This Jamaican-style Carrot Juice (Carrot Punch) brings back warm memories of sipping bright orange drinks served at breakfast tables during visits to Kingston. Made with fresh carrots, ginger, warm spices, and a touch of sweetened condensed milk, this recipe is delightfully creamy and comforting. It’s perfect chilled over ice or turned into a festive adult beverage with a splash of rum. If you’re looking for a naturally vibrant, drinkable treat that’s both flavorful and soothing, this is it.
Ingredient Guide
- Carrots: The bold base, providing natural sweetness, vibrant color, and essential nutrients.
- Ginger: Adds a spicy-lively warmth that elevates the flavor.
- Water: Used to blend and extract full juice; divide between blender batches.
- Lime Juice: Brightens the color and adds refreshing citrus balance.
- Ground Cinnamon & Nutmeg: Infuse the drink with comforting, fragrant Caribbean spice notes.
- Sweetened Condensed Milk: Delivers creamy sweetness and rich texture—adjust to taste.
- Vanilla Extract: Aromatic depth and subtle sweetness.
- Optional Rum: Turns this juice into an adult-friendly, festive cocktail.
Shopping Made Easy
- Carrots: Choose firm, brightly colored carrots; organic if available; any variety works here.
- Ginger: Look for plump roots with smooth, unwrinkled skin; store extra in your freezer for future use.
- Sweetened Condensed Milk: Standard cans work well; use dairy-free versions to make this recipe vegan.
- Ground Spices: Freshly grated nutmeg and ground cinnamon bring genuine flavor; use pantry staples if needed.
- Vanilla and Lime Juice: Always check labels for pure vanilla extract and fresh limes for the best aromatic quality.
Cooking Notes from the Kitchen
- Blend in batches to ensure smooth consistency and prevent overworking your blender.
- Strain twice for silky texture; use cheesecloth for an ultra-smooth finish, or a fine sieve for quicker prep.
- Add lime juice immediately after straining to preserve the beautiful bright orange color and prevent oxidation.
- Adjust sweetness thoughtfully. Start with about two-thirds of the condensed milk, taste, and whisk in more if needed, especially if serving over ice.
- Chill thoroughly before serving—this drink is far more refreshing when cold and settles naturally, so stir before pouring.
- For an adult twist, stir in rum just before serving and garnish with a lime wheel or mint leaf.
Easy Jamaican Carrot Juice (Carrot Punch)
A creamy, spice-infused Caribbean drink made from fresh carrots, ginger, and warm seasonings.
Ingredients
- 3 pounds carrots trimmed, chopped
- 2 pieces ginger sliced
- 8 cups water
- 1 lime juiced
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 3/4 teaspoon nutmeg grated
- 1 can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Option
- dark rum to taste, for adult version
Instructions
- Peel and roughly chop the carrots. Add half the carrots, one slice of ginger, and 4 cups of water to a blender. Puree until smooth. Repeat with the remaining carrots, ginger, and water.
- Puree until smooth. Repeat with the remaining carrots, ginger, and water.
- Strain the blended mixture using a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth into a large bowl. Press or squeeze to extract as much liquid as possible. Discard the pulp.
- Add lime juice immediately after straining to prevent discoloration. Stir in cinnamon, grated nutmeg, vanilla extract, and sweetened condensed milk. Start with 2/3 of the can, then taste and adjust sweetness as needed.
- Whisk until fully combined. Chill in the refrigerator before serving. Stir before pouring, as the drink may settle.
- To serve, pour over ice. For a festive adult version, add a splash of dark rum.
Notes
If you are making this drink gluten-free, please review the complete list of ingredients to ensure they meet your specific gluten-free dietary requirements. I suggest that you follow along with the video below, as it provides additional information, including alternative sweeteners you can use and instructions on how to keep the drink dairy-free if desired.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!