Caribbean Cocktails: 10 Crowd-Pleasing Tropical Drink Recipes

The islands of the Caribbean are synonymous with tropical beaches, swaying palm trees, and of course, delicious rum-based cocktails. When planning a Caribbean vacation or just wanting to bring a taste of the islands home, whipping up some classic Caribbean cocktails is a must.

These fruity, rum-filled libations will transport you straight to the shores of Jamaica, Barbados, or the Bahamas. Best of all, these cocktails are easy to make at home with just a few key ingredients. From mojitos to mai tais, we’ve rounded up 10 of the most popular and crowd-pleasing Caribbean cocktail recipes.

Classic Caribbean Rum Drinks

Rum is the spirit of the islands. Distilled from sugarcane juice or molasses, rum has been produced in the Caribbean for centuries. The tropical climate is ideal for sugarcane growth, making the Caribbean the rum capital of the world.

When it comes to Caribbean cocktails, rum is the star. Here are some of the most iconic rum drinks hailing from the islands:

Piña Colada

This creamy, coconut-filled cocktail is the national drink of Puerto Rico. Just blend pineapple juice, coconut cream, and white rum for a taste of the tropics in a glass. Top with a maraschino cherry or pineapple wedge.

Mojito

A Cuban classic, the mojito combines sweet mint, tart lime, and white rum. Muddle the mint and lime, then mix with rum, sugar, and soda water. Garnish with mint leaves and lime wedges.

Bahama Mama

Coconut rum, dark rum, pineapple juice, orange juice, and grenadine come together in this fruity Bahamian cocktail. Just shake with ice and garnish with an orange slice.

Mai Tai

A blend of light and dark rum, triple sec, orgeat syrup, and lime, this Tahitian tiki drink is garnished with a colorful paper umbrella.

Daiquiri

The three-ingredient daiquiri may have originated in a Cuban mining town, but it’s a Caribbean favorite. Blend white rum, lime juice, and simple syrup for a sublimely tart and tangy refresher.

Painkiller

The pain-numbing combination of rum, pineapple juice, orange juice, and coconut cream originated in the British Virgin Islands. Top with grated nutmeg.

Rum-Free Caribbean Cocktails

Not a fan of rum? No worries, there are plenty of rum-free Caribbean cocktails to quench your thirst. Here are some popular options:

Piña Colada (Virgin)

Skip the rum to make a delicious non-alcoholic piña colada. Just blend pineapple juice and coconut cream.

Strawberry Daiquiri (Virgin)

A blended strawberry daiquiri without the rum is sweet, icy, and refreshing. Blend frozen strawberries, lime juice, and simple syrup.

Bahama Buck

A non-alcoholic take on the Bahama Mama, combine orange juice, pineapple juice, grenadine, and coconut syrup. Shake with ice and garnish with an orange slice.

Mint Limeade

For an alcohol-free mojito-inspired sipper, combine freshly squeezed lime juice, mint leaves, sugar, and soda water.

Tropical Fruit Punch

Mango, pineapple, and orange juice make a vibrant rum-free punch. Add slices of fresh fruit for garnish.

Cucumber Lime Spritzer

Muddle cucumber and lime, then mix with club soda or seltzer for a fizzy, herbaceous drink.

Fruity Caribbean Cocktail Recipes

The tropical climate of the Caribbean produces an abundance of juicy, flavorful fruit. From pineapples to mangoes, fresh fruit is often used to add vibrant flavor and sweetness to Caribbean cocktails. Here are some to try:

Hurricane

This New Orleans classic packs the flavor of four rums and passionfruit syrup. Garnish with an orange and cherry to resemble the eye of the storm.

Rum Punch

Traditional Caribbean rum punch combines citrus, sugar, spice, and of course rum. Add your choice of fruits like pineapple or mango.

Bahama Mama

As mentioned earlier, this fruity Bahamian cocktail stars coconut and pineapple rum, orange and pineapple juice, and a dash of grenadine.

Blue Lagoon

Transport to the Caribbean with this gorgeous blue cocktail. Mix vodka, blue curacao, and lemonade. Garnish with a pineapple wedge.

Planter’s Punch

Dark rum and pineapple juice add Caribbean flair. Shake with orange juice, grenadine, and a splash of club soda for a refreshing punch.

Mangorita

A mango margarita adds tropical flair. Mix mango nectar, tequila, lime juice, and agave nectar. Rim the glass with chile-lime salt.

Easy Blended Caribbean Drinks

What’s better on a hot Caribbean day than a blended, icy cocktail? Here are some easy recipes for blended Caribbean drinks:

Pina Colada

Blend pineapple juice, coconut cream, and rum for an iconic tropical smoothie.

Strawberry Daiquiri

In a blender, combine strawberries, lime juice, sugar, and light rum for a pink frosty daiquiri.

Frozen Mudslide

Blend coffee liqueur, Irish cream, and vanilla ice cream for an indulgent, creamy cocktail.

FrozenPiragua

The Puerto Rican shaved ice piragua gets a boozy twist with the addition of rum and triple sec.

Frozen Bellini

Puree peach slices and champagne or prosecco into a decadent peach bellini slush.

Banana Daiquiri

Blend ripe banana, lime juice, sugar, and rum for a sweet and tangy daiquiri.

Classic Hot Caribbean Drinks

Looking for something to warm up with? The Caribbean has delicious hot cocktails too.

Hot Buttered Rum

Warm up from the inside out with rum, honey, butter, and spices. Top with a sprinkle of nutmeg.

Jamaican Coffee

Spike your morning Joe with rum, coffee liqueur, and whipped cream for a caffeinated Caribbean treat.

Hot Toddy

A classic hot toddy of honey, lemon, and rum soothes sore throats. Sip and unwind.

Caribbean Irish Coffee

In this tropical twist, rum stands in for Irish whiskey and coconut syrup for simple syrup. Top with whipped cream.

Spiced Hot Chocolate

For an adults-only hot chocolate, mix melted chocolate, milk, rum, cinnamon, and nutmeg.

Mulled Wine

Mull wine with orange, lime, cloves, star anise, and of course rum for a Caribbean take on mulled wine.

Mix Up a Caribbean Cocktail Tonight!

With beautiful islands, gorgeous beaches, and tasty rum cocktails, the Caribbean is a drinker's paradise. Recreate the tropical vibes at home with these classic island cocktail recipes. Blend a piña colada, shake a refreshing mojito or daiquiri, or get creative and mix your own fruity Caribbean concoction. Just stir in some coconut rum and pineapple juice and you’ll feel like you're in paradise. Salud!