Drink Like A Local While In The Bahamas

The best way to experience a foreign country and its culture is to go where the locals go, do what the locals do, eat what the locals eat and drink what the locals drink. While The Bahamas is one of the most sought-after destinations in the world because of its wanderlust worthy beaches and tropical weather, the food & culture are not to be missed.

Drinks are inarguably an important part of Bahamian culture and daily living. The country has a long love/hate affair with pirates, and what was the pirate’s favourite pastime? That’s right, boozing. Also, we can’t forget that the country played a major role in bootlegging during the Prohibition Era.

The history of the islands is steeped in rum, and if visiting, you must drink like a local by knocking back these local favorites.

Kalik Beer: Named after the ‘ka-lik – kalik’ sounds of the Junkanoo cowbells, this beer is considered to be “The Beer of The Bahamas,” and a visit to the Islands is not complete without an ice cold Kalik. Pair this refreshing, smooth, crisp & flavorful lager with a bowl of Bahamian conch salad and you’ve got yourself a ‘Barefoot Bandit” special!
Sky Juice: If you’re not a fan of beer, try a delicious cup of sky juice. This creamy concoction is made with a mix of gin & coconut water + sweet milk and fancied up with a dash of nutmeg or cinnamon.
Bahama Mama: The resident tropical drink, you can’t go wrong with drinking a Bahama Mama while in The Bahamas. This old yet classic drink is made with a mix of dark rum, coconut liqueur or coconut rum, orange and pineapple juice in addition to grenadine. While there are many variations to the Bahama Mama, I assure you all guarantee a good time!
Sands Beer: A light, yet refreshing Bahamian beer packed with lots of flavor brewed and canned in Freeport, Grand Bahama by the Sands family. If you’re in the market to be adventurous, Bahamian Brewery, where the Sands is also brewed produces a variation of the original Sands, Sands Light, Sands Pink Radler [my fav!]. Also worthy to try are additional beers, High Rock, Strong Back Stout, Bush Crack and the nonalcoholic, Triple B malt.
Goombay Smash: Named after the music and dance of The Bahamas, the ‘Goombay Smash’ is considered by many to be the national drink of The Bahamas. It was created on the out island of Green Turtle Cay, Abaco by Miss Emily, owner of the famous Blue Bee Bar and is not for the weak. While the original recipe is top secret, this potent drink is believed to be made using four different types of rum, plus pineapple and orange juice.
Goombay Punch: Not a fan of alcohol but still want to drink like a local? Order up a can of Goombay Punch. This locally made and canned soft drink is filled with pineapple & lemon flavors with an overdose of sugar. It is a sugary yet happy explosion in your mouth!
Switcha: The Bahamian version of lemonade. This simple, yet refreshing drink is made with native limes, water and sugar and lots of love!!