Bahamian Cocktails: Your Ultimate Guide to the Best Drinks in The Bahamas

A cruise to The Bahamas is an experience like no other. With perfect weather, welcoming locals, and endless activities, you'll find it hard to leave this paradise!

Moreover, there’s an array of delightful drinks that are either unique to The Bahamas or have gained popularity over the years. We’ve compiled seven of the finest Bahamian cocktails for you to savor once your cruise docked at Freeport, Half Moon Cay, Princess Cays, or Nassau!

Bahama Mama

The legendary Bahama Mama is a must-try drink in The Bahamas; you simply can't leave without indulging in at least one. Its flavor perfectly captures the essence of the islands!

Here’s the typical preparation method:

1/2 oz. 151-proof rum
1/2 oz. dark rum
1/2 oz. light rum
1/2 oz. coffee-flavored liqueur
1 oz. freshly squeezed lemon juice
3 oz. pineapple juice
Pineapple wedge or orange slice for garnish
Maraschino cherry

All the ingredients are mixed together and then strained into a chilled glass filled with crushed ice. Garnish with your choice of fruits.

A Bahama Mama drink with a stunning beach view

Sky Juice

This deceptively potent beverage is a favorite choice in The Bahamas, especially for gin enthusiasts. Sky Juice is on the sweeter side, and its sweetness can vary based on who prepares it for you during your getaway.

Here’s the standard way to prepare it:

1/4 cup gin
1 ripe coconut
1/4 cup evaporated milk
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
Optional: 3/4 tablespoon sugar

Create a hole in the coconut and pour the liquid into a mixing bowl. Combine the gin, milk, cinnamon, nutmeg, and sugar, stirring until fully dissolved.

Serve the mixture back inside the coconut. Add ice, or chill in the refrigerator for a few hours until cold.

Sky Juice accompanied by a stunning beach view

The Painkiller

In recent years, the Painkiller has gained popularity, attracting countless visitors to The Bahamas who enjoy this refreshing drink, ideal for cooling off after a long, hot day under the Bahamian sun.

The Painkiller is typically prepared as follows:

4 oz. pineapple juice
1 oz. coconut cream
1 oz. orange juice
Between 2-4 oz. of rum
Pinch of freshly grated nutmeg

All ingredients, except for the nutmeg, are shaken together and then poured into a tall glass filled with ice. Finally, a sprinkle of nutmeg on top adds an extra layer of flavor.

Two Painkillers, a beloved Bahamian cocktail

Mojito

Mojitos are well-known and for good reason. This rum-based cocktail is not only delicious but also refreshing, tasting even better under the Bahamian sun! Whether it’s the meticulous craftsmanship of Bahamian bartenders or the ideal blend of ingredients, this cocktail is a perfect fit for a Bahamian getaway.

Here’s how most bartenders prepare the classic mojito:

1.5 oz. rum
Club soda to nearly fill the glass
10 to 15 fresh mint leaves
2 tablespoons simple syrup
1/2 fresh lime

Start by muddling the mint leaves and lime together. Then, add the simple syrup and ice. Pour in the rum and club soda, stirring well. Finish by garnishing the glass with a lime wedge.

Pineapple Upside-Down Martini

For a cocktail that doubles as dessert, the Pineapple Upside-Down Martini is a must. With its sunset hue, this sweet pineapple-vodka concoction is the perfect way to end your day.

Here’s the usual way to make it:

1/3 cup vanilla-flavored vodka
2/3 cup pineapple juice
A splash of grenadine syrup
2 maraschino cherries
2 pineapple wedges

Combine the vodka, pineapple juice, and grenadine in a shaker filled with ice. Shake well, then strain into two martini glasses (whether for yourself or to share). Garnish with a pineapple wedge and a cherry on a skewer.

Frozen Rum Runner

The Bahamas may be stunning, but they can get quite hot. Luckily, the Frozen Rum Runner is perfect for cooling off. If you're a fan of frozen drinks, this rum-packed treat won’t disappoint.

Here’s the typical preparation:

1 oz. gold rum
1/2 oz. 151-proof rum
1/4 oz. blackberry liqueur
1/4 oz. creme de banana liqueur
2 oz. orange juice
1/2 oz. grenadine
8 oz. crushed ice

Combine the rum, liqueurs, orange juice, grenadine, and crushed ice in a blender. Blend until it’s slushy, then pour into a glass. If you're daring, top it off with some 151-proof rum.

Yellow Bird

The Yellow Bird has been a Bahamian staple for decades, often celebrated in poems and songs. This citrusy rum-based drink stands out from the others on this list, offering a bit more of a kick.

Here’s how it’s typically made in The Bahamas: