The Caribbean and Mexico are famous for their tropical cocktails, from frozen piña coladas to massive margaritas. Every resort has its “signature” drink menu, and honestly? Most of them are pretty good.
But here’s what we’ve learned after years of visiting these destinations: the drinks tourists order aren’t always what locals reach for when they want something special. There’s almost always a better option hiding in plain sight.
Take Jamaica, for example. Everyone orders rum punch (and it’s delicious!). But locals know the real move is a properly made Dark ‘n’ Stormy with Appleton Estate rum and fresh ginger beer. It’s not on every menu, but when you find one made right? Game changer.
Want to know what to order in Aruba, Turks & Caicos, Cabo, and more? We put together the local favorites that beat the tourist standards every time.
MEXICO
Cancun / Los Cabos / Puerto Vallarta
Everyone Orders: Margarita
Why it’s everywhere: The margarita is ordered at 46% of Mexico’s bars and restaurants, making it one of the most popular cocktails in the country. It’s been a Mexican staple since the late 1930s, and Mexico’s tequila market is valued at over $3 billion.
Locals Order:
- Michelada (Cancun/Riviera Maya) – Beer with lime, salt, and hot sauce
- Paloma (Los Cabos) – Tequila with grapefruit soda
- Raicilla (Puerto Vallarta) – 300+ year old local spirit produced just hours from PV
Why they’re better: The Michelada is the ultimate thirst-quencher in tropical heat – refreshing beer with just enough spice and lime to keep you coming back, without the sugar crash of a margarita. The Paloma lets you actually taste quality tequila paired with crisp grapefruit soda instead of masking it with triple sec and sugar. And Raicilla? This 300-year-old spirit predates tequila itself and gives you an authentic taste of Jalisco that tourists never discover.
JAMAICA
Everyone Orders: Rum Punch
Why it’s everywhere: Jamaica’s signature drink features overproof Jamaican white rum (typically J. Wray and Nephew), tropical fruit juices, lime, and grenadine. Jamaica holds Geographic Indication status for its rum, and the spirit stars in iconic cocktails worldwide.
Locals Order: Dark ‘n’ Stormy (with Appleton Estate rum and fresh ginger beer) or Ting with a Sting (Ting grapefruit soda with overproof white rum)
Why it’s better: The Dark ‘n’ Stormy lets you actually taste the quality Jamaican rum instead of masking it with fruit juice. Ting with a Sting is what you’ll find at local bars and beach shacks – refreshing, simple, and authentic.
ARUBA
Everyone Orders: Aruba Ariba
Why it’s everywhere: Created on July 1, 1963 by bartender Juan “Jocky” Tromp, the Aruba Ariba is the most popular mixed drink in the Aruban tourist industry. The island celebrates Aruba Ariba Day every July 1st, and the drink just hit its 60th anniversary.
Locals Order: Ponche Crema
Why it’s better: This creamy rum-based eggnog is what Arubans actually drink, especially during holidays. It’s smooth, rich, and has that authentic island flavor you won’t find in the tourist bars. Think Caribbean eggnog with a serious rum kick.
CURAÇAO
Everyone Orders: Blue Curaçao Cocktails
Why it’s everywhere: Blue Curaçao liqueur is made from the Laraha orange, which grows exclusively on Curaçao. That bright blue color and distinct orange flavor make it a staple at Caribbean parties worldwide.
Locals Order: Ròm Bèrdè (green rum)
Why it’s better: This green rum is only available in Curaçao – you literally can’t get it anywhere else. Head to Nettobar in Otrobanda for the authentic experience. It’s the insider drink that locals keep to themselves.
DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
Everyone Orders: Mamajuana
Why it’s everywhere: One of the first distilled spirits in the Americas, Mamajuana is made by infusing rum, red wine, and honey with tree bark and herbs. Over 70% of tourists buy bottles as souvenirs, and it’s famously called “Dominican Viagra.”
Locals Order: Santo Libre
Why it’s better: This is the Dominican twist on a Cuba Libre – rum, Sprite, and lime. Simple, refreshing, and what locals actually drink daily instead of the tourist-focused Mamajuana. It’s the real Dominican beach drink.
