Ponche de Crème: Trinidad’s Creamy Taste of Christmas

MASX
Dec 6, 2025
2 min read

When Christmas rolls around in Trinidad, you’ll hear parang music floating through the air, see houses twinkling with lights — and without fail, someone will offer you a chilled glass of ponche de crème. Rich, velvety, and wonderfully spiced, this beloved drink is a true Trinbagonian holiday staple. It’s more than just a beverage; it’s a symbol of family, warmth, and festive cheer.

A Caribbean Classic with Local Flair

While ponche de crème shares roots with traditional eggnog, Trinidadians have elevated it to something all their own. Its signature blend of creamy milk, eggs, lime zest, nutmeg, and Angostura bitters creates a flavour that’s both comforting and distinctly Caribbean. And of course, no proper Trini ponche de crème would be complete without a generous splash of rum.

A Tradition Made at Home

For many families, making ponche de crème is part of the Christmas ritual. Some guard their recipes like treasure, tweaking sweetness levels, experimenting with spices, or using specific brands of rum passed down through generations. Others gather as a family to whisk, blend, taste, and bottle — turning the process into a festive event all on its own.

In most households, the first bottle is opened early in the season, often during tree decorating or while wrapping gifts. By Christmas Day, a fresh bottle is almost guaranteed to be on the table.

Perfectly Versatile Festive Sip

Ponche de crème is most often served over ice, where its creamy texture and subtle spices can shine. But it’s also a versatile treat:

Pair it with fresh bread, black cake, or pastelles
Use it as a festive cocktail base
Bottle it as a thoughtful homemade gift

Some bakeries and cafés even create ponche de crème–flavoured desserts during the season, giving fans even more ways to enjoy the classic drink.

A Toast to the Season

Whether you’re visiting Trinidad during the holidays or enjoying the season from afar, a glass of ponche de crème is a delightful way to taste the island’s Christmas spirit. One sip brings warmth, nostalgia, and a reminder of how food and drink connect us during festive times.

So raise your glass — here’s to joy, family, and the unmistakable magic of a Trini Christmas!