10 Popular and Signature Bahamian Beverages

Sky juice is a mixed drink in the Bahamas created in the early 20th century. This soothing concoction is primarily made with coconut water, condensed milk, and gin or rum.

For an alcohol-free version, locals can choose the unleaded sky juice. Ideally, the coconut water for this drink comes from fresh, young green coconuts.

Bahamian rum is originally from the West Indies that dates back to the mid-17th century. As one of the earliest producers of rum, this liquor has been the most popular alcohol option.

Made from sugarcane molasses or sugarcane juice, rum possesses a smooth, well-rounded flavor, making the liquor a favorite in Central America and the Caribbean.

With an ABV of around 40%, Bahamian rum can be savored neat, on the rocks, or with a splash of water. The spirit also serves as a key ingredient in many traditional Bahamian drinks.

Renowned brands like John Watling’s and Ricardo Rum are names with quality Bahamian rum.

Rum punch is a mixed drink thought to originate from Jamaica. The core ingredients include rum, pineapple, lime, orange, and grenadine, with each country having a different tweak to the concoction.

The Caribbean is particularly fond of this vibrant concoction, with rum punch being considered the national drink in several countries, such as Jamaica, Belize, and Grenada.

Piña colada is a mixed drink from Puerto Rico, combining rum, cream of coconut or coconut milk, and pineapple juice.

The cocktail is usually served in a hurricane glass garnished with a slice of pineapple and a cocktail cherry. In Bahama, people use Bahamian rum, such as John Watling, for a distinctive flavor.

Bahama Mama is a Bahamian mixed drink that was created in the 1950s at the Nassau Beach Hotel. This concoction combines dark rum, coconut rum, coffee liqueur, orange juice, and pineapple juice.

A favorite throughout the Caribbean, Bahama mama owes its fun name to a Caribbean calypso singer.

Goombay smash is a Bahamian mixed drink of white rum, dark rum, coconut liqueur, orange juice, pineapple juice, and a hint of apricot brandy. The blend has a dazzling yellow color and a tropical flavor, often served in a sling or Collins glass.

What makes goombay smash even more intriguing is its origin story when the drink was created at Miss Emily’s Blue Bee Bar in New Plymouth, Green Turtle Cay, where the original recipe is still a well-guarded secret.

Bahamian beer was created in ancient Mesopotamia and Egypt. The alcoholic drink was later introduced to the Caribbean by the British in the 19th century and only became a common pick in 1988.

Among the varieties, Kalik is the most popular beer in the Bahamas. This Nassau-based, light lager-style brew of Commonwealth Brewery boasts a malty profile with an alcohol volume (ABV) varying from 2% to 7%.

Then there’s Sands, a full-bodied golden lager crafted by the Bahamian Brewery & Beverage Company, offering an ABV of 2.3% to 7.7%.

On the craft beer scene, Nassau’s Pirate Republic Brewing Co. presents Island Pirate Ale IPA, Captain Kidd’s Kolsch, Black Beer’d Stout, and the Belgian white ale, Gold & Haze of Piracy.

Bahamian fruit juice is made from various fruits on the islands by combining them with a hint of sugar, if needed, and ice.

Locals often serve fruit juices in anything from chic glasses to easy-to-carry plastic cups. Among the range of juicy options, coconut water stands out as a local and tourist favorite.

Alternatively, there’s always orange, pineapple, mango, or guinep (Spanish lime) juice to discover.

Switcha is the Bahamian version of lemonade, considered the national drink of the island. This mixed concoction brings together key limes, sugar, and water for a tangy Switcha mix.

Interestingly, “Switcha” is also a name for a popular lemon-lime flavored beverage brand. This lime blend is also popular in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Goombay Punch is a Bahamian carbonated drink known for its bold, sweet flavor and vibrant yellow color. This product comes from the Nassau-based Caribbean Bottling Company Bahamas Ltd., mainly made using pineapple.

This carbonated mixture has a distinct and extremely sweet profile. To balance out the sweetness, locals prefer Goombay Punch served chilled with a generous amount of ice.