13 Essential Drinks to Try in The Bahamas

Regardless of which aspect of your Bahamas cruise excites you the most, it's likely that you'll soon find yourself basking in the sun with a refreshing drink in hand. After all, what symbolizes a Bahamas cruise more than unwinding on a powdery beach, sipping a tropical cocktail as the sun sets over sparkling waves?

When that moment arrives, be sure to order one of these 13 essential Bahamian drinks.

1. Bahama Mama

Like many tropical cocktails, the Bahama Mama features rum as its main ingredient. It can be served over ice or blended into a refreshing slushie, with numerous variations to choose from. Common ingredients include a blend of rum, coffee liqueur, and pineapple juice. Most recipes also incorporate orange juice, and some add a splash of grenadine, lemon juice, or lime juice. Often, two types of rum are used, such as light and dark rum, or a mix of regular rum with coconut rum. The drink is usually garnished with a cherry or a slice of pineapple or orange.

2. Bushwacker

The Bushwacker originated in St. Thomas, a Caribbean hotspot. This cocktail blends four flavored liqueurs—coffee, chocolate, almond, and Irish cream—along with vodka, dark rum, and cream of coconut. The mixture is then blended and served in a hurricane glass. It’s typically topped with whipped cream, nutmeg, and a maraschino cherry.

3. Rum Punch

Rum Punch is one of the most beloved beverages in the Bahamas. While the specific ingredients and proportions can vary by bartender, you can generally expect a mix of rum, grenadine syrup, pineapple juice, orange juice, lime juice, and a dash of nutmeg. Usually, two or three types of rum are included for added depth of flavor.

4. Goombay Smash

While you may encounter imitations of the Goombay Smash elsewhere, the authentic version awaits you at Miss Emily's Blue Bee Bar on the Abaco Islands. Here, the cocktail is crafted using a secret family recipe, making it truly unique. When you order the Goombay Smash, expect a delightful blend of tropical punch flavors like coconut and pineapple, all complemented by a generous pour of rum. The drink is shaken in a gallon-sized plastic bottle before serving, creating its signature frothy texture.

5. Gully Wash

Also referred to as Gully Wow or Sky Juice, this refreshing cocktail mixes fresh coconut water, sweetened condensed milk, and gin. You may find it served with or without bits of coconut pulp. Keep in mind, despite its rum content, this drink is quite sweet—the effects of the alcohol can sneak up on you.

6. Hibiscus Margarita

For the perfect blend of sweetness and tang, try a Hibiscus Margarita. Most recipes feature hibiscus blossom syrup or hibiscus tea concentrate, lime juice, agave, and tequila. Some variations include grapefruit juice or orange liqueur. Regardless of the specific ingredients, one thing remains constant—the traditional salt rim is swapped for sugar.

7. Kalik Beer

If cocktails aren't your thing, don't fret. The Bahamas also boasts several exceptional beers, and Kalik Beer is a standout choice. This robust and flavorful beer is available in five varieties: regular, light, Radler Lemon, gold, and lime.

8. Painkiller

The Painkiller combines several familiar flavors to create a delightful new experience. This tropical cocktail features rum, orange juice, pineapple juice, cream of coconut, and a sprinkle of nutmeg, with pineapple taking center stage.

9. Piña Colada

No tropical getaway is truly complete without indulging in a Piña Colada. Even if you're already familiar with the classic coconut and pineapple flavors, enjoying one in its native setting elevates the experience to a whole new level.

10. Pineapple Upside-Down Cake Martini

Another delightful pineapple-inspired drink to try is the Pineapple Upside-Down Cake Martini. Inspired by the beloved dessert, this martini features a layer of grenadine settling at the bottom of the glass, while the main mix is a frothy combination of pineapple juice and vanilla vodka.

11. Rebellious Fish

The Rebellious Fish is a signature cocktail aboard Dinogo ships. It features a zesty blend of orange liqueur, orange vodka, and orange juice, complemented by sparkling wine and passion fruit liqueur. Garnished with fresh berries, it's often served in a fun fishbowl-style glass.

12. Sands Beer

Sands Beer is one of the most popular brews in the Bahamas, available in three varieties: light, regular, and Pink Radler Grapefruit. This refreshing beer is light and smooth, making it an ideal companion for a wide range of dishes.

13. Yellow Bird

The Yellow Bird is inspired by a well-known poem and song of the same name. The original poem, penned in Creole by Haitian poet Oswald Durand in 1883, tells the story of a woman named Choucoune. Although the poem was set to music in the 1950s, the more popular version of the song emerged later, featuring new lyrics with a catchy calypso rhythm. Similarly, the Yellow Bird cocktail offers a delightful and refreshing mix of citrus fruits and rums.