorrel, as Knight saw it, was the perfect drink to achieve this goal. It was neither simple like a juice nor intoxicating like alcohol, but something complex, labored over, esteemed, coveted, beloved, and preserved over the course of centuries by keepers of the culture who enjoyed sharing great drinks.

Brooklyn Brewed Sorrel is not just any sorrel, though. It is based on a family recipe with over 400 years of Caribbean heritage. It is made with raw and natural ingredients, such as sorrel flower, ginger, pure cane sugar, cloves, cinnamon, allspice, bay leaves, and orange peel. It is rich, smooth, sweet, spicy, full-bodied, complex, and refreshing. And best of all, it is non-alcoholic, rich in antioxidants, and works great solo or as a mixer.

For Nzinga, Brooklyn Brewed Sorrel is not just a drink, but a way to connect people and foster authentic happiness. It is a drink that can be shared with anyone, regardless of their drinking habits or preferences. It is a drink that can be enjoyed on any occasion, whether it's a birthday party, a holiday feast, or a simple moment of relaxation.

Today, Brooklyn Brewed Sorrel has become a beloved brand, cherished by countless fans, including Beyoncé, Bon Appétit magazine, Epicurious, and the James Beard Foundation. But for Knight, the brand is not just about the recognition or the sales. It's about carrying the tradition of delicious naturally good festive Caribbean drinks forward and creating an inclusive community around it. It's about celebrating the beauty of diversity and the power of authentic connections.

So come join the journey to the islands from wherever you are. Let Brooklyn Brewed Sorrel take you on a surprising taste journey and help you feel included or be inclusive while drinking and sharing authentic happiness the Caribbean and sober way.
Learn more about how we started. Brooklyn Brewed Sorrel Timeline.

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