Jamaican Sweet Corn Drink

 

A hand holding a glass of Jamaican corn drink

If you ask most Jamaicans about Jamaican sweet corn drink with condensed milk, you might get a confused look. This recipe isn’t popular across the island and many people from other parishes have never heard of it. But in Clarendon and Manchester, this sweet corn drink is a quiet classic.

It’s one of my father’s all-time favourite beverages. His version uses sweetened condensed milk not the healthiest choice, but that’s exactly how he loves it. I’m sharing his traditional method below, along with options so you can make it your own using evaporated milk, almond milk, or your preferred sweetener.

Why You’ll Love This Corn Drink

  • Unique Jamaican heritage drink from Clarendon & Manchester

  • Requires only a few pantry ingredients

  • No blending needed just mix, chill, and enjoy

  • Rich, creamy, refreshing, and perfect served cold

 Corn Drink Recipe (One Serving)

 Ingredients

  • 1 can (20 oz) sweet corn

  • 2 tbsp sweetened condensed milk

  • A dash of grated nutmeg

  • ½ tsp vanilla flavouring

  • ½ cup water (you may use less)

 Instructions

  1. Strain the liquid from the canned sweet corn and rinse the kernels under tap water.

  2. Add the sweet corn to a mixing container.

  3. Pour in ¼ cup water, adding more only if needed to loosen the mixture.

  4. Add sweetened condensed milk and mix well. Taste and adjust sweetness.

  5. Add vanilla and grated nutmeg. Mix thoroughly.

  6. Place in the freezer to chill.

  7. Serve cold without ice.

 Prep & Chill Time

  • Prep Time: 5 minutes

  • Chill Time: 20–30 minutes

  • Total Time: 25–35 minutes

 Servings

  • Yield: 1 serving

 Substitutions

  • Swap condensed milk for evaporated milk, almond milk, or any sweetener of your choice.

  • Add more nutmeg or vanilla to taste.

 Nutritional Information (Estimated Per Serving)

(Values depend on milk choice)

  • Calories: ~250–300

  • Carbohydrates: ~45g

  • Protein: ~5g

  • Fat: ~6g

  • Sugar: ~30g

  • Fiber: ~2g

  • Sodium: ~180mg

Final Thoughts

This Clarendon and Manchester-style sweet corn drink may not be trending in Jamaican cuisine, but it holds its place in our local food culture sweet, nostalgic, and uniquely ours.

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