Caribbean Irish moss (sea moss) drink recipe
This creamy Caribbean sea moss drink—also known as Irish moss punch—is a rich, spiced beverage made with sea moss gel, milk, and warming spices. Popular across islands like Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago, it’s enjoyed both for its flavor and its impressive nutritional benefits.
You might have heard of the Jamaican Irish moss drink. In Trinidad, we simply call it sea moss.
It’s known for being deliciously creamy, lightly spiced, and packed with nutrients. Some enjoy it as a health tonic, others as an indulgent drink, or even a cocktail base. However you serve it, this Caribbean favorite always brings bold flavor and a touch of nostalgia.
What is sea moss?
Sea moss is a sea vegetable similar to seaweed. Also known as Irish moss or Chondrus Crispus, it forms a thick gel when soaked or boiled, and it’s packed with nutrients. This gel is the base for this punch and is also used in smoothies, vegan desserts, and sauces. Look for wildcrafted or wild-harvested sea moss for the best quality.
Health Benefits of Sea Moss
Sea moss is known for its health-supportive properties. It’s high in iodine, supports thyroid function, contains antioxidants, and has long been used in Caribbean households for boosting immunity and overall wellness.
Looking for more Caribbean drinks that offer a nutritious boost? Check out my beet punch, carrot juice and cucumber juice recipes too! It’s high in iodine, supports thyroid function, contains antioxidants, and has long been used in Caribbean households for boosting immunity and overall wellness.
How To Make Sea Moss
Ingredient notes
Here are some quick notations for some of the base ingredients. See the full list of ingredients and quantities in the recipe card below.
Core Ingredient
- Sea moss gel: This is the star. Use pre-made gel or make your own using dried sea moss.
Creamy Base
- Evaporated milk and whole milk: These give the drink its richness. You can use semi-skimmed or plant-based alternatives.
- Sweetened condensed milk: Adds sweetness and creaminess.
Flavor Enhancers
- Nutmeg and cinnamon: Warm spices that round out the flavor.
- Mixed essence: A Caribbean baking essential that adds a unique depth with vanilla, almond, and citrus notes.
- Angostura aromatic bitters: A few dashes add subtle spice and bitterness. Orange bitters work too.
- Lime juice: Helps to neutralize any ocean flavor from the moss.
Instructions
- Rinse dried sea moss under running water to remove any sand or debris.
- Place it in a bowl with water and a squirt of lime juice. Let soak for at least 8 hours or overnight.
- Drain and rinse again.
- Add to a pot with fresh water. Bring to a boil over medium heat and cook until the moss softens into a jelly-like consistency.
- Let cool. Store in the fridge in a sealed container. It will thicken more as it cools.
How to make drink
- Add 1¼ cups sea moss gel to a high-powered blender.
- Add evaporated milk, whole milk, sweetened condensed milk, nutmeg, cinnamon, mixed essence, and bitters.
- Blend until smooth and creamy.
- Taste and adjust sweetness or thickness (add more milk to thin).
- Strain if desired and serve chilled or over ice.
Variations & Add-Ins
Want to take your Irish moss punch to the next level? Try these:
- Vegan version: Swap in almond milk, coconut milk, and sweetener of your choice.
- Add oats: Makes it more filling and nutritious.
- Banana: Adds creaminess and natural sweetness.
- Peanut butter: Turns it into a protein-packed peanut punch.
- Flaxseed or ground nuts: Great for added texture and nutrition.
- Guinness: A splash of stout is traditional in some circles.
Storage
Store leftover sea moss punch in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. Store extra sea moss gel in the fridge (lasts 2–3 weeks) or freeze in cubes.
Delicious creamy Caribbean drinks
- Homemade Caribbean rum cream
- Caribbean peanut punch
- Haitian cremas
- Caribbean Guinness stout punch
- Dasheen punch
Tried this recipe? If you made and loved this Caribbean sea moss drink, I’d love to hear about it! Leave a comment below and don’t forget to rate the recipe. Your feedback helps others and supports the blog!
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, in moderation. Many people consume small amounts daily for their nutritional benefits.
If you soak sea moss too long, it will lose its quality and spoil. It might go moldy or develop an unpleasant fishy smell. To ensure that sea moss keeps its quality, don’t soak it for more than 48 hours.
You can buy dried Irish moss online from Amazon, or you may be able to find Caribbean brands in larger grocery stores. Look for whole, wild-harvested versions.
Yes! Store in ice cube trays and pop out portions as needed.
Creamy, lightly spiced, and slightly oceanic—but the lime juice helps balance that out.
Recipe
Irish moss (sea moss) recipe
Ingredients
Method
- Wash sea moss under running water, making sure to take out any debris you might find.
- Take the washed moss place it into a bowl and cover with water about an inch more. Squirt the lime juice into the water. Let that sit and soak for at least one hour or even overnight.
- Rinse the sea moss out, and discard that original water.
- In a pot, cover the sea moss with water and bring to a boil on medium heat.
- Boil until the moss has turned into jelly. Dissolved into the water.
- Remove from the heat and let it cool. It will continue to thicken.
- Store as needed.
- Take 1 1/4 cups of sea moss gel and place it into a high-powered blender
- Add milk, condensed milk, evaporated milk, bitters, essence, and blend till combined.
- Taste for sweetness and adjust
- Strain if desired.
- Serve over ice or chill and serve.
