The Story Behind Tobago’s Local Drinks — Mauby, Ginger Beer, and Sea Moss

In Tobago, the rhythm of island life is steeped not only in music and folklore but in the drinks that cool our tongues and carry our stories.

Long before canned sodas and imported juices lined grocery shelves, Tobagonians turned to nature, tradition, and ingenuity to craft beverages that quenched thirst and nourished the soul.

Among the most iconic are Mauby, Ginger Beer, and Sea Moss — each with its own origin tale, healing reputation, and cultural heartbeat. Each tells a story about resilience, creativity, and the island’s deep respect for the gifts of the land and sea.

Mauby — The Bitter Brew That Bonds Generations

If you’ve ever sipped Mauby, you’ll remember its unmistakable taste; bitter at first, then beautifully sweet, like life itself. Made from the bark of the Mauby tree (often boiled with spices such as aniseed, cinnamon, and clove), this drink is as much medicine as it is refreshment.

In old Tobago kitchens, the scent of Mauby bark simmering in a pot meant one thing: a cool, homemade remedy was on the way. Mothers and grandmothers believed in its power to “clean the blood” and soothe the body after long, hot days in the sun.

But Mauby is more than just a drink. It’s a tradition passed down, a reminder that healing and nourishment can come from what grows around us. In many ways, Mauby embodies Tobago’s sustainable spirit, using native plants, reusing bottles, and brewing in small batches that honor the earth’s rhythm.

Ginger Beer — The Fiery Heart of Tobago’s Celebrations

No Tobago Christmas, wedding, or village fête feels complete without the fizz and fire of homemade Ginger Beer.

Grated ginger root, lime, brown sugar, and a few secret family spices, that’s all it takes. But the real ingredient is patience. The mixture is left to ferment in the Caribbean heat, giving it that distinct kick that dances on your tongue.

Ginger Beer tells a story of celebration and community. It’s the drink that accompanies laughter in the kitchen, where friends grate ginger together and taste-test the batch to “see if it's ready yet.” Every bottle carries a touch of personality — some sweet, some strong, all alive.

Beyond the taste, ginger has long been valued in Tobago for its health benefits, from easing colds to improving digestion. So, in every glass of Ginger Beer, you’ll find both joy and wellness, deeply rooted in the island’s homegrown wisdom.

Sea Moss — The Ocean’s Secret to Strength

Smooth, creamy, and rich, sea moss (also known as Irish Moss) is the island’s natural energy drink. Harvested from Tobago’s pristine coastline, this marine superfood has been a quiet hero in local kitchens for generations.

After being cleaned, soaked, and blended with spices, milk, or coconut water, Sea Moss becomes a nourishing elixir packed with minerals. In the old days, it was known as a tonic for vitality, “good for the back,” elders would say with a wink.

Today, Sea Moss has gone global, celebrated as a vegan superfood and wellness trend. But for Tobagonians, it’s always been a reminder of the island’s bounty. How the ocean provides not only beauty and livelihood but sustenance too.

Sustainable Sips — Preserving Tobago’s Drink Heritage

What connects Mauby, Ginger Beer, and Sea Moss isn’t just their taste. It’s their story of self-reliance and sustainability. These drinks represent a way of life where nothing goes to waste, where traditions are shared, and where nature’s gifts are used with respect.

As Tobago continues to grow as a sustainable food destination, these local beverages remind us of who we are and where we’ve come from. They tell stories of community, of patience, of the art of making something beautiful from simple, local ingredients.

So, the next time you take a sip of Mauby, Ginger Beer, or Sea Moss — remember, you’re not just tasting a drink. You’re tasting Tobago’s history, resilience, and love poured into a glass.