Barbados Mauby is a beloved traditional drink from the Caribbean island of Barbados. This refreshing beverage is made from the bark of the mauby tree (Colubrina elliptica) and is renowned for its unique blend of sweet and slightly bitter flavors. Ideal for hot days, Barbados Mauby is a popular choice among locals and visitors alike.

Barbados Mauby is a significant cultural symbol, reflecting the rich history and traditions of the island. The mauby tree has been used for centuries by indigenous Caribbean peoples for medicinal purposes, with its bark containing compounds like tannins, flavonoids, and alkaloids known for their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Traditionally, the drink was prepared by boiling mauby bark with water and adding sugar and spices such as cinnamon and clove. Today, many variations of the recipe exist, with some people adding ingredients like ginger, nutmeg, or bay leaves to enhance the flavor. Others choose to ferment the mixture, giving the drink a slightly tangy, alcoholic taste. Whether enjoyed as a non-alcoholic beverage or spiked with rum, Barbados Mauby remains a staple at special events and a favorite in local bars and restaurants.

Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make Barbados Mauby:

Barbados Mauby Recipe

Ingredients

- 1 lb mauby bark

- 2 quarts water

- 1 cinnamon stick

- 1 whole clove

- 2 cups brown sugar

- 1 lime (optional)

Instructions

1. Rinse the mauby bark thoroughly under running water to remove any dirt or debris.

2. Place the mauby bark in a large pot and add 2 quarts of water.

3. Add the cinnamon stick and clove to the pot, then bring the mixture to a boil.

4. Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for about an hour.

5. After an hour, remove the pot from the heat and strain the mixture through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth to remove the bark and spices.

6. Add 2 cups of brown sugar to the liquid and stir until the sugar is dissolved.

7. If desired, squeeze the juice of one lime into the mixture for added flavor.

8. Let the mixture cool to room temperature, then transfer it to a pitcher or container and refrigerate until chilled.

9. Serve the Barbados Mauby over ice and enjoy!

Note

Some people prefer to let the mauby mixture ferment for a few days before adding the sugar, which gives the drink a slightly alcoholic taste. If you choose to ferment the mixture, be sure to do so in a sterile environment to avoid the growth of harmful bacteria.

Nutrition Value:

Here are the approximate nutritional values for the ingredients listed:

Mauby bark (1 lb):

• Calories: 224 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 56 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 0 g
• Fat: 0 g

benefits:It is believed to have various health benefits, including being a natural diuretic, aiding in digestion, and having anti-inflammatory properties.

1. 1 lb mauby bark

- Calories: Approximately 0 calories

- Carbohydrates: 0g

- Protein: 0g

- Fat: 0g

- Sodium: 0mg

- Cholesterol: 0mg

- Vitamins: Minimal amounts of vitamins

- Minerals: Trace amounts of minerals

- Nutritional Benefit: Mauby bark is rich in tannins, flavonoids, and alkaloids, which are known for their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

2. 2 quarts water  

- Calories: 0 calories

- Carbohydrates: 0g

- Protein: 0g

- Fat: 0g

- Sodium: 0mg

- Cholesterol: 0mg

- Vitamins: None

- Minerals: None

- Nutritional Benefit: Essential for hydration and helps in the preparation of the beverage.

3. 1 cinnamon stick  

- Calories: Approximately 6 calories

- Carbohydrates: 2g

- Protein: 0g

- Fat: 0g

- Sodium: 0.8mg

- Cholesterol: 0mg

- Vitamins: Vitamin K, small amounts of Vitamin A, E, and C

- Minerals: Manganese, calcium, iron

- Nutritional Benefit: Cinnamon is known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It may help regulate blood sugar levels.

4. 1 whole clove  

- Calories: Approximately 6 calories

- Carbohydrates: 1.3g

- Protein: 0.1g

- Fat: 0.3g

- Sodium: 6mg

- Cholesterol: 0mg

- Vitamins: Vitamin K, small amounts of Vitamin A, E, and C

- Minerals: Manganese, calcium, magnesium

- Nutritional Benefit: Cloves have antimicrobial, antifungal, and antiviral properties. They are also rich in antioxidants and can aid in digestion.

5. 2 cups brown sugar  

- Calories: Approximately 1520 calories

- Carbohydrates: 400g

- Protein: 0g

- Fat: 0g

- Sodium: 84mg

- Cholesterol: 0mg

- Vitamins: Small amounts of B vitamins

- Minerals: Calcium, potassium, iron, magnesium

- Nutritional Benefit: Provides sweetness and energy. Contains some minerals, but should be consumed in moderation due to high sugar content.

6. 1 lime (optional)  

- Calories: Approximately 20 calories

- Carbohydrates: 7g

- Protein: 0.5g

- Fat: 0g

- Sodium: 1mg

- Cholesterol: 0mg

- Vitamins: Vitamin C, small amounts of Vitamin A, B6, and folate

- Minerals: Calcium, potassium, magnesium

- Nutritional Benefit: Limes are rich in Vitamin C, which is important for the immune system. They also have antioxidants and can aid in digestion.