Irish Moss

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Irish Moss - Caribbean Recipes

Irish Moss

If you’ve never tried the drink Irish Moss, you might be imagining something slimy and gross- but you would be wrong! Irish Moss is a creamy and sweet Caribbean drink made with the mild-flavored seaweed, Irish moss. The seaweed is boiled and cooled to form a gel which is combined with sweet condensed milk, cinnamon and nutmeg, a splash of vanilla, and optionally, a shot of rum. The seaweed was originally discovered off the coast of Ireland (hence, the name) and was brought the attention of Caribbean locals by Irish indentured servants in the 17th century. This popular drink is considered by many to be a sort of love potion, so be careful…


 Serves 2

FOR THE SEA MOSS GEL

  • 1 cup dried sea moss
  • 2 cinnamon sticks

FOR THE COCKTAIL

  • 1 cup sea moss gel
  • 2 cups water
  • 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 7 oz can sweetened condensed milk
  • Pinch nutmeg
  • Shot of rum, to taste (optional)

INSTRUCTIONS

  1. Soak the dried Sea Moss in cold water for 15 minutes and rinse thoroughly.
  2. Fill a pot with two quarts of water and bring to a boil over high heat. Add the Sea Moss and cinnamon sticks and return to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes.
  3. Remove the pot from the heat and discard the cinnamon sticks. Allow to cool, then transfer to an airtight container. Place in the refrigerator overnight to gel.
  4. Combine all of the cocktail ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth.
  5. Serve chilled or over ice. 

NOTES

  • If you can’t find Sea Moss in your usual grocery store, look in ethnic grocery and health food stores.

Adapted from Uncommon Caribbean


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