Move over, eggnog– these Caribbean Christmas beverages just might become your newest holiday favorite.
These drinks are staples in many Caribbean homes during the Christmas season. Some are common among several islands in the region, while others are specific to certain countries. You can buy a few of them at the store, but some can be made right at home!
Ponche de Crème
Perhaps you could call it “Caribbean style eggnog”. Popular in Trinidad & Tobago, this drink is made with condensed and evaporated milk, rum, egg, nutmeg and bitters. Some people like to add lime zest or serve it over crushed ice. In Jamaica, people make a similar beverage with Guinness Stout called Egg Punch or Egg Nog.
Here’s a recipe in case you want to try it for yourself!
Sorrel
Sorrel is made from the hibiscus flower, which gives off a rich red color after boiling. Some people like to add a whole assortment of flavors to it, like ginger, lime, cinnamon and rum. It’s a favorite among many Caribbean countries, and each island has its own variation of the drink. This beverage can be enjoyed both hot or cold.
Ginger Beer
In Guyana, folks make this “beer” with fresh peeled ginger. They typically boil and ferment it, then add spices like clove, cinnamon,and orange peel for an extra kick. You might be able to find something called “ginger beer” in the aisles of your local grocery store, but this probably can’t compare to the homemade taste.
Want to make it at home? Try this traditional recipe.
Spiced Rum
Since the Caribbean is basically the rum capital of the world, spiced rum is popular during the holiday season. Allspice, cinnamon sticks, vanilla, orange zest, star anise, and cloves give the drink a delicious holiday twist.
Classic Rum Punch
Rum Punch mixes all kinds of tasty ingredients together for a delicious, flavorful drink that’s usually served cold. The versatile drink might include tropical fruit, soda, bitters, fruit juices, dark rum, or white rum.
Peardrax
Peardrax is a carbonated pear-flavored beverage sold in Trinidad & Tobago and a few other islands, like Barbados. It’s very popular around Christmas. It also has an interesting backstory. Originally manufactured in Great Britain, the drink waned in popularity in the UK and was eventually discontinued. However, due to demand in Trinidad & Tobago, Pepsi Cola Trinidad Bottling Company began bottling and distributing the soda in the islands.
Ponche Kuba Cream Liqueur
This spiced rum-based cream liqueur is popular in Antigua and Barbuda. A Caribbean merchant named Don Jaime Sprock created it in 1942 when he traveled to Cuba and tried many homemade Caribbean cream liqueurs. This inspired him to make his own ponche combining his favorite flavors.
Looking for some great recipes for Caribbean food to go with your Caribbean Christmas beverages? Look no further! Check out the article below:
Mmmm…the Tastiest Caribbean Christmas Recipes
Main image by Backyard Cafe Georgetown, Caribbean Life News
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