Jamaican drinks are more than just a collection of delicious beverages - they’re a taste of Jamaican culture! These drinks reflect the island nation’s rich history and tropical lifestyle. Every tasty sip is a snapshot of local flavor! (Pro tip: Pair them with delicious Jamaican food!)
When traveling to a new place, one of the things I get most excited about is trying a local beverage (or two). I mean, I'm the type of person who has four different drinks on her desk at any given time. If you're looking to experience a taste of the Caribbean, this comprehensive collection of Jamaican drinks is sure to hit the spot! From fruity and refreshing to uniquely boozy — we’ve got you covered. Happy sipping!
NON-ALCOHOLIC JAMAICAN DRINKS
1. SORREL TEA
A must-have cold drink for Jamaicans during Christmas, but it can be enjoyed all year long! This refreshing drink is made from the dried buds of the hibiscus flower with ginger and cloves, then sweetened with sugar. It can be spiked with rum for extra flavor. Its beautiful color makes it a holiday staple!
2. JAMAICAN GINGER BEER
If you like your soda with a kick, ginger beer from Jamaica is your best bet! It packs serious heat, thanks to its ingredients, most notably grated ginger. Locals enjoy it as a refreshment, but some swear by its medical benefits, especially digestion.
3. TING
One of Jamaica's most popular non-alcoholic drinks, this soda is grapefruit-flavored with a tangy, citrusy bite. It’s their go-to drink for hot summer days and is also popularly used as a chaser for overproof rum (like Wray & Nephew).
4. PEANUT PUNCH
A popular drink in the Caribbean, Peanut Punch is thick, creamy, and energizing! It is made with blended peanuts, milk, nutmeg, vanilla, and oats. Some add peanut protein powder, spices, or rum to their drink. No matter how you make it, it works great as a high-protein energy drink or a tasty treat on the go!
5. CARROT JUICE
This isn’t any simple veggie juice! To make a rich and creamy drink, Jamaican carrot juice is mixed with condensed milk, vanilla, and nutmeg. It’s both healthy and delicious!
6. SOURSOP JUICE
Thick, sweet, and slightly tart, soursop juice is one of the best beverages to enjoy while on vacation in this beautiful country. Locals enjoy it for its flavor, but the fruit is also good for your body, providing it with fiber, antioxidants, and vitamin C.
7. BLUE MOUNTAIN COFFEE
If you’re a coffee lover, you shouldn’t miss this premium coffee in Jamaica! Some consider Blue Mountain Coffee beans the country’s most famous and prestigious export because of the smooth, clean taste. A quick warning: A cup can get pretty pricey!
8. COCONUT WATER
Is there anything more delightfully tropical than a glass of fresh coconut water straight from the source? You can even drink the juices from inside the young coconut itself! Naturally rich in electrolytes, it’s the perfect beverage on the beach or consumed for post-party recovery.
9. IRISH MOSS DRINK
If you’re after a unique experience, Irish Moss is one of the best Jamaican drinks you can try! It is a medley of sea moss, sweetener, spices, and vanilla, and widely touted as an aphrodisiac for men. For an adult twist, some spike it with alcohol!
10. JUNE PLUM JUICE
Tart, tasty, and refreshing, June plum juice (also known as Golden Apple) is the perfect drink for the hot Jamaican weather. It’s made by blending the fruit with water and ginger before sweetening it. You can also add lime juice if you want your drink to be more sour than sweet!
11. BUSH TEA
How about something hot and herbal for a change? Bush tea is one drink that older Jamaicans sip, especially in the morning. Its main ingredients are locally sourced herbs and plants. This drink is steeped in Caribbean folk medicine, and many swear by its health benefits, especially in fighting many diseases.
ALCOHOLIC JAMAICAN DRINKS
12. JAMAICAN RUM PUNCH
A party must have! This classic cocktail has rum and sugar or fruit syrup. It can also serve as the base drink for other variations like the Planter’s Punch (which has lime juice and bitters or spices mixed in it).
13. RED STRIPE BEER
Arguably, this is the most famous Jamaican beer! You can find this light and refreshing beer anywhere! It’s locals' drink of choice at resorts and beach hangouts, concerts, and cookouts.
14. WRAY & NEPHEW OVERPROOF RUM
Made in Jamaica, this rum is strong—63% alcohol! This brand is used in many cocktails and punches, though it can also be enjoyed neat. Just sip it slowly!
15. BOB MARLEY COCKTAIL
A tribute to the artist, the Bob Marley cocktail is certainly eye-pleasing and tasty to boot! The drink has layers of green, yellow, and red—similar to the Jamaican flag. Made with grenadine syrup, coconut rum, Crème De Menthe, pineapple juice, and other ingredients, it’s delightfully fruity and refreshing, almost like an adult slushy!
16. DRAGON STOUT
A dark, rich, and sweet Jamaican beer, it’s very strong at 7.5% alcohol by volume. Locals enjoy it on its own or added to Jamaican cocktails. Some even use it for cooking or making ice cream!
17. SKY JUICE (GHETTO WINE)
Combine gin with condensed milk and syrup (or coconut water), and you’ll get Sky Juice! Creamy and sweet, you’ll find this drink at bars and authentic Bahamian restaurants. Some make it with rum instead of gin!
18. SEA CAT PUNCH
No, this drink doesn’t involve cats! “Sea cat” refers to octopus, an ingredient in this interesting drink. Mix that with local rums, rum cream, and other ingredients, and you’ve got a salty-sweet drink to enjoy. A true island original, by all means!
19. JAMAICAN GUINNESS PUNCH
How do you make Jamaican Guinness, an iconic Irish beer? By making Jamaican Guinness punch! Locals blend the beer with condensed milk, vanilla, and spices. The result is a hearty and sweet alcoholic beverage!
20. JAMAICAN RUM CREAM
This liqueur is smooth and creamy with delicious island flavors like coconut, chocolate, cinnamon, and nutmeg. It’s like Irish cream but with an authentic Caribbean twist!
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