Learn how to make some Caribbean style peanut punch. My version is non alcoholic and vegan friendly and you can make it 2 ways with roasted peanuts or a fast track version using creamy peanut butter.
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You cannot visit the islands without sampling some Caribbean peanut punch, in fact it should be forbidden.
In the same breath, you don't have to buy a ticket to visit these wonderful islands because I can show you how to whip this up within minutes - so good it will remind you of your mother's Jamaican peanut punch.
This sweet, thick, creamy, nutty protein rich Caribbean beverage has your name written all over it.
Whether served chilled on a hot day or as an energy boosting snack, this is one island drink you’ll want to keep on repeat.
Peanuts vs peanut butter
I first made this recipe several years ago, it was one of my first Caribbean recipes. Since I have made it a lot has changed including how I prepare it.
A lot of people ask me how to make this recipe using peanut butter instead because they are looking for alternatives.
This recipe post is a revamp, where I have included 2 methods of making this drink - with or without peanuts.
I like both versions of the drink, roasting the peanuts imparts more depth of flavour. However if you using peanut butter especially the dark coloured one your punch will taste amazing to point where that version is now my preference.
What is peanut punch?
In short it is a popular refreshing creamy drink amongst many Caribbean islands especially Jamaica, Trinidad and Guyana.
The base of the drink is peanuts - blanched or with the skin on, condensed milk, water, vanilla and nutmeg.
The ingredients are added to a blender and blended until it is smooth to make the punch.
However, some people add other ingredients such as oats, rum, agostura bitters, glucose powder, guiness, evaporated milk, supligen, cinnamon or stout.
The additional ingredients are vary depending on the island.
Another interesting fact about this drink it is often regarded as an afrodisiac due to its protein and fat content but this is debatable.
Ingredients you will need
- Peanuts - The star of the show, whole peanut blanched or with skin on!
- Plant based milk - I like to use almond milk because it isn't overpowering but any will work!
- Vanilla/Nutmeg - Both are used as flavour enhancers.
- Vegan condensed milk - To sweeten the punch
- Water - To help break down the nuts
Reasons to make this recipe
- My version is dairy free and vegan friendly
- You can tailor the drink to suit i.e adding bitters, rum etc..
- Contains high levels of protein/fats making it a great post workout beverage
- Homemade peanut punch doesn't contain any additives or preservatives
- You can make it with whole peanuts or use nut butter instead
- It's quick and relatively easy to make (source)
The steps (roasted peanut version)
- Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
- Preheat the oven to 356F/180/gas mark 4.
- Place the peanuts on the baking tray and spread them out so they roast evenly.
- Roast the peanuts in the oven until they become golden (not burnt) this should take 5-8 minutes, keep an eye on them throughout the given time.
- Once roasted remove the peanuts from the oven and set aside.
- Place the peanuts, oats, water and almond milk in a blender.
- Blitz into a smooth consistency.
- Use a nut bag/cheesecloth or strainer to strain off the punch into a jug or pitcher (you can discard or save the pulp for peanut porridge).
- Add the vanilla, nutmeg and stir in the condensed milk and sweeten to your preference.
Peanut butter version
- Place the almond milk, water, oats, vanilla, nutmeg, 1 cup of peanut butter and vegan condensed milk (to taste).
- Blitz into a smooth consistency.
Notes and tips
- Store any leftover punch in the refrigerator for 2-3 days.
- You can use blanched peanuts or nuts with the skin on, it doesn't really matter.
- Almonds can be used in case of a peanut allergy
- Other plant based milk such as coconut milk can be used instead of almond milk.
- This is the recipe link that you need for the Vegan Condensed Milk.
- Remember to roast the peanuts first if you are doing that version of the punch, it will make a difference to the overall taste.
More peanut recipes to try
- Peanut Butter Fudge with Condensed Milk
- Peanut Butter Porridge
- Peanut Drops
- Jamaican Peanut Porridge
- Spicy Air Fryer Peanuts
More punch recipes to try
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Caribbean Peanut Punch
Ingredients
- 1 cup peanuts blanched or redskin on
- 2 tablespoon oats optional
- ½ cup water
- 1½ cups almond milk or use coconut milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- vegan condensed milk to taste
Instructions
- Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
- Preheat the oven to 356F/180/gas mark 4.
- Place the peanuts on the baking tray and spread them out so they roast evenly.
- Roast the peanuts in the oven until they become golden (not burnt) this should take 5-8 minutes, keep an eye on them throughout the given time.
- Once roasted remove the peanuts from the oven and set aside.
- Place the peanuts, oats, water and almond milk in a blender.
- Blitz into a smooth consistency.
- Use a nut bag/cheesecloth or strainer to strain off the punch into a jug or pitcher (you can discard or save the pulp for peanut porridge).
