Irish Moss

Irish moss is a Jamaican beverage made with the eponymous algae officially named Chondrus crispus. These nutritious algae were introduced by Irish immigrants—hence the colloquial name and the name of the drink. To prepare the beverage, the moss is washed and is then boiled with milk and various spices.

The typical choice includes cinnamon, vanilla, and nutmeg. The varieties of the drink abound; some variations include condensed milk, oats, or peanuts. The latter is a variation on a similar Jamaican drink known as peanut punch. The algae contain carrageenan, a polysaccharide commonly used as a thickener.

This is why the drink has a thick, almost viscous consistency. Irish moss is often promoted as an aphrodisiac, though there is no scientific evidence to support this claim. It is available at bars and roadside stands, and it also comes in a canned version.