The easiest Caribbean peanut punch recipe

Caribbean peanut punch is a creamy, non-alcoholic beverage that is an absolute delight for peanut lovers. This popular Island-style drink combines the goodness of peanut butter, nutmeg, condensed milk, and milk to create a rich and invigorating treat.

Every time I think about making this delicious, creamy punch, I have visions of my Dad sitting at the dinner table with his glass and sipping and swirling. He loved this popular high-protein drink. He was the one who taught me how to make it.

He was a real punch man. We've also done pumpkin punch, and Guinness. Which then pushed me to make some dasheen punch.

When you get some of this drink you would understand why he was in heaven while slurping this down. It is a frothy, creamy drink with a bunch of peanut butter.

For us, it was the ultimate drink after playing in the hot sun all day. Peanut punch is good for you too and it is a great supplement for the body.

  

What is peanut punch?

Another popular all-Caribbean drink. Another one that is referred to as "Jamaican peanut punch", "Trini peanut punch" or *insert your favorite island* punch.

Caribbean people just love to blend up things to drink. It can be fruits or provisions. These blended drinks, especially when there's milk included, are dubbed "punches".

This flavor is especially a popular drink in Guyana, Trinidad and Tobago, and Jamaica.

Peanut punch is creamy as it is delicious. It is considered a popular energy drink that is a blended mix of peanuts, different kinds of milk, granular sugar, and warm spices like nutmeg and cinnamon.

Note it is only considered an energy drink because of its high levels of fat and protein. Personally, after I have a good drink of this, I just want to go take a nap.

It's not unusual to find street vendors selling or a "punch man" wheeling along on the side of the road with a cart.

The benefits of peanut punch

Caribbean peanut punch not only satisfies the taste buds with its creamy and delicious flavor but also offers a plethora of health benefits. This popular beverage is known for providing a natural energy boost, thanks to the combination of peanuts and milk.

The high levels of protein found in peanuts provide sustained energy throughout the day, making peanut punch a favorite choice for those in need of an extra boost. Additionally, the slow-released carbohydrates present in this drink prevent energy crashes that commonly occur with sugary snacks or drinks.

Moreover, consuming this punch regularly has been linked to numerous health benefits. Studies have shown that peanuts can help lower cholesterol levels, reducing the risk of heart disease. The high fiber content in peanuts promotes healthy digestion and can aid in weight loss efforts.

The nutrients, such as vitamin E and magnesium, have been linked to improved memory and cognitive function. Additionally, the combination of peanuts and milk helps regulate blood sugar levels, making it a suitable choice for individuals with diabetes or those aiming to manage their blood sugar.

Peanut punch not only serves as a tasty beverage but also offers a range of health benefits. By providing an energy boost, aiding in weight management, reducing cholesterol levels, and promoting brain health, this drink is a nutritious choice for those seeking a delicious and beneficial beverage.

Note: If you have any specific health conditions or concerns, such as high cholesterol or blood sugar levels, it's always a good idea to consult a healthcare professional before incorporating peanut punch into your daily routine.

What goes into peanut punch

I love punches, especially this one, because they don't require a lot of slaving over a stove. This is a "no work" drink. It's a very basic recipe that just needs a blender.

   

To make this traditional drink, you will need a few key ingredients.

• Milk - I use whole milk (full cream milk). I have no dietary restrictions whatsoever. So if you need to switch out this milk, please feel free to do so. Look at the section below for substitutions.
• Sweetener of choice - this can be condensed milk, maple syrup, or granulated sugar of any kind.
• Peanut butter - crunchy or smooth peanut butter it does not matter. You can use natural peanut butter if you choose. Personally, I prefer crunchy as I like to have a few chunks of peanuts when I'm drinking. You can also use roasted peanuts (See section below for instructions on using roasted/raw peanuts)
• Grated nutmeg - I love using fresh nutmeg and then grating what I need. Don't have that, the powder is fine.
• Cinnamon/Vanilla essence/Bitters - add a subtle and aromatic taste to the peanut punch, making it even more enjoyable.

Steps for making peanut punch recipe

To make the delicious and creamy peanut punch, follow these simple step-by-step instructions:

1. Add all ingredients to your blender. This includes creamy peanut butter, condensed milk, and a touch of vanilla extract. Also, add in the grated nutmeg and cinnamon powder. These ingredients will enhance the flavor and sweetness of the punch.
2. Mix all the ingredients well until everything is fully incorporated. You can use a high-speed blender or a whisk to achieve a creamy and well-blended consistency.
3. Lastly, pour the peanut punch into tall glasses filled with ice cubes. (Or chill for an hour). This will keep the punch cool and refreshing. Serve immediately and enjoy!