- Add the vanilla, nutmeg and stir in the condensed milk and sweeten to your preference.
For the peanut butter version
- Place the almond milk, water, oats, vanilla, nutmeg, 1 cup of peanut butter and vegan condensed milk (to taste).
- Blitz into a smooth consistency.
Video
Notes
- Store any leftover punch in the refrigerator for 2-3 days.
- You can use blanched peanuts or nuts with the skin on, it doesn't really matter.
- Almonds can be used in case of a peanut allergy
- Other plant based milk such as coconut milk can be used instead of almond milk.
- This is the recipe link that you need for the Vegan Condensed Milk.
- Remember to roast the peanuts first if you are doing that version of the punch, it will make a difference to the overall taste.
Lissa says
Hi Charla! I am in Tobago right now and this recipe couldn't come at a better time! They put condensed milk in EVERYTHING, so to find your condensed milk recipe and your recipe for my favorite drink was a bonus!
Quick question, instead of condensed milk, can I use honey instead? If so, what amount in reference to your recipe?
Thanks so much!
Charla says
Hi Lissa, yes, you can use honey, just use it as and when you would use the condensed milk. However, the punch won't be as rich or creamy as when condensed milk is used.
Daz says
I love peanut punch and this sounds like a great version.I just wanted to know would this be ok to have in the morning & again in the evening?I'm having problems eating anything since just after Christmas.Would I get the nutrients I need from this.I just want something I enjoy and doesn't make me choke.Thankyou in advance and i apologize for the long message.
Charla says
Yes, it's quite filling and can easily be a meal replacement for both morning and evening with no issues.
Ceil says
Hi Charla,
Ever since trying peanut punch in Trinidad earlier this year, I've been looking for a good healthier version recipe. Yours fit the bill 🙂 I must confess though that I found it quite tedious rubbing the skin off the peanuts and probably will go back to just using some peanut butter instead when I make the recipe again (LOL) but thanks again for this wonderful introduction to a vegan style peanut punch.
Wishing you a pleasant weekend.
Charla says
Hi Ceil. Nice to here that the recipe meets your approval. You're most than welcome to use peanut butter as opposed to using the traditional raw whole peanuts. Whatever your preference is, the end result is the same anyway!
Abigail Murdock says
Hope that I will have an opportunity to visit the Caribbean and sample some peanut punch. The beverage looks great. Thanks Charla for sharing this wonderful beverage.
Charla says
Thank you. It's a pleasant tasting drink, very refreshing might I add.
Healthoop says
Amazing! I love everything that is dairy free and gluten free. Thanks for bringing us the recipe of Caribean peanut punch dairy free.
Charla says
Hi there, glad you like my website and most importantly my dairy free Caribbean peanut punch.
Yos says
I just tried this yummy recipe from your blog and it has come out really yummy!! 🙂
This is my first caribbean peanut punch and I am quite happy with the outcome...
Thanks for sharing this easy recipe 🙂
Charla says
Awesome! I'm so glad you liked it. I hope you try another recipe from me.
stacey says
I see that it calls for coconut milk, then again for 1/2 cup of milk- is that supposed to be a 1/2 cup of water? Also, have you ever tried this with peanut butter? If so- how much? Thanks!
Charla says
Hi Stacey, my apologies. The recipe should say water, I will amend to reflect this. No I haven't tried using peanut butter however 1/2 cuo of peanut butter should suffice instead of using actual peanuts.
Scott says
That picture alone looks delish!!
Some of the ingredients say "see post for recipe". Which post would that be?
Thanks!
~ Scott
Charla says
Sorry for not being too specific, I left some hyperlinks within the body of the actual post and was referring to those for reference.
Mylife says
I love coconut and I love peanuts so I am looking forward to trying this. I have a lot of contacts in the catering trade and I will pass on your details so that they can look for themselves.
Charla says
I hope you enjoy it and thanks for the referral, much appreciated ;).
Jolie says
I'm loving your site and recipes Charla! This one looks amazing, I imagine it would taste similar to a peanut butter milkshake. You mention that we should use 1/2 cup of milk, is that any non-dairy type of milk like soy, almond or rice milk, or should we add 1/2 cup extra coconut milk?
Charla says
Thanks Jolie, you will need to use coconut milk.
Viljoen says
I would love to try this out. Coconut milk is very healthy because of the healthy oils that are within nuts. Nuts is also a very good protein source. Love this recipe especially with a little plash of vodka LOL 🙂
Charla says
I hope you give this a try and let me know how it turns out for you.
Immaculate says
Charla, I always wanted to make this peanut punch drink. Will have to try it out.
Charla says
I know you like your Caribbean cuisine so I know you will definitely appreciate this one.