This Haitian Cremas Recipe is a rich, creamy, and spiced holiday drink made with coconut milk, sweetened condensed milk, Haitian rum, and warm spices!
If you’ve ever had the joy of celebrating the holidays with a Haitian family, you already know—Cremas is a non-negotiable part of the festivities. It’s the kind of drink that’s poured with love, served with laughter, and refilled before you even realize your glass is empty.
The first time I tried Cremas, I was at a friend’s holiday party, and let me tell you—I was not ready. One sip, and I instantly understood why people rave about it. It was thick, sweet, coconutty, with just the right punch of warming spices and a little kick from the rum. It felt like a cozy hug in a glass, like something that belonged in my life forever. And that’s exactly what happened.
Now, every year when the holidays roll around, I make a batch, bottle it up, and share it with friends and family. And without fail, someone always asks for the recipe. So here it is—the Haitian Cremas recipe that’ll make you the most popular person at any holiday gathering.
Why You’ll Love This Haitian Cremas Recipe?
- Luxuriously creamy – It’s rich, thick, and smooth with the perfect balance of coconut and warm spices.
- Just the right amount of booze – The rum gives it depth without overpowering.
- Easy to make ahead – In fact, it tastes better after a day in the fridge!
- Perfect for gifting – Pour it into a pretty bottle, tie a ribbon around it, and you’ve got an instant holiday gift.
Ingredient Notes:
Cremas is all about balance—creamy, sweet, spiced, and boozy. Here’s what makes it special:
- Evaporated Milk & Sweetened Condensed Milk – The dream team of richness and sweetness. You don’t need extra sugar because the condensed milk takes care of it!
- Coconut Cream & Coconut Milk – These give Cremas its signature tropical creaminess. Coconut cream is thick and indulgent, while coconut milk lightens it up just a bit.
- Lime Zest & Juice – A must. It adds a pop of brightness that keeps the drink from feeling too heavy.
- Cinnamon Stick & Star Anise – These spices infuse the drink with warmth. Star anise has a subtle licorice-like flavor that pairs beautifully with rum.
- Nutmeg – Because it’s not a holiday drink without freshly grated nutmeg!
- Vanilla & Almond Extracts – Adds depth and a hint of nuttiness.
- Haitian Rum – Barbancourt is the traditional pick, but any dark rum will do.
How To Make Haitian Cremas?
Step 1: Heat the Milk
In a large pot, combine the evaporated milk, condensed milk, coconut cream, and coconut milk over low heat. Stir occasionally and make sure it doesn’t boil—you just want it warm.
Step 2: Infuse with Flavor
Add the lime zest, lime juice, cinnamon stick, star anise, nutmeg, vanilla, almond extract, and salt. Let everything simmer gently for about 10 minutes. Your kitchen will smell incredible!
Step 3: Stir in the Rum
Take the pot off the heat and slowly stir in the Haitian rum. Now’s the time to give it a little taste—but be careful, it’s strong!
Step 4: Strain & Bottle
Using a fine-mesh strainer, pour the Cremas into a large glass bottle or carafe. This step is important because it removes the cinnamon stick, star anise, and any zest bits, making for a silky-smooth drink.
Step 5: Chill & Serve
Want To Save This Recipe?
Refrigerate for at least an hour, but overnight is even better. Before serving, shake the bottle well, pour over ice, and sip away!
Storage Options:
- Refrigerator: Store in a tightly sealed bottle in the fridge for up to two weeks. Shake well before serving!
- Freezing: Not recommended—it can mess with the texture.
- Gifting: Pour into small glass bottles, add a festive tag, and boom—best holiday gift ever.
Variations and Substitutions:
Want to put your own spin on Cremas? Here are some ideas:
- Make it lighter – Use more evaporated milk and less coconut cream.
- Extra spice – Add a pinch of ground clove or allspice.
- No rum? No problem! – Skip the alcohol for a non-alcoholic version (or swap it for rum extract).
- Dairy-free option – Replace the evaporated milk with oat or almond milk, and use dairy-free sweetened condensed milk.
What to Serve with Haitian Cremas?
Cremas is perfect on its own, but it’s even better paired with:
- Haitian Patties – These flaky, spiced meat pastries are a must.
- Spiced Cookies or Gingerbread – Warm flavors that complement Cremas beautifully.
- Rum Cake or Fruitcake – Because more rum is always a good idea.
- Dark Chocolate Desserts – The richness of chocolate balances out the creamy sweetness.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What’s the best rum for Cremas?
Haitian Barbancourt is the gold standard, but any high-quality dark rum will work.
Can I drink Cremas warm?
Traditionally, it’s served chilled over ice, but if you want a warm version, heat it gently like a spiced latte.
Can I skip the coconut?
Yep! Just swap the coconut ingredients for more evaporated milk. It’ll be a little less tropical but still delicious.
Haitian Cremas is more than just a drink—it’s a celebration in a bottle. Whether you’re bringing it to a holiday party or sipping it at home, it’s the perfect way to add a little warmth and joy to the season.
So, what do you think? Are you ready to whip up a batch of Cremas? Let me know if you try it—I’d love to hear how it turns out! Cheers!
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Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
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Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Keep the Flavor Coming – Try These:
Haitian Cremas Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 can 12 oz evaporated milk
- 1 can 14 oz sweetened condensed milk
- 1 can 13.5 oz coconut cream
- 1 can 13.5 oz unsweetened coconut milk
- Zest of 1 lime
- Juice of 1 lime
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 3 whole star anise
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons almond extract
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 cup Haitian rum
Instructions
Heat the Milk Mixture
- In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, combine the evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, coconut cream, and unsweetened coconut milk over low heat. Stir occasionally to ensure even mixing. Do not allow the mixture to boil.
Infuse the Spices
- Add the lime zest, lime juice, cinnamon stick, star anise, nutmeg, vanilla extract, almond extract, and salt. Allow the mixture to gently simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to fully incorporate the flavors.
Incorporate the Rum
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the Haitian rum. Mix well to ensure the alcohol is evenly distributed.
Strain the Mixture
- Using a fine-mesh strainer, carefully pour the liquid into a clean glass container or bottle to remove the cinnamon stick, star anise, and lime zest. This step ensures a smooth and creamy texture.
Chill and Serve
- Transfer the Cremas to the refrigerator and allow it to chill for at least one hour. Before serving, shake the bottle well to redistribute any settled ingredients. Serve over ice and garnish with additional star anise or a sprinkle of cinnamon if desired.
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
