Name: Homemade Trini Snowcone Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 persons
Cuisine: Caribbean
Ingredients: 250 ml Water; 200 grams White Granulated Sugar; 25 grams Sorrel Flowers; 2 Cloves whole; 1 gram Ginger Sliced; 125 ml Water; 200 grams White Granulated Sugar; 125 ml Lime Juice; 1 tablespoon Lime Zest; 250 ml Water; 200 grams White Granulated Sugar; 4 Ripe Guavas; Red, Green and Yellow Food Coloring; 1 can Condensed Milk

Close up shot of Trini Snowcone in a bowl

Transport yourself to a sun-soaked day in Trinidad and Tobago with this Homemade Trinidad Snowcone recipe, a classic treat loved by locals and visitors alike. Featuring vibrant, tropical fruit flavors like sorrel and guava and a creamy drizzle of condensed milk, this snowcone captures the taste of Caribbean summers. Perfectly refreshing and easy to make, this recipe will take you back to the streets of Trinidad, with each flavor-packed bite a delightful blend of sweet, cool, and fruity.

#Caribbean Vegetarian #Trinidad #Sweet Desserts #Gluten Free #Lacto Vegetarian #Ovo Vegetarian #Pescetarian #Vegan #Vegetarian #Fruit #Healthy Snacks and Appetizers

Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and quick preparation make this snowcone a fun, easy treat.
Customizable Flavors: You can make it your own with different fruit syrups, from traditional sorrel to sweet guava.
Perfect Summer Treat: Cool down with a refreshing, tropical flavor combination that feels like a mini vacation.
Nostalgic Experience: Brings a taste of Trinidad’s street food culture right to your kitchen.

Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, use fresh fruits when making syrups.
Condensed Milk Drizzle: Add a condensed milk drizzle at the end for an extra layer of sweetness and creaminess.
Ice Texture: The ice should be finely shaved or crushed for a smooth, authentic texture—use a blender if an ice shaver isn’t available.
Customize Colors: Use food coloring sparingly to match traditional bright colors without overpowering the natural fruit hues.

Serve this Trini Snowcone in colorful cups for a fun presentation, and add a paper straw for authenticity. To make it extra special, add a small umbrella and drizzle more condensed milk for a picture-perfect tropical treat.

Fruit Options: Swap sorrel or guava with mango or pineapple for a different tropical twist.
Sweeteners: Substitute granulated sugar with coconut sugar for a hint of caramel flavor.
Condensed Milk Substitute: For a dairy-free option, use coconut cream to drizzle on top.

Store syrups in sealed bottles in the refrigerator for up to one week. Freshly crushed or shaved ice is best enjoyed immediately for texture, but the syrups can be made ahead for quick assembly.

Blender

Digital Food Kitchen Scale

Fine Mesh Strainer

Glass Measuring Cups

Ice Tray

Medium Heavy Bottom Pot

Medium Mixing Bowl

Serving Bowl

Stainless Steel Measuring Spoons

Sorrel Flowers: Provides a tart, fruity base for the syrup, capturing a classic Caribbean taste.
Lime Juice & Zest: Adds a fresh, citrusy kick that balances the sweetness.
Guava: Gives a unique tropical sweetness to the syrup, adding depth to the flavor.
Condensed Milk: Adds a creamy finish when drizzled over the top, elevating the snowcone’s richness.
Ice: Shaved or crushed to create the classic snowcone texture and hold the flavors of the syrups.

What makes Trini Snowcones different from regular snow cones?

Trinidad Snowcones are known for their vibrant fruit flavors like sorrel and guava, and the addition of condensed milk on top adds a rich, creamy contrast to the icy treat.

Can I make this snowcone without condensed milk?

Yes, you can skip the condensed milk or substitute it with coconut cream for a dairy-free option that still provides a creamy texture.

