Blackstrap molasses is a type of molasses that is made from the third crystallization of cane or beet juice. As these juices are being cooked down, crystallization can be forced to occur multiple times. The first makes Mild, or Barbados molasses, which is lighter in color, fairly sweet, and subtly bitter. The second crystallization makes dark molasses, which is less sweet (as there are fewer sucrose molecules left in the solution), darker and more bitter. Finally, the third crystallization makes Blackstrap molasses, which is very dark, very bitter, and barely sweet.
Blackstrap molasses is primarily used in animal feed, as it is a good source of calcium, magnesium, potassium, and iron. It is also used in holiday baking, especially with ginger, cloves, and nutmeg.
Some popular cocktails containing Blackstrap molasses
- Variable High Cloudiness and Gusty Winds — Dark rum, Cynar, Lime juice, Ginger syrup, Blackstrap molasses
- The Good Doctor — Cognac, Fernet Branca, Bianco Vermouth, Demerara syrup, Blackstrap molasses, Lemon juice, Lime juice
- The Jamaican Black Strap — Jamaican rum, Orange bitters, Bitters, Water, Blackstrap molasses
- A Punch for Galen('s Crotch) — Scotch, Amaretto, Ginger beer, Lemon juice, Grade B maple syrup, Blackstrap molasses, Sugar, Cinnamon stick