When it comes to quenching your thirst in Jamaica, there are a lot of options that are unique to Jamaica. Whether you are seeking a hot cup of coffee or cooling off at the end of the day, Jamaica offers a variety of refreshing beverages. I have listed some popular beverages of Jamaica below (there is something for everyone).
Hot Beverages of Jamaica
Jamaican Blue Mountain Coffee
Jamaican coffee is something all coffee enthusiasts must-try. Did you know that the first coffee beans are believed to have been brought to Jamaica by King Louis XV in the early 1700s? Jamaica is responsible for producing top coffee brands around the world, including Jamaica Prime, Jamaica Select, High Mountain Supreme, and Blue Mountain Coffee. Jamaican Blue Mountain Coffee is a globally protected certification mark, which means that only coffee certified by the Coffee Industry Board of Jamaica has the right to be labeled as such. Believe it or not, high-grade quality Jamaican coffee goes through an entire 8-week process, which includes six weeks of leaving the beans to dry.
Not surprisingly, Jamaican coffee is rather pricey. Have you ever wondered why it comes at such a high cost? Well, Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee is some of the rarest coffees in the entire world! The coffee is grown on the side of a mountain range, it's challenging to cultivate, and each bean is hand-picked. Don't let the price tag scare you off because you absolutely must try a cup of this piping hot heaven in a mug!
Refreshing Beverages of Jamaica
Bag Juice
Most Jamaicans are familiar with the constituents of a bag drink. It is far from what a “juice” actually is, as it is mainly made with water and syrup. The coloured drink can be purchased for $50 for a dozen or $10 a piece.
Ting Grapefruit Soda
Ting soda is made from 100% Jamaican grapefruit with no preservatives. It is a lightly carbonated citrus drink.
Beverages Found at the Local Bars
Red Stripe Lager
Popular in Jamaica, Red Stripe Beer was born and brewed in 1928. Initially, the beer was unidentifiable from the pale lager everyone knows today. The very first Red Stripe was an ale that was much heavier and darker than today's Red Stripe.
Technically, Red Stripe was indeed born in 1938. The next decade gave birth to the revamped, improved upon 4.7% ABV pale lager that we all know and drink today. The Red Stripe recipe is not originally from Jamaica, although it's always been made in Jamaica. The method was first produced in Illinois in the United States of America before it was brought to the nation.
Jamaican Sorrel
Sorrel, Jamaica’s perky, often spiked answer to iced tea, typically served at Christmastime.
Sorrel is the Jamaican word for hibiscus, a flower which grows abundantly on the island. Even though this drink is served on ice, sorrel retains the flavors of the holiday season – cinnamon, all spice, fresh ginger. For those who wish, rum sends it over the edge for a truly relaxing holiday season.
Jamaican Rum Crème
This soft and creamy drink resembles Bailey’s Irish cream. Nowadays, the Jamaican rum cream contains a few extra ingredients like nuts, spices or dried fruits.
Be sure to bring back a bottle of Sangsters (the Jamaican brand) Rum Creme as one of your souvenirs.
Coconut Flavored Cocktails
We all know all the health benefits of coconut water, but it's also widely known as an excellent mixer for cocktails. What's the reason? It's simple. Coconut water tastes great, but did you know that the hydrating properties found in coconut water can actually cure your hangover or even help you avoid it altogether? Coconut water is distinct among drinks because it's flavorful yet subtle. It's refreshing and unique tropical taste best blend with the ingredients of a mixed drink without being too overwhelming, which is precisely what you want out of a mixer. Coconut Margaritas, Coconut Mimosa Twists, Coconut Water and Rum, and Grace's Sangria are four of the most popular mixed drinks in Jamaica.
Dirty Banana
Popular on many Caribbean islands, the classic dirty banana cocktail combines rum, Kahlúa, or another coffee-flavored liqueur along with banana-flavored liqueur in an icy, creamy shake. You can add chocolate syrup for a true happy hour sweet treat, or up the tropical taste with fresh pineapple.
Rum Punch
Jamaican Rum Punch is the perfect drink for the summer. It’s delicious and refreshing and the perfect drink to bring you to the Caribbean.
Unique Bar to try these Unique Cocktails
Would you like a recommendation of a bar, and a place that most people love to visit while in Jamaica? This bar is a "must” for visitors. Cooling off with a beverage of your choice, at this location, is a one of a kind experience!
This bar and restaurant is built from driftwood and sits atop stilts on a sandbar that is about a quarter of a mile out to sea. It is just a 20-minute boat ride from the coast of Negril. It is the perfect place to spend an evening swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying some great food and a cold Red Stripe.