Bittersweet Memories in a Glass: The Tobago Old Fashion Mauby Drink

In Tobago, some recipes don’t just quench thirst—they tell stories. One such drink is the Old-Fashioned Mauby, a bitter-sweet Caribbean classic that connects generations through bark, spice, and sustainability.

As Tobago embraces its eco-conscious identity, this humble home-brewed drink stands as a reminder that tradition and sustainability can coexist beautifully in every sip.

The Story: Bitter-Sweet Memories in a Bottle

Once upon a time, Mauby wasn’t something you bought in a plastic bottle. It was something lovingly brewed in your grandmother’s kitchen.

The air filled with the earthy scent of Mauby bark simmering in a pot, laced with cinnamon, bay leaf, and just a hint of clove.

Every family had their own version; some swore by orange peel, others added aniseed for a bolder taste. But the ritual was the same: waiting patiently as the bark steeped, sweetening to taste, then chilling it to serve on a lazy Sunday afternoon.

Beyond its refreshing flavor, Mauby was valued for its “cooling” and detoxing benefits. It was the island’s original wellness drink; natural, affordable, and deeply rooted in sustainable living.

Today, reviving this old-fashioned tradition is more than nostalgia; it’s a celebration of Tobago’s local ingredients, cultural resilience, and eco-friendly wisdom passed down through generations.

Recipe: Traditional Tobago Mauby Drink

Ingredients:

2 tbsp Mauby bark (washed and soaked)

6 cups water

1 stick cinnamon

2 whole cloves

1 bay leaf

½ tsp aniseed (optional)

1 cup brown sugar (or to taste)

½ tsp vanilla essence (optional)

Juice of ½ lime

Ice cubes, for serving

Instructions:

Bring Mauby bark, cinnamon, cloves, bay leaf, and water to a boil.

Reduce the heat and simmer for 20–25 minutes.

Remove from heat, let it cool, and strain.

Sweeten with brown sugar while still warm.

Add vanilla essence if desired.

Chill and serve over ice.

Eco Tip: Reuse the Mauby bark for a second brew by adding fresh water and spices. It’s a sustainable way to honor the old ways—waste nothing, enjoy everything.

Tobago’s Taste of Sustainability

Mauby is more than a drink... It’s part of Tobago’s sustainable food story.

This drink pairs beautifully with Tobago’s old-time coconut bakes or fried plantain chips.

Using simple, locally available ingredients and traditional brewing methods supports small vendors, preserves cultural practices, and reduces dependence on imported, bottled drinks.

So next time you crave something refreshing, brew your own Mauby and raise a glass to the generations who did the same, long before “sustainable living” became a trend.