By Paul Oswell
In the Caribbean, there are as many cocktails on offer as there are ways to sip them! Here are our five favourites - along with a few places to sample them. Bottoms up!
Cheers! Havana is a city that knows how to party, and the
magical mix of music and dancing in and around the capital is as intoxicating
as any of the cocktails that go hand in hand with a night out here! The most
famous is the white rum and sugar cane mix of the Mojito, and the best place
to try one is the Billar Bar at the historic Hotel
Nacional de Cuba. The hotel even welcomes the world famous Buena Vista Social
Club band twice a week for some irresistible, typically Cuban sounds. Those
salsa lessons should pay off nicely…
Work up a thirst: It's great just to wander around the atmospheric Old Quarter of Havana, popping into cigar factories and maybe taking a taxi back to your hotel in a classic 1950s car.
Cheers! Pull up a hammock and lie back in the afternoon sun
for the ultimate in relaxation on an island that's dedicated to the art! To
make sure you're not disturbed, try the 400 landscaped acres of the Half
Moon resort, where the palms sway lazily, and the attentive staff will bring
your perfectly made Jamaican Fizz, a concoction of rum, pineapple, sugar and
soda, straight from the famous Cedar Bar. If you prefer to sip your drink whilst
lolling in the pool, there's even the swim-up Hibiscus Bar, where you can place
your order and then retreat to your li-lo.
Work up a thirst: The Half Moon has its very own on-site dolphin lagoon, where you can meet, learn about and swim with these friendly creatures.
Cheers! The party epicentre of Barbados is waiting, but first there's time for a relaxed rum punch watching the sun go down over the ocean from the south coast of this beautiful island. Have the barmen at Wytukai - the only Polynesian bar-restaurant on the island - whip you up one of their specials, made with dark rum, bitters and citrus fruits, and then wander down to the beach to soak up the sea, sand and of course, the sunset. The rum punch is a Barbadian classic, and it will set you nicely for a night of partying down the road.
Work up a thirst: Go for a swim and see if you can find the hidden cave, complete with waterfall, where there's also a shallow lounging bank.
Cheers! For honeymooners or couples, it doesn't get much more
romantically indulgent than the Atlantis Resort in the Bahamas. You can easily
find a secluded spot to enjoy your Caribbean Breezes, a mix of dark rum, banana
liqueur, pineapple and cranberry juice, made specially by the mixologists at
Atlas Bar and Grill. There's the poolside option of the adults-only area of
The
Cove, Atlantis, or just whisper sweet nothings by the calm waters of the
marina. Your cocktail makes an ideal aperitif before a romantic meal for two
at one of the world class restaurants, such as Nobu or café Martinique.
Work up a thirst: Spend an afternoon exploring the mysterious ruins of Atlantis at The Dig. You can see the ancient artefacts before delving into an amazing sea world, including the Leap of Faith, where you can safely get up close and personal with some of the hotel's resident sharks!
Cheers! If you'd rather keep a clear head or you have youngsters
along with you who want to try a Caribbean concoction too, you can still get
a taste of the region with fruity alcohol-free cocktails such as a Tropical
Delight - a sultry blend of mango, coconut and fresh orange juice, as richly
prepared by the bartenders at Coco's
at The Beach Club. Set alongside two beaches, you can choose the calm lapping
waters of the lagoon side, or some cooling tropical breezes as you soak up some
rays at Coco's. And all that zesty fruit juice will mean you'll feel fit and
ready to try your hand at a host of free water sports.
Work up a thirst: Those free water sports to try in complete safety include windsurfing - and snorkelling too. So what are you waiting for?
Fancy kicking back and sipping on a Caribbean cocktail? Check out our Caribbean
holiday offers now!
Paul Oswell is a freelance travel journalist who regularly writes for The Daily Mail, Travelmail.co.uk and Luxury Travel Magazine