7 Caribbean cocktails that are worth traveling the globe for

Caribbean cocktail recipes may seem like a fashionable trend, yet the earliest Caribbean rum drink recipes are thought to date back to the time of the Spanish colonies with the cocktail “El Draquecito” proving to be popular. Whether the name is a pun on Sir Francis Drake’s name or it refers to the fiery taste of bad rum making your mouth burn like a dragon, who knows? But, with the only record of this cocktail appearing in an 1838 book by the Cuban poet Ramón de Palma, we know it is one of the oldest across the Caribbean islands. Later, around 1860, the Draquecito changed its name to Mojito, and the rest, as they say, is history. 

From the sensationally sour Margarita to the classic Mojito, Caribbean cocktails come in a whole range of flavors. Whether you are heading to the beaches of Punta Cana or are looking for a Cuban escape, here are our top picks of drinks that will make your vacation even more authentic.

They say that Aruba is the “Happy Island” and with cocktails as delicious as the Aruba Ariba, there is no surprise why it gets its nickname. If you are on vacation in Aruba, head to Palm Beach where this cocktail was created over 60 years ago by bartender Juan “Jocky” Tromp. 

This iconic drink has become one of the most popular across the island’s bars. The secret? The Coecoei liquor - used to give the drink its red color. Available only to those on the island since Coecoei is not exported, this drink is one of those that must be tried in its place of origin. Yet, if you feel adventurous and want to try this at home, you can substitute Coecoei for agave nectar, passion fruit nectar, or cherry brandy. 

- 1/2 oz. vodka

- 1/2 oz. 151 proof rum

- 1/8 oz. Coecoei

- 1/8 oz. Creme de Banana

- 1/2 cup orange juice

- 1/2 cup cranberry juice

- 1/2 cup pineapple juice

- Crushed ice

1. Add the above ingredients to a cocktail shaker and shake vigorously for 1 to 2 minutes.

2. Pour the mixture into a tall cocktail glass, followed by a splash of Grenadine and a generous topping of Grand Marnier.

3. Complete the presentation by garnishing with an orange slice and a maraschino cherry. Savor and enjoy!

While the origins of the Margarita have caused decades of debate, it is thought that it was first mixed in Tijuana, right on the border between the US and Mexico. Yet, despite its roots not being deeply tied to the Caribbean, the Margarita is still worthy of a place on our list. This is because there is no better place to try it than the Tequilaria at Royal Hideaway Playacar. Here expert bartenders from across the country can guide you through a tasting with tequila from small and micro-producers. Learn about the history of the liquor and discover the elaborate production process all while savoring the refreshingly chilled Margarita. Want to further your knowledge? Join the daily tequila masterclass!

And, if your vacation in Mexico has left you craving Margaritas, here is the recipe so you can make Caribbean-style cocktails at home:

- 2 oz tequila

- 1 oz freshly squeezed lime juice

- 3/4 oz triple sec or Cointreau

- Optional: Salt for rimming the glass

- Ice cubes

- Lime wedge for garnish

1. If desired, rim the edge of a margarita glass with salt. To do this, rub a lime wedge around the rim of the glass to moisten it, then dip the rim into a shallow plate of salt to coat it. Set the glass aside.

2. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice cubes. Add the tequila, freshly squeezed lime juice, and triple sec (or Cointreau) to the shaker. Shake the ingredients vigorously for about 15-20 seconds until well chilled.

3. Strain the margarita into the prepared glass filled with ice cubes. Optionally, garnish the rim of the glass with a lime wedge. Serve and enjoy your classic Margarita!

Cuba is an island full of vibrant history so it should come as no surprise that some of the best Caribbean cocktails originate from this part of the world. When on vacation in Cuba, don’t pass up the chance to try one of these famous drinks in the land where they were created.

If you are looking for good Caribbean drinks to combat the heat, a Cuba Libra will do the trick. With a generous helping of Bacardi rum topped up with Coca-Cola and a squeeze of lime, this classic cocktail may be simple to make but it dates back to a complicated time in Cuban history. 

During the year 1900, a captain of the US Army stationed in Havana during the American-Spanish war poured Coca-Cola and a dash of lime juice into his tumbler of rim and toasted his Cuban comrades with the phrase “Cuba Libra” (For a free Cuba). Since then, this classic drink has become a national icon in Cuba. For a truly authentic experience, head to Havana where the drink was invented, and sip on this revolutionary cocktail. However, you will find that it tastes just as good from the comfort of your lounger in one of Cuba’s top resorts. And, if you are already home from your vacation, here is the classic recipe for Cuba Libre.

- 2 oz white rum

- 1 oz freshly squeezed lime juice

- 2 teaspoons (8 g) white granulated sugar

- 6-8 fresh mint leaves, plus extra for garnish

- Club soda or sparkling water

- Ice cubes

- Lime wedges for garnish

1. Fill a highball glass with ice cubes. Squeeze the juice from half a lime into the glass. Pour the rum over the ice and lime juice.

