Drinks
Mauby
Ingredients
- - 30 g (1 oz) dried mauby bark (or 60 ml/1/4 cup mauby bark syrup concentrate)
- - 1.5 litres (6 cups) water
- - 1 cinnamon stick
- - 3 whole cloves
- - A small strip of orange peel
- - 150-200 g (3/4 to 1 cup) granulated sugar, to taste
Method
- If using dried mauby bark, combine it with the water, cinnamon stick, cloves and orange peel in a large saucepan.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
- Remove from heat and let steep for at least 6 hours, or overnight, for the characteristic bittersweet flavour to develop fully.
- Strain the liquid through a fine mesh strainer into a pitcher, discarding the solids.
- Stir in the sugar to taste while the liquid is still slightly warm.
- Chill thoroughly and serve over ice; the drink will develop a light foam when poured, which is traditional and desirable.
Introduction: Mauby is a distinctive, slightly bitter-sweet Caribbean drink made from the bark of the mauby tree, popular across Anguilla and neighbouring islands as a refreshing, traditional beverage often sold by street vendors and at family gatherings.
Cultural Background: Mauby is a distinctive, slightly bitter-sweet Caribbean drink made from the bark of the mauby tree, popular across Anguilla and neighbouring islands as a refreshing, traditional beverage often sold by street vendors and at family gatherings.
Tips: Mauby is naturally bitter — start with less sugar than you think you need and adjust upward, as sweetness preference varies widely by household. A small amount of foam on top when serving is traditional; pouring from a height helps encourage it.
Variations: If using a pre-made mauby syrup concentrate, simply dilute with cold water and sugar to taste, skipping the simmering step. Add a pinch of grated nutmeg on top before serving for extra aroma.
Storage: Refrigerate in a sealed pitcher or bottles for up to 1 week; flavour deepens slightly over the first day or two.
Reheating: Not applicable — this drink is served cold.
Nutrition: Calories: 60 kcal | Protein: 0 g | Carbohydrates: 15 g | Fat: 0 g | Fibre: 0 g | Sodium: 5 mg
FAQs:
Q: What does mauby taste like? A: It has a distinctive bittersweet, slightly herbal and spiced flavour, often compared to a cross between root beer and bitters. Q: Where can I buy mauby bark or syrup? A: Caribbean grocery stores and online specialty retailers typically stock dried mauby bark or ready-made mauby syrup concentrate.
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