23 Incredible Caribbean Cocktails You Must Try While Cruising

One of the highlights of a Caribbean cruise is indulging in the local cuisines at vibrant ports like Cozumel, Montego Bay, and Amber Cove. If you're a cocktail enthusiast, your cruise adventure also provides an opportunity to enjoy authentic Caribbean beverages at each port of call.

Here’s an extensive list of the finest beach cocktails and island beverages you can sample and enjoy at many of the stops on your Caribbean cruise. Each island boasts its own classic tropical cocktails, signature rum drinks, and other distinctive mixes. So, why not sip like a local to truly immerse yourself in the vibrant flavors of island life?

Antiguan Delight

You’ll certainly be showing off your bright smile when you indulge in this island drink from Antigua. A delicious blend of rum, fresh pineapple juice, and crème de banana, the Antiguan Smile typically features rum crafted locally.

Aruba Ariba

On the island of Aruba, you’ll have the opportunity to taste a sweet red liquor known as Coecoei (pronounced cocoa-ee). This unique spirit, made from rum, sugar, and sap from the agave plant, boasts a flavor reminiscent of passion fruit. It’s rare to find Coecoei outside of Aruba, so don’t miss the chance to order the island’s signature tropical cocktail, the Aruba Ariba. It’s incredibly refreshing, full of flavor, and a true tropical delight!

Panti Rippa

Rum is a key ingredient in many of the Caribbean cocktails enjoyed on the island of Belize. While you can find the classic rum punch, be sure to request a popular cocktail by its name—the Panti Rippa. This drink, made with coconut rum and pineapple juice, is a favorite among the ladies.

Green Bonaire

No trip to the tropical haven of Bonaire is complete without savoring one of their signature beach cocktails crafted with Cadushy, a lively green liquor made from locally grown cacti. Experience the Green Bonaire, a distinct drink made with Cadushy, vodka, triple sec, and a splash of apple juice.

Painkiller

Those who have journeyed to the British Virgin Islands know that one of the must-try beach cocktails is the Painkiller. This delightful Caribbean rum concoction features pineapple juice, orange juice, cream of coconut, and a dash of nutmeg. It’s aptly named the Painkiller, because after just a few sips, you’ll definitely be feeling fantastic!

Aguardiente

In bars and lounges throughout Colombia, you’ll find an array of traditional Caribbean cocktails. However, if you want to show you can drink like the locals, you must try Aguardiente. This potent spirit, often called 'firewater,' is crafted from sugar cane and anise.

Guaro Sour

The Guaro Sour is recognized as the national beverage of Costa Rica. It’s a slight twist on the classic American Sour, made with local cane sugar liquor, simple syrup, and lime juice.

Mojito

Cuba boasts several iconic cocktails, including the Cuba Libre and the Daiquiri, but none are as renowned as the Mojito. You might have enjoyed one before, but tasting this delightful mix of white rum, mint, lime juice, sugar, and soda water on a tropical island will make you fall in love with this invigorating cocktail all over again.

Blue Curaçao

The zesty Blue Curaçao liqueur hails from the island of Curaçao and is featured in a variety of island beverages. Consider touring one of the liqueur distilleries to sample this premium drink, made from the locally grown laraha plant.

Coco Loco

Dominica is renowned for its rum and the delectable Coco Loco cocktail, a delightful mix of rum, cream of coconut, pineapple juice, grenadine, almond liqueur, and milk.

Mamajuana

This beloved drink, known as Mamajuana, is a favorite among both locals and tourists in the Dominican Republic. It consists of rum blended with honey and red wine, steeped with a variety of local herbs, barks, and twigs. Not only is it delicious, but it's also regarded as a medicinal beverage and an aphrodisiac.

Cayman Mudslide

On Grand Cayman, you can indulge in the island's take on the classic Mudslide. This refreshing drink is crafted with vodka, Kahlua, and Baileys Irish Cream, using crushed ice instead of ice cream. Topped with a sprinkle of cinnamon and a cherry, it’s a delightful treat to savor on the beach.

Grenada Cala Rum Cocktail

The island of Grenada offers its own delightful twist on rum punch, featuring blue curaçao and a dash of nutmeg. This adds a distinctive and enticing flavor to the drink.

Honduran Horchatas

In Honduras, the iconic beverage is Horchata. This delightful drink is crafted from rice and spices, creating a creamy concoction that is enhanced with cinnamon, vanilla, and a touch of sugar. Add some rum, and you've transformed it into a fantastic Caribbean cocktail!

Planters Punch

In Jamaica, you'll discover the original iterations of the Planters Punch cocktail, which served as the inspiration for the current Charleston variations. This refreshing drink combines dark rum, lime juice, a hint of fruit juice, and a dash of grenadine, making it one of the finest beach cocktails to enjoy in the region.

‘Ti Punch

One of the most beloved rum cocktails on the island of Martinique is ‘Ti Punch. This straightforward yet potent drink is crafted from white rum, cane syrup, and lime juice. Many locals enjoy it in the morning to kickstart their day!

Charro Negro

A trip to Mexico isn't complete without sampling a tequila-based cocktail. While the Margarita is a must-try, don't miss the Charro Negro. This invigorating mix of tequila, coke, lime juice, and salt, served over ice, is both refreshing and has a nice kick.

Piña Colada

When visiting Puerto Rico, indulging in a delicious Piña Colada made with Bacardi rum is essential. This frozen delight is the national drink of La Isla and serves as the ultimate Caribbean cocktail to keep you refreshed under the blazing sun.

Ting with a Sting

In St. Kitts, both locals and savvy visitors love to mix the Jamaican grapefruit soda Ting with potent local rum. Known as Ting with a Sting, this drink can also include other ingredients like honey, club soda, and nutmeg.

Coconut Cloud

Besides rum, St. Lucia offers delightful liqueurs like Banana Cream and Coconut Cream from Marigot Bay. As a result, many classic tropical cocktails on the island incorporate these liquors. One to try is the Coconut Cloud, a vibrant blue concoction featuring coconut cream, blue curacao, coconut rum, amaretto, and milk.

Guavaberry Colada

This traditional beverage, cherished on St. Maarten, offers a delightful twist on the classic piña colada, featuring the island’s renowned guavaberry liqueur.

Koo-Koo Cabana

When visiting Turks and Caicos, make sure to try this delicious cocktail. Blending coconut rum, vodka, melon liqueur, and pineapple juice, it’s sure to become one of your favorite Caribbean rum drinks.

Bushwacker

Originating from the US Virgin Islands, the Bushwacker is a delightful frozen concoction reminiscent of the Mudslide. Crafted with rum, Kahlua, vodka, Baileys, cream of coconut, and amaretto, this drink replaces ice cream with ice, blending the best of cocktails and desserts.

While these iconic tropical cocktails aren’t the sole reason to embark on a Caribbean cruise, they undeniably elevate your adventures on each island!

Note: Activities aboard the ship, as well as shore excursions and dining options, may vary depending on the ship and destination.