By Bridget Castner
Cocktails in the Caribbean are an essential part of your trip. Nothing goes better with laying out in warm sands under the vibrant sun than a colorful drink in hand, right? If that seems up your alley, then keep reading to find out the ten best Caribbean cocktails to try on your next vacation!
Mojito
A mojito is one of the most popular drinks around the islands. While its origins date back to 16th century Havana, you can find these all over the Caribbean. A simple mixture of white rum, club soda, sugar, lime, and muddled mint are the ingredients that make up this refreshing drink. Grab one before you head to the beach and enjoy a crisp drink in hand as you lounge in the sand!
Barracuda
No, we’re not talking about the fish! The Barracuda is a delicious drink as golden as the bright, warm Caribbean sun. It has a base of gold gum and Galliano liqueur, with pineapple juice, fresh lime juice, and is topped with prosecco. The drink is garnished with a fresh pineapple wedge and cherry, adding an extra fun pop of color!
Pina Colada
Ah, a classic beach beverage! This iconic beverage was created at the Caribe Hotel in San Juan in 1954 and soon became a world-favorite. Blended or shaken with ice, this drink is made with rum, coconut cream, and pineapple juice. It is traditionally garnished with a fresh pineapple wedge and maraschino cherry. Sip on one of these under your beach umbrella while enjoying a relaxing beach day.
Havana Cooler
The Havana Cooler is a light, refreshing drink that goes down easy and is the perfect lunch cocktail. A tall glass is filled with ice, rum, and mint leaves, then topped off with a splash of ginger ale. This Caribbean cocktail is perfect to drink during lunch, dinner, or just about any time of day!
Bushwacker
Think of this drink as an adult chocolate milkshake! Made with dark rum and Kahlua coffee liqueur, this beverage is blended with creme de cacao, coconut cream, milk and ice, then topped with whipped cream, nutmeg, and a cherry. It’s the perfect dessert cocktail, and a must-try for those who are fans of a great milkshake.
Bumbo
Popular during the piracy era of the Caribbean, the Bumbo has made its way into the 21st-century and is one of the most popular Caribbean drinks. We’ve all heard Captain Jack ask, “Why is all the rum gone?”, but that sure won’t be a problem these days. Bumbo’s main ingredient is, of course, rum. A fruit juice of your choice is added (mainly pineapple or orange), with water, sugar and nutmeg. Simple, yet, delicious!
Rum Swizzle
The Rum Swizzle was served at the world’s first cocktail party held in London in 1924 by the novelist Alec Waugh. This beverage has a more sophisticated touch, with Gosling’s Black Seal Rum being the star of the drink. The rum is mixed with pineapple or orange juice, angostura bitters, and simple syrup flavored with ginger, clove, almond and lime. Add a slice of orange and cherry for garnish, and you have a beautifully hued and tasty drink!
Daiquiri
The Daiquiri is a very popular choice among the many drinks you can find around the Caribbean Islands. The beverage is named after the town of Daiquiri on the southeastern tip of Cuba, created in 1898. A traditional daiquiri is made with rum, lime juice, sugar, and is garnished with a lime slice or peel. As the drink became more popular, it became available in many more flavors. If lime isn’t your thing, try a strawberry, banana, or mango version!
Bajan Rum Punch
Rum punch is said to have been invented in the 17th century to replace beer by shipmen working for the British East India Company. It made its way through ships in the Caribbean and became a staple drink made with dark rum, simple syrup, lime juice, bitters, and nutmeg. This tropical punch is brightly colored and perfect to sip on poolside.
Ti’ Punch
Ti’ Punch quite literally translates into “small punch.” This delicious cocktail can be found on most French-speaking Caribbean Islands, and is the official drink of the islands Martinique and Guadeloupe. What makes this drink so unique is the fact that it uses rhum agricole, or pure rum. It’s mixed with sugar cane syrup and a lime wheel, creating a perfect cocktail.
Which of these delicious Caribbean cocktails will you try?