This holiday season, we are all about sharing. Although the day has passed, we’re still celebrating Christmas.

We have spent the past few weeks traversing the region, collecting Christmas recipes. There are some desserts, drinks or foods that we all commonly prepare during the holidays. However, we each add our local flavour or flair to the recipe making it uniquely ours.

In our last article, we featured a dessert, ducana, that was distinctly Vincentian. Now, we will take a look at a seasonal beverage that is very popular with Trinbagonians. Some may say it’s not possible to have a real “Trinbagonian” Christmas without it.

Interestingly, nicely bottled, this drink makes an excellent Christmas present for a friend or family member, even if it is somewhat late. We are talking about Ponche de Crème. A bottle of the creamy punch is a great way to share some regional Christmas cheer, or more specifically, a bit of Trini holiday spirit.

A Trinbagonian Ponche de Crème recipe

Ingredients

3 tins condensed milk

1 tin evaporated milk

4 eggs

1 tablespoon Angostura bitters

1 teaspoon vanilla essence

1 bottle (white) rum

1 tablespoon almond essence

1 tablespoon ground nutmeg

1 green lime

Method

First, wash and peel the lime. Then, in a large bowl, whisk eggs and lime skin briskly. Remove the skin after 12 strokes. Gradually add condensed milk, evaporated milk and rum, beating continuously. 

Add other ingredients to the mixture. Stir well to blend flavours, and then bottle. 

Serve chilled.   

Note: Reduce the rum to 2 cups or 500ml for milder alcohol flavour.  Also, another option for creating lime zest is to grate the lime skin finely and whisk it with the eggs.

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Though you may have your recipe for this delicious but intoxicating drink, why not try it like the Trinbagonians this holiday. However, do remember to drink responsibly. 

To pick up ingredients for this and any other recipes shared, search your Findyello supermarket and grocers-retail listing to find a supermarket near you.

We hope you have enjoyed this short series of Christmas recipes around the region. Does your country have a recipe that you would like to share?  We want to hear it. Drop us a comment on Facebook or Instagram.   

From us to you, happy holidays!