Caribbean cocktails: enjoy your favourite drink by the sea

Do you prefer sweet, or sour?

Whatever your preference, there is something that unites all cocktail lovers, and that is the magic of enjoying them with the sound of waves in the background, your feet in the warm sand, and a gentle breeze caressing your skin.

At Princess Hotels Caribbean we believe that a good drink is not just something to be savoured… it’s something to be experienced.

And what better setting to experience it than the Caribbean, where every sip tastes like paradise.

In this post we invite you to discover some iconic cocktails that you simply mustn’t miss on your next getaway to Punta Cana, Riviera Maya or Jamaica.

The Spirit of Jamaica, poured into every cocktail

There’s an irresistible rhythm to Jamaica an island that welcomes you with warmth, laughter, and a sense of ease that seeps into your soul. Maybe it’s the rush of climbing waterfalls, the smoky scent of jerk chicken on the grill, or the sound of reggae music through the night air.

At Princess Hotels Jamaica, we celebrate that same vibrant energy in every detail from our culinary creations to the cocktails crafted at our bars.

Here are three signature Jamaican-inspired cocktails that perfectly embody the spirit of the island, each with its own little slice of history or local flair.

1. Sunset Margarita

A radiant reflection of Jamaica’s fiery evening skies, the Sunset Margarita is a twist on the timeless classic that mirrors the colours of the Caribbean horizon.

Premium tequila blends with freshly squeezed citrus and a hint of tropical fruit sweetness often passion fruit or mango to create a vibrant sip that’s both familiar and exotic.

Fun Fact: Margaritas may have originated in Mexico, but Jamaica’s version takes it to another level.

Local bartenders began adding tropical twists in the 1980s, inspired by the island’s abundance of fresh fruits and its love of bold flavours. Today, the Sunset Margarita stands as a favourite among sunset-watchers who know there’s no better way to toast the day than with a little island colour in their glass.

2. Coconut Espresso Martini

For those who crave refinement with a touch of indulgence, the Coconut Espresso Martini delivers a delicious fusion of energy and island calm.

Silky coconut cream meets bold espresso and a measure of aged Jamaican rum, creating a cocktail that’s smooth, aromatic, and luxuriously tropical.

Fun Fact: Jamaica produces some of the world’s best coffee; Blue Mountain, prized for its smoothness and low acidity. When paired with locally distilled rum, the combination is a match made in paradise.

Our Coconut Espresso Martini celebrates two of Jamaica’s most iconic exports, blended into one irresistibly indulgent sip.

3. Rum & Ting

Simple, crisp, and undeniably Jamaican, Rum & Ting is a local favourite that captures the island’s zest for life.

The combination of overproof rum and the beloved grapefruit soda “Ting” first produced in Jamaica in the 1970s is as refreshing as a Caribbean breeze.

Fun Fact: “Ting” takes its name from the Jamaican patois word for “thing,” and quickly became a cultural icon.

Mixing it with rum was an inevitable match made in paradise creating a drink that’s now considered Jamaica’s unofficial national cocktail. Served ice-cold, it’s the perfect pairing for sun-drenched days and carefree moments by the sea.

Each of these cocktails offers more than refreshment: they’re a journey through Jamaica’s rich culture, creativity, and easygoing charm. Whether you’re toasting a new adventure or unwinding under a canopy of stars, our bartenders invite you to savour the island’s spirit one unforgettable sip at a time.

At Princess Hotels Jamaica, every cocktail is a celebration of Jamaica’s essence: vivid, soulful, and endlessly inviting.

Cocktails with the flavour of paradise in Punta Cana

Punta Cana is synonymous with Caribbean dreams: turquoise waters that blend into the sky, palm trees swaying in the wind, and sunsets that paint the horizon gold and coral.

In this corner of the Dominican Republic every moment invites you to disconnect… as every cocktail invites you to indulge.

Here are three drinks that capture the spirit of the Caribbean and can be found in the most exclusive bars at our resorts.

4. Piña Colada

Although its exact origin is disputed between Puerto Rico and Cuba, Puerto Rico declared it the country’s national drink in 1978.

Today, it is the tropical emblem par excellence: creamy, sweet and refreshing.

Key ingredients: white rum, coconut cream and fresh pineapple juice.

Enjoy it at sunset, reclining on a deckchair facing the sea, as the sun bids farewell.

It is the perfect drink for those looking for a smooth tipple that evokes holidays from the very first sip. It is also a drink that can be enjoyed with or without alcohol.

5. Mojito

Born in Cuba at the end of the 19th century, the mojito was Ernest Hemingway’s favourite drink, and he often enjoyed it at the legendary La Bodeguita del Medio bar in Havana. Today it is a global classic with a Caribbean soul.

Key ingredients: aged rum, fresh mint leaves, lime juice, sugar and soda.

