6 Classic Caribbean Cocktails

This content originally appeared on MasterCard’s Priceless Caribbean blog (now discontinued).

Sun, sand, and sipping on an ice-cold cocktail. Does life get any better than that? These classic Caribbean cocktails were invented on the islands; get ready to order them up on the bar during your next trip to paradise or use the recipes to raise the bar at home.

Dark and Stormy
Bermuda
This Bermuda-born highball combines black rum (the dark) and ginger beer (the stormy) over ice. Purists stick with Gosling’s Black Seal rum and Barritt’s ginger beer—two brands made in Bermuda. Here’s to hoping this is the only storm you see on your trip to paradise.

The Daiquirí
Cuba
Although the blended, strawberry-flavored daiquirí is probably the most well-known version today, at it’s most basic this drink combines chilled white rum, lime juice, and simple sugar. Dating back to (at least) the early 1900s, this Cuban cocktail was Ernest Hemingway’s drink of choice; the author preferred adding maraschino liqueur and grapefruit juice to the mix.

The Bahama Mama
The Bahamas
This refreshing taste of The Bahamas is more complicated than you might think. To make this tropical treat, shake up coconut rum, spiced rum, and banana liqueur with orange juice, pineapple juice, and grenadine. Served over ice or blended, this Caribbean cocktail is sure to be a crowd pleaser.

The Piña Colada
Puerto Rico
Translated as “pressed pineapple,” the official beverage of Puerto Rico is made with rum, cream of coconut, and pineapple juice. Served blended or shaken, it’s often garnished with a pineapple wedge and a maraschino cherry. Getting caught in the rain not required.

Planter’s Punch
Jamaica
Each island seems to have its own version of rum punch, but for a taste of Jamaica, mix dark rum and fresh orange and pineapple juices with some grenadine and sugar syrup. Then add a few dashes of Angostura bitters and garnish with fresh fruit. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself thirsty for more.

Santo Libre
Dominican Republic
A tall glass of Sprite, dark rum, and some lime wedges are the only ingredients needed to make this simple staple from the Dominican Republic. For something a little less sweet, switch out the Sprite for club soda. If you swap in Coke you’ll have another classic: the Cuba libre.