In Jamaica, there are a range of traditional beverages - alcoholic to non-alcoholic - that have been passed down from generation to generation. Beverages such as ginger beer, rum, sorrel tea and punch have been drinks of the island for a very long time. So here are some recipes to make these Caribbean favourites in the comfort of your own home!
Jamaican Rum Punch:
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Jamaican Rum Punch drink is Jamaica’s top served drink especially at parties and large events.
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Rum is recognised by many Jamaicans as their national drink.
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Jamaicans all around the world make this drink from scratch.
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This beverage is a quick and easy recipe that only takes 5 minutes to prepare.
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Just one sip of Rum Punch makes people feel like they're in vacation mode - who wouldn't love that feeling!?
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The sweetness of the drink will force you to drink more. Sit back and enjoy this recipe that has been passed down from generation to generation:
Ingredients:
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Pineapple juice
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Orange juice (without pulp)
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Lime slices (optional)
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Maraschino cherries
Steps:
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Stir the pineapple juice, orange juice, lime juice, cups of rum and grenadine syrup together in a punch bowl.
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Float orange slices, lime slices, and lemon slices in the punch.
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Either refrigerate or add ice cubes (optional). Then Serve.
Jamaican Sorrel Drink:
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Jamaican Sorrel Drink is a well known festive holiday drink all over the Caribbean Islands.
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Sorrel Drink is a Raspberry-like flavoured drink prepared from the petals of Sorrel plant also known as flor de Jamaica.
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Jamaican Sorrel is high in minerals and vitamins. Sorrel is also known for its uses for lowering elevated blood pressure which is why many people turn to this beverage as they get older.
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This beverage is usually served at family gatherings and celebrations. Most people prefer the Sorrel drink to be chilled with ice cubes.
Ingredients:
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Water
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Grated fresh ginger
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Allspice berries
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Cloves
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Orange peel
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Simple/maple syrup
Jamaican Ginger Beer:
This is an old time favourite of many Jamaicans around the world. You may be familiar with the store-bought versions of ginger beer however the home-made version is so much better. It is the go-to drink for the holidays and summertime.
Ingredients:
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Brown rice(optional)
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Maple syrup
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Cloves
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Ginger
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Water
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Granulated sugar (optional)
Steps:
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Peel the ginger carefully
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Grate the ginger (grating the ginger brings out the best flavour) and blend it with ½ cup of water. Add more if necessary
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Grab a large pot. Add the cloves, cinnamon sticks, ginger, water and rice (if you decide to add it)
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Simmer on low-medium heat for about 5 minutes
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Remove the pot from heat and allow it to cool down. If you want to add granulated sugar, begin to stir it now. Then add lime juice.
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Securely cover the pot. You can either store it in a cool dry place or refrigerate it for several hours up to a week.
Recommended tip: for the best results, the longer you leave it to rest, the stronger it will taste.
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When you are ready to serve, strain off the juice.
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Stir in your sweetener, this is optional, you can add your rum essence. If it’s too strong add some water but slowly to adjust the taste
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By Praises A
Opinions expressed by Riley’s Tropical Food contributors are their own.
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