PUERTO RICO
Everyone Orders: Piña Colada
Why it’s everywhere: Created in 1954 at the Caribe Hilton, Puerto Rico declared it the official national drink in 1978. It gained global fame with Rupert Holmes’ 1979 hit song “Escape (The Piña Colada Song).”
Locals Order: Chichaíto
Why it’s better: This rum and anise shot is what Puerto Ricans reach for when they want something strong and straightforward. No blender required, no tropical fruit, just pure island spirit.
ST. LUCIA
Everyone Orders: Chairman’s Reserve Rum Cocktails
Why it’s everywhere: St. Lucia Distillers produces the famous Chairman’s Reserve rum, which has won multiple international awards. It’s the island’s most recognized spirit brand and stars in tropical rum cocktails across the island.
Locals Order: Bounty Rum
Why it’s better: While tourists spring for the premium Chairman’s Reserve, locals reach for Bounty Rum for everyday drinking. It’s what St. Lucians actually keep at home—smooth, affordable, and authentically local.
ANTIGUA
Everyone Orders: Rum Punch
Why it’s everywhere: Antigua’s traditional rum punch uses locally produced rums from the Antigua Distillery (dating back to 1934), mixed with lime juice, sugar syrup, Angostura bitters, and grated nutmeg.
Locals Order: Cavalier Rum
Why it’s better: This is the everyday local rum that Antiguans actually drink. It’s ubiquitous, inexpensive, and what you’ll find in every local’s home bar. Skip the fancy English Harbour and drink like the locals do.
BARBADOS
Everyone Orders: Barbados Rum Punch
Why it’s everywhere: The famous recipe poem goes: “One of sour, two of sweet, three of strong and four of weak.” Barbados is home to four major rum distilleries, including Mount Gay, the oldest in the world.
Locals Order: Corn & Oil
Why it’s better: This classic Bajan drink features dark rum, falernum, and lime bitters. It’s the drink locals order when they want something authentic—simple, strong, and genuinely Barbadian.
BAHAMAS
Everyone Orders: Goombay Smash
Why it’s everywhere: Invented by Miss Emily Cooper at her Blue Bee Bar during a game of dominoes, the Goombay Smash is named after The Bahamas’ unique musical tradition and features coconut rum, dark rum, and tropical juices.
Locals Order: Sky Juice
Why it’s better: This is the coconut-based drink Bahamians actually enjoy. It’s lighter, more refreshing, and what you’ll find locals sipping on the beach rather than the tourist-heavy Goombay Smash.
COSTA RICA
Everyone Orders: Guaro Sour
Why it’s everywhere: Costa Rica’s national spirit is Guaro (Cacique brand), produced by the government since 1851. The Guaro Sour is the most popular way to drink it, similar to a whiskey sour.
Locals Order: Chiliguaro
Why it’s better: This spicy shot – guaro, tomato juice, hot sauce, and lime – is what locals love. It’s got a kick, it’s refreshing, and you’ll find it at almost every bar. Costa Ricans swear by it as a hangover cure too.
HAWAII
Everyone Orders: Blue Hawaii
Why it’s everywhere: Invented in 1957 by legendary bartender Harry Yee at the Hilton Hawaiian Village, the Blue Hawaii features blue Curaçao and tropical juices. Yee served over one million Mai Tais during his 30-year career and invented approximately 15 iconic tropical cocktails.
Locals Order: Lava Flow
Why it’s better: While tourists go for the bright blue drinks, locals love the Lava Flow, a blend of strawberry daiquiri and piña colada that looks like flowing lava. It’s just as tropical but with more substance and flavor.
Ready to Drink Like a Local?
Next time you’re ordering at a Caribbean or Mexican beach bar, skip the obvious tourist choice and ask for what locals actually drink. You might discover your new favorite vacation cocktail, and you’ll definitely get knowing nods from the bartenders who are tired of making the same tourist drinks all day.
Need help planning your next Caribbean or Mexico getaway? We specialize in all-inclusive resorts and can help you find the perfect destination for your style. Contact us to start planning your trip and we’ll make sure you know exactly what to order when you get there.
