Jamaican drinks can offer an extra pinch of flavor and excitement to your island experience. From refreshing fruit juices to the beloved rum, every sip brings a taste of paradise.

It’s time to discover which Jamaican drinks you absolutely have to try when traveling to the country. We guarantee these drinks will leave you with unforgettable memories!

The 5 best alcoholic Jamaican drinks

Jamaican drinks come in a wide variety, ranging from refreshing non-alcoholic options to flavorful alcoholic beverages. For those who enjoy sipping on a little something, there are some iconic alcoholic drinks to try!

Red Stripe Beer

This beer is one of the most famous drinks on the island. It’s a light-bodied classic that can go well with just about any meal. In Jamaica you’ll find Red Stripe Beer at most places where refreshing drinks are sold, including bars and restaurants. Pay attention to the various Red Stripe versions, and you may find a new favorite one! Red Stripe comes in variations such as Red Stripe Light, Red Stripe Bold, and flavors including lemon and sorrel.

Jamaican Rum

Rum making in Jamaica dates back to 1494, when colonizers are said to have brought sugar cane to the island. Among the most traditional rum brands in Jamaica are Wray & Nephew White Overproof Rum, and Appleton Estate. If you want to immerse yourself in rum history, island rum tours are available and can take you to visit some iconic Jamaican rum producers.

Tia Maria

Tia Maria is a coffee-based liqueur with a big history. It is said that the recipe for this popular Jamaican drink was owned by a young Spanish aristocrat who escaped a war-torn Jamaica in the 17th century. Her maid, who Tia Maria is named after, kept the recipe.

Tia Maria isn’t produced in Jamaica, but the ingredients used to make this Jamaican drink are sourced from the island. This mostly includes Blue Mountain coffee beans, sugar, vanilla, and Jamaican rum. 

Dirty Banana

The Dirty Banana cocktail is made with Tia Maria, rum, milk, and a ripe banana. It’s usually served cold, with a dash of chilled cream. This is a sweet and silky Jamaican drink, perfect to sip on while lounging beachside during the day, or while watching the Caribbean sunset.

Rum Punch

Jamaican rum punch is usually made with various rums and juices, combining flavors such as strawberry syrup or fruit juice with brands like Wray & Nephew White Overproof Rum and Appleton Rum.

The 5 best non-alcoholic Jamaican Drinks

Jamaican drinks can be alcohol-free and still pack a punch of flavor, making them a perfect addition to any Caribbean vacation. Some non-alcoholic drinks are a must-try during your Jamaica trip, and can be very easy to find around the island. Don’t miss them!

Blue Mountain Coffee

This blend is known for being one of the best and most expensive coffee brands in the world. Blue Mountain Coffee is grown in the Blue Mountains, the longest mountain range in Jamaica and also one of the highest peaks in the Caribbean.

Ginger beer

In addition to its well-known sweetness, the popularity of this drink also has to do with its potential medicinal properties, such as combating morning sickness. In addition to sugar cane, some of the other ingredients used to make ginger beer include honey, lime juice and sugar.

Bush tea

Bush tea is not only a popular drink in Jamaica, but also a Caribbean staple. It’s caffeine-free and typically made from local plants or tree bark. There are many variations of bush tea made in Jamaica, including bush teas made with leaves of bitter melon or soursop. Sorrel is also a popular blend.

Sorrel tea

Sorrel tea is made with the dried buds of the hibiscus flower. These flowers are a magenta or purple color, hence the deep pigmentation of the drink. The Jamaican version of sorrel is usually steeped with ginger and sugar, then chilled.

Ting 

Ting is one of the most popular soft drinks in Jamaica. You’ll be able to find this drink almost everywhere you go on the island. It’s grapefruit flavored with slightly bitter hints. This drink can be very refreshing under the Jamaican sun. 

Where can I try Jamaican drinks?

Some drinks, specially the non-acoholic ones, can be found almost in any coffeeshop or market. For the alcoholic Jamaican drinks, bars are most certainly the right spot to order a few, or all of them.

Some resorts and villas also offer bartenders, who are more than equipped to provide you with perfect Jamaican drinks to cool off. So, is it time to enjoy some Rum Punch and sorrel tea by the pool or what?

Check villa rates to better start planning this journey!