Destinations Fly-Cruise Beach

A cocktail-lover's guide to the Caribbean

When we think of a Caribbean holiday, most people imagine themselves lounging by the beach sipping a refreshing cocktail. From a classic rum punch to a refreshing beer shandy, here are some must-try cocktails from Barbados, Tortola, St. Lucia, and Antigua to inspire you to book your next holiday.

4 min 11 Jun 2024

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1. Barbados: Bajan Rum Punch

Barbados, often called the birthplace of rum, offers a vibrant cocktail scene centred around this beloved spirit. The Bajan Rum Punch is a classic cocktail with Barbadian rum, lime juice, cane syrup, and a hint of nutmeg. Head to the Mount Gay Rum Distillery to learn about the history of Bajan rum and sample a glass of their famous rum punch. For a laid-back vibe and sunset views, go to Surfside Bar for a punch and a fish cutter, a local sandwich with salt bread, and crispy fried fish.

View cruises to Barbados here.

If you’re really into rum, make sure you stop off at St. Nicholas’ Abbey, a 1660s Jacobean plantation house which now functions as a museum, and pick up one of their five-, 12- or 18-year-old rums.

2. Tortola: The Painkiller

Tortola, the largest of the British Virgin Islands, is home to the legendary Painkiller. This creamy cocktail, made with dark rum, coconut cream, pineapple juice, orange juice, and a sprinkle of nutmeg, is the perfect companion to a beach day. The bartenders at the Sandollar Bar on the neighbouring Jost Van Dyke island invented this cocktail in the 1970s, and it's become a favourite of the British Virgin Islands ever since. Indulge on a Painkiller in a lively local scene at Pusser's, a convivial bar and restaurant that offers live music in the evenings.

View cruises to Tortola here.

Boozy PIneapple Painkiller Cocktail with Coconut Cream and Nutmeg

3. St. Lucia: Ti' Ponch

St. Lucia may be a small, lush island in the French Caribbean, but its quality rums are known worldwide. The Ti' Ponch, a simple cocktail of white rum, brown sugar, and fresh limes, focuses on the quality of the rum. Short for ‘petit punch’, most bars and restaurants throughout the island serve this drink. Take a taxi to Rodney Bay, a lively strip known for its bars and restaurants. Head to Spinnakers for beachside beverages and a taste of Caribbean spiny lobster.

View cruises to St Lucia here.

Sweet and refreshing Caipirinha national cocktail from Brazil made with lime,ice, sugar, and a sugarcane liquor

4. Antigua: Wadadli Beer Shandy

Although the Caribbean crafts plenty of rum, beer is also produced throughout the region. While not a cocktail in the traditional sense, Antigua's unique twist on the classic shandy is a must-try. The Wadadli Beer Shandy combines the local Wadadli lager with ginger ale or lemonade, offering a refreshing yet light drink, perfect for cooling down on a hot day. Head north to Marina Bay for a shandy at Kon Tiki Bar and Grill, followed by a dip in the Caribbean blue sea.