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Mamajuana

The Quirky Foodster Team

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15 min (plus steeping)
Prep
0 min
Cook

Ingredients

  • about 100 g (about 3.5 oz) Dried mamajuana bark and root mix
  • 120 ml (1/2 cup) Honey
  • 500 ml (2 cups) Red wine (or non-alcoholic red grape juice)
  • 250 ml (1 cup) Water

Method

  1. Rinse the dried bark and root mix under running water, then pack into a clean glass bottle.
  2. Pour in the red wine (or grape juice for a non-alcoholic version) and water to cover the bark mixture.
  3. Add honey and shake gently to combine.
  4. Let the mixture steep at room temperature for at least 1 week, shaking occasionally, before straining and serving small amounts over ice.
  5. Top up the bottle with more wine, water and honey as the liquid is used, re-steeping the same bark for repeated batches.

Introduction: Mamajuana is a traditional Dominican infusion of tree bark, roots and herbs, historically believed to have medicinal and restorative properties drawn from Taino herbal knowledge, later combined with rum, wine and honey by Spanish settlers into the well-known modern version.

Cultural Background: Mamajuana is a traditional Dominican infusion of tree bark, roots and herbs, historically believed to have medicinal and restorative properties drawn from Taino herbal knowledge, later combined with rum, wine and honey by Spanish settlers into the well-known modern version.

Tips: The bark mixture can be reused several times before it loses potency. Traditionally rum is also added alongside the wine for the classic alcoholic version.

Variations: Use only grape juice and honey for a fully non-alcoholic version. Add a cinnamon stick to the infusion for extra warmth. Naturally vegetarian; ensure the honey is replaced with agave syrup for a vegan version.

Storage: Store the infusing bottle at room temperature away from direct sunlight; once strained, refrigerate poured servings.

Reheating: Not applicable — served cold or at room temperature.

Nutrition: Calories: 90 | Protein: 0g | Carbs: 14g | Fat: 0g

FAQs

Q: Is mamajuana always alcoholic?
A: Traditionally yes, combining rum and wine, though a non-alcoholic version using grape juice and honey is a common household adaptation.

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