Best Drinks of Jamaica You Must Try
If there is something that characterizes the Jamaican region, it is its hot and humid climate. This makes it very common to search for options to reduce the effects of high temperatures. As it is a Caribbean country, Jamaica’s typical drinks are characterized by a tropical and refreshing flavor.
Surely you have asked yourself what is famous Jamaica drink? Well, whether you are visiting this part of the world or are simply curious to know a little more about the country, we want to help you answer this question.
That is why today, we will talk about the Best Jamaican drinks you must try. You will learn about the options for typical Jamaican alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. In addition to its main ingredients, in case you dare to prepare any of them.
The Most Popular Non Alcoholic Jamaican Drinks
If you prefer non alcoholic drinks in Jamaica, we want to show you the main options you will have to consume in this country.
Coconut water
This is a traditional drink in this tropical country that is refreshing, natural, healthy, and above all, is the best cheap non alcoholic drinks of Jamaica. It’s often served straight from a freshly cracked coconut and is a perfect way to cool down in the tropical heat.
It is so popular that you can find it fresh at any drink stand and even bottled in supermarkets and other places. Coconut water is part of Jamaican cuisine, due to its properties and its exquisite flavor.
Jamaican Blue Mountain Coffee
What is famous non alcoholic Jamaican drink? The Jamaican Blue Mountain Coffee is, the name given to coffee grown in the Blue Mountain region of the country. It is one of the most critically requested types of coffee worldwide and although it is not so cheap, its quality is highly valued.
The price is because it is a coffee with an exquisite flavor, with a clear tone and little bitterness, which makes it especially delicious.
Jamaican Sorrel
Jamaican Sorrel is a popular drink that’s often enjoyed during the holiday season. It’s made from the sepals of the hibiscus plant, known locally as “sorrel.” The vibrant red beverage is sweetened with ginger, cloves, and sometimes a touch of citrus, making it a refreshing and tangy drink. Its deep crimson color and unique blend of spices give it a distinct Jamaican flair.
Ginger Beer
Jamaican Ginger Beer is a fiery, spicy concoction that packs a punch. Made from fresh ginger, it has a kick that can awaken the taste buds of those looking for Jamaica drinks without alcohol. This drink is the perfect choice for those who enjoy a bit of heat and is a fantastic alternative to alcoholic ginger beer or ginger ale.
Tamarind Juice
Tamarind trees are a common sight in Jamaica, and their tangy fruit is transformed into a delicious beverage. Tamarind juice is both sweet and sour, making it a perfect balance of flavors. It’s typically sweetened and served cold, providing a refreshing escape from the warm climate.
June Plum Juice
June plum, also known as golden apple, is a tropical fruit that’s widely enjoyed in Jamaica. The juice made from this fruit is both sweet and tangy, with a hint of spice. It’s a delightful option for those looking to explore the local flavors and non alcoholic drinks of Jamaica.
Soursop Juice
Soursop is a tropical fruit known for its unique flavor that combines the tastes of strawberry, pineapple, and citrus. Soursop juice is a creamy, sweet, and refreshing choice that is widely available in Jamaica.
Irish Moss
Irish Moss is a nutritious, thick, and creamy drink made from seaweed, sweetened with condensed milk, and flavored with vanilla and spices. It’s not only delicious but also believed to have various health benefits, including being a natural aphrodisiac.
Pineapple Gingerale
A fusion of two tropical favorites, pineapple, and ginger, results in a delightful and zesty drink. It’s perfect for those who prefer a sweeter, tropical flavor without alcohol.
The Most Popular Alcoholic Jamaican Drinks
In case you want to taste some typical Jamaican drinks with alcohol, here we will leave you the main options that you can find:
Jamaican Rum Punch
It’s impossible to talk about alcoholic drinks in Jamaica without starting with the king of the island’s spirits – rum. Jamaican rum is renowned worldwide for its quality, depth, and distinctive flavors. This typical Jamaican drink has its history in the 17th century when British sailors began the custom of adding local rum to their drinks. In the case of Jamaican rum, its flavor and popularity have managed to maintain its popularity over time.
