In brief
- Mauby: a bitter Caribbean drink made from mauby bark and spices
- Origin: the English-speaking West Indies, Trinidad, Barbados, popular in Guadeloupe and Martinique
- Essential ingredients: mauby bark, sugar, cinnamon, star anise, nutmeg
- Setting: a refreshing summer drink, digestive virtue, Caribbean markets
Origins and cultural history of Mauby
Mauby (or mavi) is an ancestral drink of the English- and Spanish-speaking West Indies. Made from the bark of the mauby tree (Colubrina elliptica), it is renowned for its digestive and fortifying properties. For the Caribbean diaspora in France, it is the memory of the markets of Roseau, Castries or Bridgetown.
Essential ingredients of Mauby
- Mauby bark: 30 g
- Cinnamon, star anise, nutmeg
- Lemongrass, orange peel
- Cane sugar: 200 g
- Water: 1 L
Nutritional benefits of Mauby
A low-calorie drink (110 kcal/serving). Mauby bark has tonic properties. Rich in antioxidants. Stimulates digestion.
Frequently asked questions
Is mauby alcoholic?
No, the traditional version is non-alcoholic. A regional fermented version also exists.
Where can I find mauby bark?
On nkosiagro.com, in the Caribbean flavours collection.
How long does mauby keep?
5 days in the refrigerator in a glass bottle.