Is there anything better than sitting on a beach with a cold drink in your hand, watching the waves while you sip? We didn’t think so, which is why we wanted to pull together some of the best places to have a beer, or a cocktail, in the Caribbean – the ultimate destination for rest and relaxation. But beach bars aren’t the only place to get your drink on in the Caribbean, we’re also sharing some other unique places to spend some quality time with your go-to tipple.
Booze-based tours
What better way to enhance your Caribbean drinking experience than to learn more about the local beer and spirits? The next time you need a break from the beach on any of the following islands, considering taking take a booze-based tour.
Mount Gay Rum distillery tour, Barbados
If you find yourself in Barbados and you like rum, especially Mount Gay rum, consider taking a tour of the distillery. There are three tours to choose from and each one showcases the historic origins of the brand and takes you through the distilling, ageing and blending process. Choose from the signature rum tour that includes a tasting session, the cocktail tour that puts the focus on creating different rum-based cocktails, or the Bajan buffet lunch tour that includes a signature rum cocktail along with a buffet of local dishes and rum-based desserts.
Appleton Estate Rum tour, Jamaica
Rum fans who visit Jamaica have a chance to get to know another justifiably popular brand. Appleton Estate Rum is known as one of the best in the world and you can take a tour of the distillery to learn all about the history of the brand and exactly how the rum is made. You’ll get to see the distillery as well as the ageing house, and at the end of the tour guests get to sample the whole range of Appleton Estate Rum and enjoy a cocktail.
Curacao Liqueur Factory tour, Curacao
Curacao is home to the factory that makes a liqueur of the same name. Genuine Curaçao Liqueur is made from the peels of the Laraha orange, which is native to the island of Curacao, and is produced in five different colours: Clear, blue, green, red and orange. You can visit the factory to learn more about the history of the liqueur and the brand, take a self-guided tour through the visitor’s centre to learn about the production process and sample the delicious liqueur.
Cayman Islands Brewery tour, Cayman Islands
The Cayman Islands Brewery produces the premier beers of the Cayman Islands and was launched in 2007. Beers produced include Caybrew, Caybrew Premium Light, Ironshore Bock, White Tip Lager and 354 Stout. Beer fans visiting the Cayman Islands should consider taking a tour of the brewery where they can learn about the brewing process and taste the roster of beers produced. Tours are given by members of the brewing staff and offer a fun way to get to know more about the island’s beer.
Balashi Brewery tour, Aruba
Balashi is the beer of Aruba and if you want to find out more about how it’s made you’re in luck – visitors to Aruba can take an informative tour of the brewery to learn about the history of the beer and the brewing process. The tour also includes a drink, and if you’re hungry after the tour or just want another beer, stop by the Balashi Beer Garden for a bite to eat.
Beach bars
The quintessential way to enjoy a drink in the Caribbean is as close to the water as you can get without actually getting wet. Your best bet? A beach bar, of course. If you’re not sure where to start, here are a few of the best spots to order a drink at.
Dune Preserve, Anguilla
Reggae legend Bankie Banx opened Dune Preserve on Anguilla’s Rendezvous Bay in 1994 and it continues to draw in visitors thanks to its eclectic atmosphere, great music (often by Banx himself or his son Omari) and location right on the beach. Stop by for some food or simply come by to grab a drink and enjoy it while listening to music or dancing.
Shiggedy Shack, St. Kitts
Come for the daiquiris and fresh seafood, stay for the music, dancing, and occasional fire dancing show. This St. Kitts institution has an open air bar and dance floor area, as well as picnic tables set up right on the beach. This is a great place to come if you want to let loose and have a great time, while also enjoying some local food and cold drinks.
Da Conch Shack, Turks & Caicos
Providenciales in Turks & Caicos is home to Da Conch Shack, a place that consistently gets ranked among the world’s best beach bars. The popular open air restaurant on the beach offers a laid back atmosphere, fun island vibes and some of the freshest conch dishes you’ll find on the island.
Sunshine’s, Nevis
On the island of Nevis is where you’ll find Sunshine’s, one of the island’s most popular beach bar and one that’s been attracting crowds for more than 12 years. Stop by for fresh local seafood and a killer bee rum punch, the potent cocktail the bar is known for. But be careful, they might be tasty but they’re strong.
Coconut Bar, Young Island, St. Vincent and the Grenadines
Young Island is a private island resort in off of St. Vincent in St. Vincent and the Grenadines and if you get a chance to go, you can grab a drink at the resort’s Coconut Bar. This sweet spot is located in the water, which means a shallow walk is required to get there. It’s anchored right off the beach and features bright red stools and a menu of coconut-based beverages. It may be off the beaten track, but it’s truly a unique spot to get a drink in the Caribbean.
Simply Fish, Aruba
OK, while this one is a restaurant rather than bar, you can still get your drink on here (and you should). But it would be a shame to not try the fish. This restaurant, directly on Palm Beach at the Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino, is as close to the water as it gets, the atmosphere is lovely, the fish is amazingly fresh and cooked to perfection, and you can enjoy your meal and a drink right on the sand – no shoes required.
Lead photo:Robert Neff
