A Smooth Trini Mauby Bark Drink Recipe

Jump to Recipe

Mauby has always been my go-to drink, no matter the time of year. While many people associate special beverages like sorrel or ginger beer with the Christmas season, for me, Mauby is a year-long indulgence.

There’s nothing like pairing a refreshing glass of Mauby with a hearty Sunday lunch of rice, peas, and baked chicken.

Every week, I grab a Mauby pack from the JTA supermarket near my home, and I use whatever’s in the pack to make it—quick and simple.

But I understand that not everyone has easy access to pre-packaged Mauby mixes, so today, I’m going to share the homemade recipe my grandmother taught me.

What is a Trini Mauby Drink?

Mauby is a traditional Caribbean drink made by boiling Mauby bark (from the tree Colubrina elliptica) with spices and sugar to create a unique, refreshing beverage.

It’s popular across the islands, including Trinidad and Tobago, and each country has its variation.

In Trinidad, Mauby has a good balance of sweetness, and it’s flavored with spices like cinnamon, star anise, or cloves to give it a rich, deep flavor.

Where Can You Get Mauby?

You can find Mauby bark or Mauby concentrate in many Caribbean or Latin American grocery stores. If you live in Trinidad, almost every supermarket like JTA and Massy stocks it.

Outside of Trinidad, you can also find Mauby bark in online stores that sell Caribbean products.

If you don’t have access to Mauby packs or concentrates, don’t worry! You can make Mauby from scratch using the bark and a few simple ingredients, which I’ll show you how to do in this recipe.

Benefits of Drinking Mauby

Mauby isn’t just a refreshing beverage; it also boasts a variety of health benefits.

Improves Digestion: Mauby helps with digestion, and many people in the Caribbean drink it to soothe upset stomachs or aid digestion after a heavy meal.

Lowers Blood Pressure: Some studies have suggested that Mauby, when consumed regularly, may help lower blood pressure, making it a great drink for people looking to manage hypertension.

Anti-inflammatory Properties: The bark contains natural compounds with anti-inflammatory properties, which may help reduce inflammation.

Rich in Antioxidants: Mauby has antioxidants that can help protect your cells from oxidative damage caused by free radicals.

Hydrating: Like any good drink, Mauby is a great way to stay hydrated, especially in the hot Caribbean sun.

While Mauby has these potential health benefits, it’s important to note that it should be consumed in moderation, especially if you add a lot of sugar to sweeten it.

What Does Mauby Taste Like?

Mauby has a unique flavor that might take some getting used to, especially if you’re trying it for the first time.

The drink is slightly bitter, thanks to the Mauby bark, but this bitterness is balanced with sweetness from sugar and the warmth of spices like cinnamon or cloves.

Some people say the flavor is similar to root beer but with a more earthy, herbal undertone. Once you get used to it, the taste becomes pleasantly refreshing and addictive!

Smooth Trini Mauby Bark Drink Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 ounces of Mauby bark
• 6 cups of water
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 2-3 whole cloves
• 1 star anise (optional)
• 1 cup of brown sugar (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon of Angostura bitters (optional, but traditional in Trinidad)
• Lime or lemon slices for serving (optional)

Instructions:

1. Boil the Mauby Bark:

In a large pot, add the Mauby bark, cinnamon stick, cloves, and star anise if you’re using it. Pour in the 6 cups of water and bring the mixture to a boil.

Once it reaches a boil, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 20-30 minutes. The longer you let it simmer, the stronger and more bitter the Mauby will be. If you prefer a milder flavor, stick to 20 minutes.

2. Strain the Liquid:

After simmering, remove the pot from the heat and allow the mixture to cool slightly. Strain the Mauby through a fine sieve or cheesecloth into a clean container to remove the bark and spices.

3. Sweeten the Mauby:

While the Mauby is still warm, stir in the brown sugar until it dissolves completely. Add the vanilla extract and Angostura bitters if you’re using them, and stir to combine.

4. Chill the Mauby:

Once the Mauby is sweetened, refrigerate it for at least an hour to chill. Mauby is best served cold, and allowing it to sit for a while also helps the flavors meld together.

5. Serve and Enjoy:

Serve the Mauby over ice and garnish with a slice of lime or lemon if desired. You can also adjust the sweetness by adding more sugar or diluting it with water if the flavor is too strong for your taste.

Store Mauby Tips

If you’ve made a big batch of Mauby, here are some tips to store it properly:

Refrigeration: Mauby can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. Keep it in a sealed container or pitcher to maintain its freshness.

Freezing: If you want to make a large batch and save some for later, Mauby can be frozen. Simply pour it into an airtight container, leaving some room at the top for expansion, and freeze for 2-3 months. When you’re ready to drink it, just thaw it in the refrigerator.

Sweeten Later: If you’re making a batch to store, you can sweeten it just before serving to preserve the freshness of the drink. This is especially helpful if you plan to keep it in the fridge for a few days.

Conclusion

Mauby is not only refreshing but also deeply rooted in Caribbean culture. For me, it’s a year-round beverage that brings back memories of family gatherings, hot afternoons, and sitting down to a delicious meal.