Peanut punch is a nutty, thick, sweet Caribbean drink with roasted peanuts, condensed milk, and spices. This non-alcoholic beverage is a treat the whole family can enjoy.
Caribbean Peanut Punch
Peanut punch is one of my husband’s favorite drinks. Before he heads off to play soccer I whip him up a batch. It’s easy, delicious, all-natural, and loaded with protein for the perfect energy boost.
Why You’ll Love This Peanut Punch Recipe
- Better than Storebought: Aside from getting more bang for your buck, homemade peanut punch is healthier because you decide the ingredients and measurements. So leave the Grace and Nestle peanut punch on the shelf.
- Tasty: This tastes like a milkshake! It’s sweet, cool, and indulgent.
- Customizable: Use peanut butter instead of peanuts, add alcohol, or make it dairy-free. There are so many ways to enjoy this drink.
What is Peanut Punch?
Peanut punch is a blended drink typically made with roasted peanuts, condensed milk, and spices. Punch is usually associated with fruity drinks and alcohol but Caribbean people refer to things a little differently.
This drink is popular across the Caribbean, and there are many varieties depending on the country. For instance, Jamaican peanut punch usually includes Guinness and Supligen, a liquid meal and energy supplement.
Ingredients for Peanut Punch Drink
Why is peanut punch so good? The answer is sweetened condensed milk. Aside from the peanuts, it’s the main source of flavor and gives the drink that velvety smooth consistency.
- Dry roasted peanuts: They provide a rich, nutty flavor.
- Milk: This is the base liquid for the punch, contributing to its creamy texture. Whole milk is commonly used for its richness, but you can use any milk variety according to your dietary preferences.
- Sweetened condensed milk: The sweetness of condensed milk complements the peanuts. It also enriches the texture.
- Vanilla extract/essence: Pure vanilla extract is preferred for its rich flavor, but vanilla essence can be used as a substitute if needed.
- Nutmeg: Freshly grated nutmeg adds warm, spicy undertones.
See recipe card for quantities.
How to Make Peanut Punch
It is really easy to make. Add dry roasted peanuts, condensed milk, regular milk, and vanilla essence to a blender. Use the liquefy option and blend for about 3 minutes.
Then, grate some fresh nutmeg into the punch and mix it in.
Strain the mixture with a very fine sieve. Sometimes I line the sieve with some muslin cloth to catch all of the grainy bits of blended peanuts.
This is the strained peanuts from the punch. I wonder if this is good for making anything, like peanut cookies or something. If you have any ideas of what to do with the leftover blended peanuts, do share in the comments below!
After straining, chill the liquid and serve it ice cold.
Storage
Store the drink in a mason jar or closed container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Recipe Substitutions & Variations
- Vegan Peanut Punch: Swap the milk for a dairy-free alternative like coconut milk or oat milk. Do the same for the sweetened condensed milk, opting for sweetened condensed coconut milk instead. You get the same thick, creamy consistency without the dairy.
- Peanut Butter: This is a great substitute for raw peanuts and gives you the same health benefits and flavor.
- Alcohol: Add white rum or stout beer to make this an adult beverage.
- Healthy Peanut Punch: Want fewer calories and less sugar? Swap the condensed milk for oats and evaporated milk. You get an enriched texture with added fiber and protein.
Tips for the Best Peanut Punch
- Taste the punch as you blend and adjust the amount of sweetened condensed milk accordingly. Some prefer a sweeter punch, while others may enjoy it less sweet.
- Blend the ingredients for at least 3 minutes or until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This ensures that the peanuts are fully incorporated and the drink is silky in texture.
- Strain well. Use a fine sieve or nut milk bag to strain the punch thoroughly after blending. This removes any remaining peanut bits and results in a smoother consistency.
- Peanut punch is best served chilled. While you can drink it immediately, refrigerate the punch for 2-3 hours or until thoroughly chilled is best. Chilling allows the flavors to meld together and enhances the overall taste of the punch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Peanut punch is high in fat from milk and peanuts, but the main concern for weight gain is the sugar content. To make it more weight-conscious, you can adjust the ingredients to omit or substitute sugars with natural sweeteners. However, it’s essential to treat it as an occasional indulgence rather than a daily drink.
Peanut punch can be nutritious when enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. It provides protein from peanuts and milk, along with essential nutrients like vitamins and minerals. However, its high calorie and sugar content means it’s best enjoyed as a treat rather than a daily beverage.
In Jamaica, there is a common belief that the drink increases testosterone levels, therefore enhancing sexual performance. This probably stems from one of the main health benefits of peanuts: it naturally boosts energy.
Peanut Punch
Equipment
- Blender
Ingredients
- 4 cups dry roasted peanuts
- 6 cups milk
- 1 can sweetened condensed milk 14 ounce
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract/essence
- 1 tsp grated nutmeg
Instructions
- Divide the ingredients in half to make two batches.
- Add 2 cups peanuts, 3 cups milk, 1/2 can of condensed milk and 1/2 tbsp vanilla extract to the mug of a blender. Blend on high for about 3 minutes.
- Add 1/2 teaspoon of grated nutmeg and mix together.
- Strain using a very fine sieve. Discard blended peanut bits.
- Repeat steps 2 through 5.
- Chill punch and serve ice cold.
Nutrition
The information listed in the recipe card is an estimate provided by an online nutrition tool. The tool evaluates ingredient names and amounts then makes calculations based on the number of servings listed for the recipe. It is provided as a general guideline and not as a precise calculation. For precise nutrition information please feel free to add the ingredients to your preferred nutrition calculator or consult a doctor or licensed nutritionist.
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Davida Says
Is it possible to substitute the peanuts with 4 cups of peanut butter?
Starrie Says
You can try adding the left over peanuts to your fudge recipe:) Voila Peanut Vanilla Fudge
Althea Brown Says
That’s a great idea.
savi Says
i use it to make peanut PORRIDGE peanut n 1/4 cup of parch flour n milk add NUTMEG n any other blended spice you like in ur PORRIDGE
Althea Brown Says
Yummm
Ally Says
Leftovers makes a great binder for ceral bars
Althea Brown Says
That’s a great idea!
Denise Says
Looks amazing
Althea Brown Says
Thank you. It’s delicious.