2. Top up the glass with cola, leaving a bit of space at the top. Stir gently to mix the ingredients.

3. Garnish the drink with a lime wedge on the rim of the glass.

Perhaps the most popular drink in the Caribbean, the mojito’s roots are closely tied to the island of Cuba. Similar to the Draquecito, the mojito is thought to date back to the time of Sir Francis Drake. It was believed to have been given to his crew on board his ship during an outbreak of scurvy. Fast forward many centuries, and this cocktail burst onto the Havana social scene when the rich Americans came looking for refreshing Caribbean cocktails to banish the heat during the prohibition. Today, this classic cocktail is best enjoyed overlooking the Caribbean Ocean while soaking up the Cuban sunshine from the comfort of a beach lounger. But, if your vacation in Cuba has already come to an end, here is a Caribbean Mojito recipe that will transport your mind back to the sunkissed shorelines of Cuba.

- 2 oz white rum

- 1 oz freshly squeezed lime juice

- 2 teaspoons (8 g) white granulated sugar

- 6-8 fresh mint leaves, plus extra for garnish

- Club soda or sparkling water

- Ice cubes

- Lime wedges for garnish

1. In a sturdy glass or cocktail shaker, muddle the fresh mint leaves and sugar together. Gently press down and twist the mint leaves to release their essential oils, but be careful not to crush them too harshly. Add the freshly squeezed lime juice to the glass or shaker. Fill the glass with ice cubes.

2. Pour the white rum over the ice. Stir the mixture gently to combine the ingredients and dissolve the sugar. Top up the glass with club soda or sparkling water, leaving some room at the top.

3. Stir again briefly to mix everything together. Garnish the drink with a sprig of fresh mint and a lime wedge on the rim of the glass.

The Daiquiri, a timeless and beloved cocktail, boasts a rich history that traces back to Cuba in the late 19th century. It is believed to have been invented by American mining engineer Jennings Cox in the small mining town of Daiquirí during the Spanish-American War. Legend has it that during a heat wave, Cox invited a friend over for a drink to combat the excessive temperatures. Using local ingredients: white rum, lime juice, and sugar, he whipped up a beverage that has now become a staple in cocktail culture the world over. Today, many variations of this classic drink can be found on bar menus yet none will taste as good as a freshly prepared Daiquiri on a long, hot Cuban day during your Caribbean vacation. While we recommend you drink this cocktail in Cuba, here is the recipe for making it at home.

- 2 oz white rum

- 3/4 oz freshly squeezed lime juice

- 1/2 oz simple syrup (equal parts sugar and water, dissolved)

1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice cubes. Add the white rum, freshly squeezed lime juice, and simple syrup to the shaker. Shake the ingredients vigorously for about 15-20 seconds until well chilled.

2. Strain the mixture into a chilled coupe glass or an old-fashioned glass filled with ice cubes.

3. Optionally, garnish with a lime wheel or a lime twist.

If you are dreaming of a tropical island escape, head to the Dominican Republic. Here you will find paradisical surroundings, crystalline waters, and ultra-luxurious resorts that will make you feel as though you have stepped off the Earth. During your downtime, be sure to try the local Caribbean cocktails to fully immerse yourself in local culture.

Named after the famous Cuba Libre cocktail and the Dominican capital, Santo Domingo, the Santo Libre is a must-try. This delightfully refreshing drink is a simple yet flavorful combination of Dominican rum, soda, and freshly squeezed lime juice, served over ice. Just like Cuba, the Dominican Republic is famous for its high-quality rum. Shelter from the heat of the day at a local bar while exploring the bustling streets of Santo Domingo during a Dominican city break and be sure to order this classic cocktail.

- 2 oz Dominican rum

- 4 oz soda water (club soda)

- 1 oz freshly squeezed lime juice

- Ice cubes

- Lime wedges for garnish

1. Fill a highball glass with ice cubes. Pour the Dominican rum into the glass. Squeeze the lime juice into the glass over the rum. Top up the glass with soda water.

2. Stir gently to mix the ingredients.

3. Garnish with a lime wedge on the rim of the glass.

Similar to a Caribbean Piña Colada the Coco-Loco offers a burst of tropical flavor with its mixture of rum and coconut. Its name means crazy coconut given that it is served in a green coconut and the copious amounts of rum served inside are sure to make you feel jolly. This is one of the most popular Caribbean holiday drinks and it is best served on the shores of your Bavaro Beach resort with screensaver-like views of the pristine ocean to match. 

- 1 1/2 oz white rum

- 1 oz coconut cream

- 1 oz pineapple juice

- 1/2 oz lime juice

- 1/2 oz simple syrup (optional, depending on desired sweetness)

- Ice cubes

- Pineapple wedge and/or maraschino cherry for garnish

1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice cubes. Add the white rum, coconut cream, pineapple juice, lime juice, and simple syrup (if using) to the shaker.

2. Shake the ingredients vigorously for about 15-20 seconds until well chilled. Strain the mixture into a tall glass filled with ice cubes.

3. Garnish with a pineapple wedge and/or maraschino cherry on the rim of the glass.