How to Make Homemade Trini Snowcone

Prepare the Syrups: Begin by simmering each fruit (sorrel, lime, or guava) with water and sugar. Steep to release flavors, then strain and color each syrup. Allow them to cool before using.
Crush the Ice: If using a blender, pulse ice until finely crushed or shave it in an ice shaver.
Assemble the Snowcone: Layer crushed ice in a cup, adding syrup flavors of your choice over each layer for a rainbow effect.
Finish with Condensed Milk: Drizzle a generous amount of condensed milk over the top for an added creamy touch. Serve immediately and enjoy.

Author: Rachael Ottier Hart

Total rating includes sum of all comments and anonymous votes.

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Time & Serves

Prep Time

30 mins

Cook Time

15 mins

Total Time

45 mins

Serves

4 persons

Ingredients

Sorrel Simple Syrup

250 ml Water
200 grams White Granulated Sugar
25 grams Sorrel Flowers
2 Cloves whole
1 gram Ginger Sliced

Lime Simple Syrup

125 ml Water
200 grams White Granulated Sugar
125 ml Lime Juice
1 tablespoon Lime Zest

Guava Simple Syrup

250 ml Water
200 grams White Granulated Sugar
4 Ripe Guavas

Optional

Red, Green and Yellow Food Coloring
1 can Condensed Milk

Instructions

Sorrel Simple Syrup

Using a pot, bring the water to a low boil. Place the sorrel flowers, cloves and ginger in the pan and simmer for 5 minutes.

Remove the pot from the heat cover and allow it to steep until the liquid is cool to the touch.

Strain the liquid into a bowl to remove the flowers, clove, and ginger, and return the liquid to the pot.

Return the liquid to the pot and bring it to a low boil, add the sugar and stir till the sugar has completely dissolved.

At this time, you may add one drop of red food coloring and stir to enhance the syrup’s color.

Remove from the heat and cool until cool to the touch before storing in a bottle.

Lime Simple Syrup

Using a small pot, bring the water, lime juice and lime zest to a low boil for 3 minutes.

Remove the pot from the heat cover and allow it to steep until the liquid is cool to the touch.

Strain the liquid into a bowl to remove the zest and return the liquid to the pot.

Bring the liquid to a low boil and add the sugar, stirring until completely dissolved.

At this time, you may add one drop of green food coloring and stir to enhance the syrup’s color.

Remove from the heat and allow it to cool until it is cool to the touch before storing it in a bottle.

Guava Simple Syrup

Wash, rinse and cut the guavas into chunks.

Using a 1 quart sauce pot, bring the water to a low boil and place the guava chunks into the pot. Simmer for 5 minutes or until the guavas are tender.

Remove the pot from the heat cover and allow it to steep until the liquid is cool to the touch.

Strain the liquid into a bowl to remove the fruit chunks and return the liquid to the pan.

Return the liquid to the pot and bring it to a low boil. Add the sugar and stir until the sugar has completely dissolved.

At this time, you may add one drop of yellow food coloring to enhance the syrup’s color.

Remove from the heat and allow it to cool until it is cool to the touch before storing it in a bottle.

Ice Shaving

Blender Or Food Processor – Check the manufacturer's recommendations on how to crush ice.

Ice Shaver – Follow the manufacturer’s instructions on how to shave the ice.

Home method – Make some ice by freezing water for about 5 hours in an ice tray, plastic container or Ziploc bag. Remove the ice from the freezer, place it in a plastic bag, then cover with a towel and proceed to beat the ice with a hammer, mallet or rolling pin until it is crushed to your desired texture.

Making the Snow Cone

Place a small scoop of ice into the bottom of your cup.

Pour a small amount of any or all of the syrups over the top of the ice.

Optional: Add a small drizzle of condensed milk on top of the syrup.

Make a ball of ice and place it on top of the first one. Press primly to secure it in place.

Pour any amount of any or all of the syrups over the top of the ice ball. Insert your stray and enjoy.

Optionally drizzle a little condensed milk over the top for an extra sweet and milky treat.

Nutrition Disclosure