A Caribbean holiday means many things to many different people. For some, it’s all about the beaches, and for others it is about the golf or the sailing. Still more think of a Caribbean holiday as the time to soak up the sun, get a spa treatment or savor island cuisine. Interestingly, no matter what your vision, it is also likely that your view of a Caribbean vacation includes a few signature cocktails.
Most travelers have views of paper umbrellas, pineapples serving as vessels from which to sip a drink, or a long menu of different kinds of rum. The amusing thing is that each of these views is fairly accurate, and there are many iconic and famous Caribbean cocktails just waiting for visitors to enjoy. Below is a list of some of the most famous signature drinks and cocktails you will want to sample during a visit to the Caribbean. Not all are available on every island, but it is quite likely you will find a few drinks that will become your new favorites:
Sam’s Pyrat Rum Punch – Azure Beach Bar on Anguilla
This drink meets many of those iconic visions of Caribbean cocktails. Served in a half of a hollowed out pineapple, it features a blend of Galliano, apricot brandy, mixed juices and Pyrat Pistol rum. Named after the property’s bartender, it is one to sample when on the island.
The Antiguan Smile
This is a drink that is found all over the island of Antigua and one you may want to sample several times in several spots. Originally known as the signature drink of the Curtain Bluff resort, it has since been taken up and is served at almost every poolside bar and beachfront restaurant. It will always use a blend of crème de banana, pineapple juice, sour mix and dark rum.
Rum Punch
Whether it is called rum punch or planter’s punch, this is a drink most famous in Jamaica. Interestingly enough, it originates from South Carolina and used some Jamaican influences. Today, the recipes vary widely with the Round Hill Rum Punch consistently rating as one of the best on the island. Head over to Montego Bay to sample one, which is a blend of special rum, dark rum, apricot brandy, pineapple juice, lemon or lime juice and fruit for garnish.
Turks & Caicos also does its own spin on rum punch, using the island’s signature Bambarra rum. One of the best recipes is known to be served up at the famous Grace Bay resorts and is a blend of grenadine, coconut rum, dark rum, orange juice and pineapple juice.
Le Toiny Punch
If you want to blend romance, world class cuisine, amazing scenery and an iconic drink, a visit to Le Toiny on St. Barts is a good choice. Their signature punch is a unique blend of Havana rum, mango, lime and passionfruit and is noted as one of the finest drinks on the island.
Mamajuana
The famous drink of the Dominican Republic, its precise recipe is a long-kept secret. What we do know is it is usually made with dark rum macerated for roughly three to four days with a mix of bark and herbs. It is then blended with honey and wine and served as a shot. Many claim it has health benefits in abundance, others just say it packs a wallop of a buzz. Available by the bottle in the region, you may want to sample it with caution, and at a reputable bar to get an authentic experience.
There you have a handful of iconic Caribbean cocktails and drinks to sample during your visit. Take some time to find out any other signature beverages in your destination – they are sure to be fun and creative.