Blessed with a bounty of tropical fruits and spices, Haitian cuisine is packed with classic and delicious flavours. This proves true for their cocktails as well, whether featuring inventive ways to enjoy rum, or finding ways to forgo alcohol altogether without sacrificing taste. With this in mind, we’ve gathered our favourite Haitian drink recipes for you to pull out of your back pocket the next time you’re craving Haiti in a glass.
Haitian Pineapple Nog
This light and creamy Haitian pineapple no-egg “nog” is made with pineapple, coconut milk, and nutmeg. Even though pineapple nog is traditionally served during Christmas time in Haiti, it’s so cool and refreshing that it’s also perfect for hot summer days. This recipe is non-alcoholic, so all ages can enjoy.
INGREDIENTS
- 1 can pineapple, crushed
- ⅛ teaspoon nutmeg
- ½ cup coconut milk
- 1 cup milk
INSTRUCTIONS
- Combine all the ingredients in a blender and blend well, chill.
- Serve with an additional sprinkle of nutmeg on top.
Adapted from My Creole Kitchen
Haitian Jacmel Cocktail
This cocktail named for the historic Haitian port of Jacmel is strong and sweet with mango and pineapple flavors. Haitian Rhum Barbancourt and mango rum are combined with Grand Marnier, pineapple juice, and a little lime juice to make the refreshing Jacmel cocktail.
INGREDIENTS
- 3/4 oz dark Haitian rum
- 1 1/2 oz mango rhum
- 1/2 oz grand marnier
- 1 oz pineapple juice
- 1/2 oz fresh lime juice
- Garnish: pineapple or mango wedge
INSTRUCTIONS
- Combine all of the ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake for 30 seconds.
- Strain into a glass and garnish with a pineapple or mango wedge.
Adapted from Haitian Cooking.
Haitian Kremas
Haitian Kremas combines rich milks, warm spices, a splash of lime, and optionally, rum. This refreshing, creamy and delicious no-egg nog makes for a great party drink.
INGREDIENTS
- 1 12 oz. can Evaporated Milk
- 1 14 oz. can Sweetened Condensed Milk
- 1 15 oz. can Cream of Coconut
- 1 tsp. Vanilla Extract
- 1 tsp. Almond Extract
- 2 pods Star Anise
- 2 Cinnamon Sticks
- 1 tsp. Nutmeg
- 1 tsp. Lime Zest
- 3 tsp. Lime Juice
- 1 cup White Rum
INSTRUCTIONS
- In a small saucepan over medium-high heat, combine the evaporated milk, star anise, and cinnamon. Immediately remove from heat when the mixture reaches a gentle boil. Strain out and discard the star anise and cinnamon and allow the evaporated milk to cool.
- Blend the evaporated milk with all of the remaining ingredients until well combined.
- Pour mixture into glass bottles and chill. Serve.