February 27, 2009
Why Did I Drink That? Irish Moss Peanut Drink
- WAI?
Although I'm not into alcoholic beverages, I will drink just about anything that doesn't contain alcohol at least once. If it doesn't sound too gross nor cost much nor pose an immediate threat to my health, at least.
While shopping at a bodega a block away from my apartment in search of Horlicks (they had it), I spotted a dusty can of Jamaican Irish Moss Peanut Drink. Never before had I consumed a beverage containing peanut butter and a seaweed-based gelling agent. Potentially tasty? Maybe. But it would only take a small investment to find out.
- Uh.
It poured out unsettlingly slowly, a bit thicker than crème anglaise. Not that I have anything against crème anglaise—I love it—it's just not something I would pour into a cup and drink. First thought: This is obviously not a thirst quencher. Second thought (mid-sip): Jesus christ, this is like drinking pudding. Like peanuty, not very sweet pudding. The substance appeared to be midway to something else—custard, sauce, bonding agent. What's it doing in a can?
I wouldn't say the drink is particularly bad. Or good. Or fulfills any craving for peanut, sweetness, or liquid. Maybe it would taste better as a hot, stomach-coating drink, like atol del elote. Or maybe it's unsalvageable. Does anyone out there have love for the gloopy peanut pseudo-liquid?
[I'm aware of Irish Moss's reputation as an aphrodisiac. Coupled with the name "Big Bamboo," this drink is a bit suggestive. But I'm almost 500% sure that it does nothing.]
Posted by roboppy at 1:15 PM
Comments (14)
You guys do drink egg nog around christmas time out of cups, isn't its consistency remotely similar to that of this peanut drink?
Posted by: frenchie at February 27, 2009 6:10 PM [#]
Annie: Yup, yet I keep living!
Graeme: I shook it, but I'm not sure that did anything.
And I think I will ignore the orifices.
frenchie: This is way thicker than egg nog. Or rather, a different kind of thick. Egg nog reminds me more of a milkshake, which I wouldn't compare to pudding. But this was...puddingesque. ...I need a larger vocabulary to properly describe these things.
Kirby: You're right, WHAT A FOOL I HAVE BEEN!
Grommie: Coconut oil put you off? Most of the other ingredients would've put me off first I think, haha. I like coconut oil, not that I eat it very much. And yeah, Irish moss is not a great name for something in a drink.
To be fair, I would have drunk it. My friends tell me I am far too fearless when it comes to trying foods. I think it's a good thing (especially for a food blogger). Was the flavour roast-y? Or peanut butter-ish? It looks a bit like Baileys/other Irish cream in that glass.
Posted by: SuperChomp at March 2, 2009 7:31 PM [#]
You tried that weird aloe drink sold in a lot of convenience stores? There's even a light version now. I need to man up and just drink one.
Posted by: piccola at March 2, 2009 8:54 PM [#]
SuperChomp: It wasn't roasty! Not even that peanut butter-ish. Kinda weak. Hm. I'll try whatever if it's not a bug, I think.
piccola: I've definitely had aloe drinks before, assuming there aren't that many of em. There's a light version? I didn't know it needed a light version!
There's a non-Irish moss version we had in Trinidad called "peanut punch"; it's much better! Less mucilage and more like a very thin peanut milkshake.
Posted by: miss_maggie at April 30, 2009 4:30 PM [#]
I love vanilla-flavored Jamaican Irish Moss drink. It does a *wonderful* job of relieving an upset stomach and soothing a sore throat - I guess since it's a thick starchy stuff.
Basil Seed Drink is also good for sore throats, but isn't much of a stomach remedy. It tastes quite a bit better than Irish Moss. I agree with you that Irish Moss is like drinking thin pudding. lol
I've not seen any peanut flavour at any stores in Nashville. The one odd peanut-related drink I've seen is made in Taiwan and called "Milk Drink" (I don't have a can handy to see what brand it is.) It's basically boiled green peanuts and sweetened milk. Very odd, but still good. Not something I'd drink every day though!!
Since you mentioned blancmange, I have an urge to go down the road to the little Mexican market and buy some of the home-made Flan they serve at lunchtime. Yea, not the same, but close enough.
Posted by: Tom at May 6, 2009 12:49 PM [#]
This stuff grows on you. I tried it once a few months ago, and thought it was mediocre, but I found myself drawn back for more. It didn't really get good, though, until I realized that you can mix it (at about a 1-1 ratio) with rum, and it still won't affect the taste. :)
Posted by: me at September 9, 2009 7:51 AM [#]
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Do you have a death wish, 'Boppy?
Posted by: Annie at February 27, 2009 2:42 PM [#]