The perfect tipple for an afternoon at the pool bar, with the mint refreshing your senses and the joyful bubbles accompanying each sip.

Ideal if you prefer a light cocktail, citrusy and with a herbal touch.

Want a tip? In addition to the classic mojito, try the Chinola mojito (chinola is passion fruit in the Dominican Republic) – it will become your favourite mojito!

6. Banana Mama

This delicious creation is a tropical tribute to the local flavours of the Caribbean.

Although it does not have as long a history as the previous two cocktails, it has become a favourite at Princess Hotels in Punta Cana on account of its exotic sweetness and eye-catching presentation.

Key ingredients: golden rum, banana liqueur, pineapple juice, coconut cream, a pinch of cinnamon (and a dash of grenadine, optional)

Enjoy it during the day by the pool while listening to some good merengue in the background. The creamy, fruity flavour makes it the perfect choice to start the day with a sweet, tropical touch.

Mexican seaside flavours on the Riviera Maya

On the Riviera Maya the cocktails are not just refreshing; they also tell the story of a vibrant and colourful culture.

All drinks here combine tradition, creativity, and that festive spirit that characterises Mexico.

7. Classic Margarita

Mexico’s flagship cocktail.

Born (according to legend) in either Tijuana or Acapulco, the Margarita, with its balance of sour and salty flavours, has gone on to conquer the world.

Key ingredients: tequila, orange liqueur, lime juice, salt on the rim.

Ideal for enjoying at a beachfront bar as the sky turns pink.

8. Mezcalita of Maracuyá

A contemporary, elegant version in which the smokiness of mescal blends with the tropical sweetness of passion fruit.

Key ingredients: mescal, passion fruit juice, agave syrup, chilli powder.

Ideal for enjoying at sunset, in a poolside cabana, or before dinner.

9. Michelada

Refreshing, spicy, and with the unmistakable flavour of Mexico.

Ideal for hot days and the relaxed Caribbean ambience.

Key ingredients: beer, lemon juice, hot sauces, salt and chilli on the rim.

Ideal for enjoying during lunch or while watching a match in the resort’s sports bar.

Bartender’s recommendations

Each cocktail has its own moment, its own rhythm, and its own personality.

In the Caribbean, drinks are not consumed in a hurry; they are enjoyed to the rhythm of the sea breeze and the sound of the waves.

From behind the bar, I can tell you that the secret to a good cocktail lies not only in the perfect blend of ingredients, but also in knowing when and how to enjoy it.

• During the day: Under the Caribbean sun, when the sea sparkles with intensity and the pool becomes the centre of attention, cocktails should be light and refreshing. This is the ideal time for fruity, citrus flavours: pineapple, mango, passion fruit or coconut. Drinks such as piña colada or coco loco are the perfect accompaniment to cooling down without losing the festive touch. Gently sweet, cool, and colourful, they are an extension of the tropical joy that permeates every corner of the resort.

• At sunset: When the sun begins to set and the sky is tinged with shades of orange, pink and gold, cocktails become more sophisticated. This is the moment for drinks that hold that special balance of sweet and sour, for notes of fresh fruit or herbal touches that invite you to relax. It’s the ideal moment to raise a glass on the seafront, to the accompaniment of light appetisers or simply the sound of the waves. Nothing beats the feeling of sipping a cool cocktail as the horizon melts into the colour of the Caribbean.

• After dinner: The evening calls for fuller-bodied cocktails, drinks that accompany long conversations and the intimate atmosphere of the resort’s bars. It’s time for Dominican mamajuana, aged rum served on the rocks, or even a carajillo with a local twist. These are drinks that evoke both calm and celebration in equal measure, perfect for ending the day in style.

• Caribbean pairings: Cocktails can also be excellent accompaniments to food. Citrus-based cocktails, such as margaritas and mojitos, enhance the flavours of fresh fish and seafood, while creamy or sweet drinks, such as piña coladas, go very well with tropical fruit desserts, and dark rum or spiced cocktails are enhanced by grilled meats or chocolate desserts.

The secret lies in enjoying the moment.

Each cocktail tells a different story, depending on the place, the time of day, and the company.

Tell your bartender your preferences and let yourself be guided by their recommendations. The important thing is to get into the Caribbean rhythm and allow each sip to be an unforgettable memory of your holiday.

The Caribbean is synonymous with joy, colour, and flavour, and at Princess Caribbean hotels, that essence is alive in every detail.

From the golden beaches of Punta Cana, to the vibrant Riviera Maya, and the authentic spirit of Jamaica, every cocktail becomes an experience designed to celebrate life.

Tell us what your favourite cocktail is and where you would like to go on holiday. We look forward to hearing from you!

Categories: Caribbean, Travel Tips, Gastronomy, Jamaica, Punta Cana, Riviera Maya