Mauby

Mauby, also known as maví in the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico, mabi in Haiti and Martinique, and maubi in the Virgin Islands and Dutch Caribbean islands, is a cherished tree bark-based beverage in the Caribbean. Made from the bark and/or fruit of certain Colubrina species, this drink is often enhanced with sugar and spices for additional flavor. While mauby was traditionally a fermented beverage, today it is predominantly sold as a non-fermented soft drink.

Haiti and the Dominican Republic are leading exporters of mauby bark and leaves. Mauby can be enjoyed either fermented, using a starter from a previous batch, or unfermented. It is commonly purchased as a pre-made syrup to be mixed with water, although homemade versions and those sold by local producers or street vendors are also popular. The taste of mauby begins sweet, reminiscent of root beer, but it has a distinctive bitter aftertaste. This complex flavor profile is an acquired taste and the drink can have a laxative effect on first-time drinkers.

On the commercial side, Grupo Taino LLC in the Dominican Republic offers two types of mabi: Seybano, a lighter version made with tree bark extract and sugar, and Cacheo, a darker version that includes bark, fruit extract, spices, and sugar. Additionally, Mauby Fizzz, a carbonated version produced by PepsiCo in Trinidad and Tobago, and Hairoun Mauby, crafted by St. Vincent Brewery Limited in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, are also available.