This traditional Jamaican drink is prepared by mixing Jamaican rum, pineapple juice, grenadine, and orange juice. Its tropical flavor in combination with rum and grenadine makes this an interesting alternative so you can’t visit Jamaica without sipping on this popular drink.
Dirty Banana
When it comes to popular cocktails in Jamaica, the Dirty Banana cannot go unnoticed. It is a mixture of banana, Kahlula coffee liqueur, coconut milk, and rum. Mix all the ingredients in a blender with ice and then serve with the decoration of your choice.
Although there are various adaptations of this drink, you can combine ingredients that you like.
Purple Rain
This cocktail has been an adaptation of another renowned drink. The “purple rain” as a traditional Jamaican drink, includes in its preparation, vodka, cranberry juice, blue Curaçao liqueur, grenadine, and lemon juice.
Thirty seconds of shaking all the ingredients in a shaker with ice will be enough to obtain this typical Jamaica drinks with alcohol and enjoy a tropical flavor with a touch of color.
Bob Marley
In addition to being the name of a legendary artist, Bob Marley is one of the most recognized typical Jamaican drinks. This is due to its composition of three identical colors, alluding to the Rastafari culture, originating in this region.
It is a combination of light rum, orange curaçao, blue curaçao, mango pulp, lime juice, and strawberry daiquiri. All these elements make a concentrated drink with a characteristic flavor, which you can enjoy flaming or cold, depending on your preference.
Jamaican Zombie
By mixing Jamaican rum, with Demerara 151 rum and Puerto Rican golden rum with grapefruit juice, cinnamon syrup, lime juice, and grenadine, it is possible to obtain this typical and another of the best alcoholic drinks in Jamaica.
The strong flavor of rum with citrus fruits and the sweet touch of grenadine make this drink an attractive option to enjoy.
Caribbean Delight
Caribbean Delight has become a typical Jamaican drink consumed especially during special times such as Good Friday and Easter. Preparing this festive cocktail involves Appleton rum, pineapple juice, grenadine, a lemon wedge, and blackberry brandy.
Half a minute of stirring in a shaker with ice will be enough to serve and decorate according to the occasion.
Moscow Mule
This unique name is used to identify one of the most popular and cheap alcoholic drinks of Jamaica. The combination of ginger beer, vodka, and lemon juice is enough to obtain an original Moscow Mule and enjoy its characteristic flavor.
Although the name has no relationship with the preparation of the drinks or the culture, regular consumers of this drink are assured that after a few sips, this issue will not be of great importance.
Jamaican Bobsled
A beefed-up version of the Cuban cocktail daiquiri, the Jamaican Bobsled makes the most of pineapple and lime juices. To make a perfect cocktail, you will need some ice and mix golden rum, lime juice, pineapple juice, cinnamon syrup, and a shot of spices in a cocktail shaker.
Place a strainer over the cocktail glass and pour the mixture slowly. Remember that the amount of ice is up to you.
Jamaican Caterpillar Cocktail
The invigorating flavors of pineapple and melon help make this cocktail a heady alcoholic drinks of Jamaica. Light rum (white rum), pineapple juice, and melon liqueur are added with a splash of grenadine. Pour the ingredients into a Tom Collins glass and add the grenadine at the end.
Red Stripe Beer
Which is famous alcoholic Jamaican drink? Red Stripe is the quintessential Jamaican beer. With its iconic stubby bottle and crisp lager taste, it’s the perfect accompaniment to Jamaican cuisine, the sound of waves crashing on the beach, and good company. Whether you’re enjoying it at a local bar or while watching the sunset on the Negril cliffs, Red Stripe embodies the relaxed Jamaican lifestyle.
Final Words
Jamaica’s vibrant beverage culture is a reflection of the island’s spirit and heritage, these beverages offer a glimpse into the heart and soul of Jamaica.
Whether you’re lounging on a powdery white sand beach, swaying to the rhythms of reggae, or savoring the flavors of Jamaican cuisine, these drinks enhance the island experience in their special ways.
So, the next time you find yourself on the shores of this Caribbean paradise, don’t miss the chance to raise a glass and immerse yourself in the flavors of this country always respecting the Jamaica legal drinking age.
