7 Must-Try Drinks in The Caribbean
If you’re like many cruisers, you’re probably looking to unwind a bit while you’re on vacation and seriously, what says vacation more than a tropical drink with one of those little umbrellas? On your Caribbean cruise, you’ll have plenty of time to relax and soak up the rays, while sipping some delicious drink concoction you’ve never even heard of. Here are 7 Must-Try Drinks in The Caribbean!
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1. Bushwacker
Originating on St. Thomas, USVI, this frozen chocolate lovers drink actually became famous on Pensacola Beach. Without a doubt, the best place to enjoy a delicious Bushwhacker on St. Thomas is by taking the scenic Skyride to Paradise Point, where the picturesque views include Havensight cruise pier and vibrant Charlotte Amalie.
Ingredients:
• Irish cream liqueur
• Coffee liqueur
• Almond liqueur
• Chocolate liqueur
• Vodka
• Rum
• Cream of coconut
• Garnish with whipped cream, maraschino cherry & a pinch of nutmeg
2. Bahama Mama
This well-liked, rum-based Caribbean drink comes in many versions, and can be served over ice or in a crushed ice slushy adaptation.
Ingredients:
• Dark rum
• Light rum
• 151-proof rum
• Coffee liqueur
• Lemon juice
• Pineapple juice
• Garnish with an orange slice or maraschino cherry
3. Caribbean Rum Punch
As The Caribbean is known for its rich array of rums ranging from light-bodied versions all the way to potent 151% proof, it’s no wonder the Rum Punch is one of the regions most popular drinks. You’ll find as many variations throughout The Caribbean as there are bartenders!
Ingredients:
• Lime juice
• Orange juice
• Pineapple juice
• Light rum
• Dark rum
• Splash of grenadine
• Fresh grated nutmeg
4. Painkiller
Originating from the Soggy Dollar Bar on Jost Van Dyke, BVI, this popular drink among sailing and boating communities gained its’ notoriety at Pusser’s Road Town Pub on Tortola. The Painkiller is known by some to be “the most famous Caribbean cocktail”.
Ingredients:
• Rum
• Pineapple juice
• Orange juice
• Cream of coconut
•Fresh grated nutmeg
5. Pina Colada
Another beloved frozen drink is the Pina Colada, which showcases the tropical vacation vibe right down to that little paper umbrella. When you’re in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico, be sure to visit Barrachina, where this traditional Caribbean drink is said to have been born.
Ingredients:
• Pineapple juice
• Cream of coconut
• Light rum
• Crushed ice
• Fresh grated nutmeg and a maraschino cherry for garnish
6. Rebellious Fish
As a signature drink of Norwegian Cruise Line, the Rebellious Fish is as eye-catching as it is refreshing. Most often served in a fishbowl-type glass, this colorful drink is garnished with fresh berries. Yum!
Ingredients:
• Passion fruit liqueur
• Orange vodka
• Orange liqueur
• Orange juice
• Sparking wine
7. Raspberry Guava Mojito
Turn up your favorite laid-back, beach music playlist, kick back with a Raspberry Guava Mojito and let your mind drift to your happy place. Raspberries, mint and rum come together for a cocktail as fresh as a tropical ocean breeze. Yum!
Ingredients:
• 1.25 oz. White Rum
• 6 pcs. Fresh Mint Sprig
• 4-6 Fresh Raspberries
• 1 oz. Guava Purée
• .5 oz. Simple Syrup
• 2 Fresh Raspberry Cane Sticks and Mint Sprig for garnish
Instructions: Gently muddle raspberries with the syrup. Add mint leaves, guava purée and rum. Shake well and double strain over ice into a 10.75 oz. glass and top with soda.
Norwegian Cruise Line also offers regular tasting classes including the sampling of beer, malt whiskey, margaritas and martinis. Or, if wine is more to your liking, be sure to attend the Wine Lovers The Musical on select ships, which includes lunch and a selection of six different wines.
Be sure to check out the Food and Drink section on Norwegian’s Official Travel Blog!
EDITOR'S NOTE: This article was originally published on May 1, 2017. It has been updated for content and to show related itineraries.
