Dating back to colonial days, punch has been a popular drink in Jamaica. Since the introduction of stout in the early 1900s, that has added an interesting element to the regular ‘run of the mill’ punch. Dark ale or stout adds, not only bold flavour, but a rich and dark texture.

There are many varieties of punch that possess many flavour qualities – all are almost always sweet, bitter, cool and nourishing – all at once!

In Jamaica there are two drinks that are reputed to heighten male libido, though many women enjoy them too. One is Irish Moss and the other is Guinness Stout punch. Whether sexual prowess is enhanced by these drinks remains a moot point.

Both drinks were introduced to the island by Irish immigrants. Irish Moss became popular in Ireland during the famine of the 19th century due to the abundance of sea moss. In Jamaica the weed grows on rocks beside or under the sea.

Today, as we celebrate Arthur Guinness Day, let us raise a toast to the founder of the dark brew in recognition of his work and philanthropy. There are several variations of recipes for each drink, but we present ours here in the hope that you’ll try them.

IRISH MOSS

Ingredients:

o 3/4 lb Irish Moss

o 3 oz. gum arabic ( known as gum acacia – a natural gum made of hardened sap

o taken from two species of the acacia tree)

o 3/4 cup natural honey or 1 can sweetened condensed milk

o 3/4 pound sugar

o 5 oz isinglass

o 5 oz. linseed

o 3 tbsp vanilla extract

o 5 qts water

o 2 tbsp of powdered nutmeg

Method:

Wash the Irish Moss to remove sand and other matter.

Place the Irish Moss in water overnight. One part Irish moss to two parts water. (you could cook it right away, but you will have to cook it longer)

Place 5 qts water in a pot and bring to a boil. Add Irish Moss, gum arabic, isinglass, and linseed. Cook for _ hour until all the ingredients, except the Irish Moss, have dissolved. Strain the liquid into another container. Throw away the boiled Irish Moss.

Add the remaining ingredients to the liquid and mix well. Boil for an additional 10 minutes.

Let the mixture cool and then place in the refrigerator for 5 hours before sweetening.

Guinness Stout Punch

Ingredients:

o 1 bottle of Guinness or Dragon Stout

o 1 cup oats

o 4-5 cups water

o 1/4 cup condensed milk

o 1 tablespoon vanilla essence

o 1/4 teaspoon of grated nutmeg

o 1/2 cup Lasco food drink – peanut or vanilla flavour

o Or, 1 can of Supligen

Method

o Add the oats to a jug and pour over the water – you can blend the oats if you wish

o Add the Lasco and mix into the water

o Add the Guinness to the water

o Add the vanilla Essence

o Add the condensed milk slowly and check for sweetness

o Grate the nutmeg and stir ingredients together

o Chill in the fridge before serving

o Pour into long glasses (the bigger the better!)

o Enjoy!

Serves 4. You have the option to use one egg or cocoa powder for a different flavour.