You just made a delicious and satisfying peanut punch that is perfect for any occasion. Whether you are a fan of peanut butter or just looking for a nutritious and flavorful drink, this is a must-try!

If you used crunchy peanut butter, you will get some nice bits of peanut as you drink. Delicious!

Additions and substitutions for punch

The base of this punch has been just milk, peanuts, and sweeteners. But there are so many other things you can use to up the ante on it. Here are a few suggested substitutions and additions for this delicious recipe.

Substitutions:

• Milk - You can also use any milk you prefer. I used whole milk for that creamier mix, but you can also use skim or 2%. Oat milk and almond milk would also be great additions to the peanut punch. Just understand that they might alter the taste a little bit. Coconut milk is another great option for peanut punch. It adds a creamy texture and tropical taste to the drink and coconut milk is also full of essential nutrients and healthy fats.

• Peanuts - you can use roasted or raw peanuts instead of peanut butter. So instead of the tablespoons of peanut butter use 1 cup of raw peanuts. You can blend it with the milk in the blender, then strain it through before adding the other ingredients.
  
  Start by blending raw peanuts with water until you achieve a smooth and creamy consistency. This will ensure that the peanuts are finely ground and will release their full flavor into the punch. Once blended, use a strainer to remove any remaining peanut particles. This step ensures a smooth and silky texture for your peanut punch.

• Sweeteners - I know different people use different sugars or their replacements. Please use what you are comfortable using. There is no right or wrong.

• Butter - try different kinds of butter, like sunflower or soy butter.

   

Additions:

Bananas - I love adding half a ripe banana to this recipe. I like the additional creaminess it adds to the punch. Also added health benefits.

Oats - Another great addition is adding raw oats. This makes the punch thicker and very much can turn it into a meal.

Seamoss - a tablespoon of sea moss is also another great addition

Stout beer/Guinness - cause you know we must add some alcohol.

The best way to store leftover punch

To properly store your peanut punch and ensure its freshness and quality, there are a few steps to follow. After you have prepared the punch by blending all the ingredients until smooth and creamy, transfer it to a pitcher or airtight container. Make sure to choose a container that can hold the entire batch of punch.

Next, refrigerate the punch without adding ice cubes. Adding ice cubes directly to the punch can lead to dilution and potentially affect the taste. Instead, it's best to keep the punch chilled in the refrigerator and add ice cubes to individual glasses when serving. If you are like me and don't like ice, then just have it chilled.

Remember to cover the pitcher or container tightly to prevent any air from getting in, which can cause the punch to spoil faster. This will also help maintain the creamy consistency.

When you're ready to enjoy your peanut punch, give it a good stir to incorporate any settling that may have occurred during storage. This will help distribute all the delicious flavors and ensure a consistent taste throughout.

Once you make sure and follow these storage instructions, you can enjoy your homemade peanut punch at its best.

   

Can I use shelled peanuts instead of peanut butter?

Yes, you can use shelled peanuts instead of peanut butter in the peanut punch recipe to add a richer and more authentic flavor. While peanut butter is a convenient option, using shelled peanuts allows you to control the consistency and customize the taste according to your preferences.

To substitute peanuts for peanut butter in the recipe, you will need to follow a few alternative steps. Start by roasting the shelled peanuts until they turn golden brown, which enhances their nuttiness and brings out their natural oils. Allow the peanuts to cool before grinding them into a fine powder using a high-speed blender or a food processor.

The quantities of shelled peanuts needed to replace peanut butter in the peanut punch recipe can vary depending on your desired taste and thickness. As a general guideline, you can replace 1 cup of peanut butter with 1 ½ cups of shelled peanuts. Adjust the quantity to achieve the desired consistency and flavor profile.

When using shelled peanuts in the peanut punch recipe, it is important to consider any additional adjustments needed. Firstly, add a little extra liquid, such as water or milk, to compensate for the absence of the oil found in peanut butter. Secondly, you might want to add a touch of sweetness, like honey or sugar, to mimic the naturally sweetened taste of peanut butter.

Whether you are a fan of peanut butter or are looking for a tasty and wholesome beverage, this creamy and satisfying drink is sure to become a favorite high-protein energy drink or a refreshing treat to indulge in.