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Though this recipe for Guinness punch might bring to mind a festive Irish pub, it harkens back to a favorite beverage on several Caribbean islands during the period of British colonization, and connects directly to activist and cookbook author Lelani Lewis’ Irish-Grenadian heritage. As she notes in her book Code Noir: Afro-Caribbean Stories and Recipes, in the 17th century, Guinness decided to export a beer that could survive the Transatlantic journey to the Caribbean to serve the Irish contract laborers in the region. This mixture of strong stout beer, creamy, sweet condensed milk, and a hint of cinnamon and nutmeg is a delightful fusion of flavors, and just one culinary example of the collision of many cultures and cuisines across the Caribbean.
While Lewis likes to prepare the punch with Guinness’ West Indies Porter, it can also be made with any Guinness stout or porter of choice. Overproof rum is a high-alcohol version of the Caribbean’s staple spirit—a little goes a long way, so don’t overdo it.
Adapted from Code Noir: Afro-Caribbean Stories and Recipes (Tra Publishing, February 20, 2024) by Lelani Lewis. Food photography copyright © Remko Kraaijeveld 2023.
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