Pumpkin Ju

Nov 3, 2020 | Tasters

Text por Aramara Corona.

Jamaica is a country that has a great variety of traditions, which allow us to see the wonderful culture it has. One of its most recognized characteristics is its extensive gastronomy, highlighting its unique drinks.

Jamaicans are skilled at turning fruit and vegetables into delicious beverages, like juices and punches. An example of them is the Pumpkin Ju, a drink that has an unmistakable taste: creamy, slightly sweet and wonderfully refreshing. This drink is a familiar tradition of the owner of La Xaymaca for Sunday dinners or special occasions, based on pureed pumpkin and milk added with nutmeg and stout beer, which gives a deliciously refreshing twist to its special flavor.

Mezcal Mitre Origen is a fresh and soft elixir made with spadin agave that fits perfectly to anybody’s taste with its marked acidity and long aftertaste that ends with a light smoked flavor, subtle astringency and smooth sensation. It´s the perfect complement to any cocktail or beverage.

We know we cannot match that wonderful Caribbean taste, but we created our version with a Mexican twist through Theresa Barrett’s culinary heritage and one of Mezcal Mitre’s best. So if pumpkin isn’t part of your favorite foods, why not try it in a delicious recipe.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups of cooked pureed pumpkin or a small pumpkin to get the equivalent
  • 4 cups of milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon Nutmeg
  • 2 tsp. ground Cinnamon
  • 2 tsp. Vanilla extract
  • 1 tbsp. ground Ginger
  • 1 tsp. Turmeric
  • 2 ounces of Mezcal Mitre Origen

Opcional: Si eres de las personas que le gusta el picante, puedes agregar chile serrano picado fin.

Procedure

  1. If you are using fresh pumpkin, peel, deseed, and cube the pumpkin.
  2. Place it in a stockpot, add a pinch of salt, and cover it with water. Boil until the pumpkin easily comes apart with a spoon.
  3. Turn off the heat and set aside to cool for about 10 minutes.
  4. Once it’s cool, blend the pumpkin with 4 cups of milk.
  5. Pour into a pitcher. Add the rest of the ingredients and stir.
  6. Pour over ice and enjoy.

NOTES

  • If you want a more intense taste, you can put a little bit of ground cinnamon on the top.
  • If you want to make a dairy-free version, replace milk with coconut milk.
  • If you can handle your booze, feel free to double up on the mezcal.