Cocktails and Drinks of Puerto Rico
Boricua Flavors in Every Sip
Puerto Rico is not only famous for its paradisiacal beaches, vibrant music, and rich culture but also for its incredible selection of traditional cocktails and beverages. The island’s culinary tradition extends to its drinks, which combine tropical ingredients with influences from various cultures that have left their mark on the island. From refreshing tropical mixes to drinks with a rich history, the Island of Enchantment offers unique flavors that reflect the essence of Puerto Rico. Whether you’re looking for something strong, sweet, or simply refreshing, you’ll find a drink that suits your taste.
Puerto Rican drinks are well-known worldwide for being refreshing and delicious. There’s no better way to relax in Puerto Rico than with a special island cocktail by your side. In addition to cocktails, the island’s rum and tequila-based mixed drinks are also ideal for enjoying on a cool evening.
The island’s cocktail scene has evolved with equal care. Puerto Rico is the birthplace of the piña colada, and you’ll find that an innovative approach to refreshing drinks continues to this day. Whether it’s one of the world’s top bars in Old San Juan, a brewery tour, a tasting of local rums, or just a poolside cocktail, you’ll find plenty to enjoy here.
At almost every restaurant, you’ll find classic fruity drinks, including piña coladas and painkillers, which are perfect for a day on the water. The drink options are endless, as are the restaurants and bars, which can make it hard to choose.
Traditional Alcoholic Beverages
Pitorro: The Artisanal Rum
Pitorro is Puerto Rico’s "moonshine," a high-proof artisanal rum traditionally produced in various parts of the island. Also known as ron caña (cane rum), this is the classic illegal liquor distilled clandestinely from sugarcane. Straight pitorro is as strong as any other moonshine you may have tasted, with alcohol levels exceeding 120 proof (60% alcohol) or more. This is not your average, run-of-the-mill alcohol.
If you have the opportunity to try a “cured” or flavored pitorro, you’re in for a treat. Typical fruit flavors include coconut, pineapple, tamarind, papaya, strawberry, and mango. Other popular flavors include coffee and chocolate.
Pitorro: The Artisanal Rum
The curing process occurs when sugar and flavors are added to pitorro, reducing the intensity of the alcohol’s flavor. Sometimes, pitorro is buried underground to speed up the “curing” process and allow the added flavors to integrate better. Since its production and distribution are illegal, the only way to get your hands on some is through local friends who can help you track it down.
Many families make it at home, infusing it with fruits, spices, or honey. Its potency is legendary, so it’s enjoyed in moderation. At festivals and artisan markets, you can find varieties with flavors like coconut, mango, and even coffee, showcasing local creativity. Pitorro is not just a drink; it’s a symbol of the resilience and self-sufficiency of Puerto Rico’s rural communities. Its homemade production and distribution at community events make it a key element of popular culture.
Bilí: Rum Fermented with Quenepas
Originating in Vieques, Bilí is a fermented drink made with rum, quenepas (Spanish lime), and spices. It is left to rest for weeks until it develops a sweet and strong flavor. This homemade drink is a treasure often enjoyed during special celebrations and local festivals, offering a glimpse into the island’s most intimate traditions.
Bilí: Rum Fermented with Quenepas
Bilí is especially popular during patron saint festivals, where it is shared among family and friends as a gesture of unity and celebration. Its unique flavor and artisanal production process make it an authentically Boricua experience.
Medalla Light: The Boricua Beer
Medalla Light is Puerto Rico’s iconic beer. Light, refreshing, and with a smooth flavor, it is the perfect companion for any occasion, whether it’s a beachside gathering, a party, or a baseball game. For those who prefer beers with more body, Magna is an excellent option. Additionally, craft breweries like Ocean Lab and Boquerón Brewing Co. have gained popularity, offering beers inspired by local ingredients.
Medalla Light: The Boricua Beer
These craft breweries have revitalized the island’s beer scene, attracting both locals and tourists seeking unique and authentic flavors. Medalla Light, on the other hand, remains a cultural icon, present at all celebrations and moments of relaxation.
Puerto Rican Cocktails
Piña Colada: The National Cocktail
The Piña Colada is undoubtedly Puerto Rico’s most famous cocktail. Created in San Juan in the 1950s, this delightful drink combines Puerto Rican rum, coconut cream, and pineapple juice, served with crushed ice and garnished with a pineapple slice and a cherry.
Piña Colada: The National Cocktail
Many bars have innovated with versions that include strawberry, mango, or even coffee, offering a modern twist on this classic. The Piña Colada is not just a drink; it’s a symbol of Puerto Rico’s hospitality and festive spirit. Its popularity has crossed borders, making it an icon of tropical mixology.
Puerto Rican Mojito
Although of Cuban origin, the mojito has its Boricua version. In Puerto Rico, it is made with local rum, criollo lime, fresh mint, sugar, soda, and plenty of ice. Some bars add tropical fruits like passionfruit or guava for a more refreshing and exotic touch.
Puerto Rican Mojito
The Puerto Rican mojito is an example of how the island adopts and adapts external influences, creating something unique and its own. It is the perfect drink to enjoy on a terrace at sunset, accompanied by good music and even better company.
Spiced Cherry
This cocktail combines spiced rum with cherry juice and a touch of lime. Its sweet and spicy flavor makes it a unique option for those seeking something out of the ordinary.
Spiced Cherry
The Spiced Cherry is ideal for enjoying on a cool evening, accompanied by good music and friends. Its combination of flavors is a delight for the palate, offering a complete sensory experience.
Chichaito: The Favorite Shot
Chichaito is a strong and delicious shot made with white rum and anise. Some add honey, cinnamon, or lime juice to soften its flavor. In some places, bars experiment with flavors like coconut, guava, and tamarind, offering a unique experience.
Chichaito: The Favorite Shot
Chichaito is popular at parties and celebrations, where it is toasted as a gesture of joy and camaraderie. Its intense flavor and comforting effect make it ideal for livening up any gathering.
Chi Chi: Vodka and Piña Colada
The Chi Chi is a variation of the Piña Colada, but instead of rum, it uses vodka. It is creamy, refreshing, and irresistibly tropical, making it ideal for those looking for something different.
Chi Chi: Vodka and Piña Colada
This drink is perfect for those who prefer a less sweet but equally exotic cocktail. The Chi Chi is a testament to the versatility of Puerto Rican mixology, blending tradition and modernity.
Coquito: The Christmas Tradition
Coquito is the star drink of Puerto Rico’s Christmas festivities. This sweet and creamy mix is made with white rum, coconut cream, condensed milk, evaporated milk, vanilla, and spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. Some versions include chocolate, almonds, or pistachios, making it a customizable delight.
Coquito: The Christmas Tradition
Coquito is more than a drink; it’s a symbol of family unity and celebration. Each family has its secret recipe, passed down through generations, making it a cultural treasure.
Amaretto Colada
A delicious combination of amaretto and piña colada, giving the traditional Puerto Rican recipe an almondy and exotic twist. This cocktail is perfect for those looking for a more complex and sophisticated flavor.
Amaretto Colada
The Amaretto Colada is an example of how Puerto Rican mixology continues to innovate, creating drinks that surprise and delight.
Cuba Libre
Popular throughout Latin America, the Cuba Libre is made with rum, Coca-Cola, and lime. In Puerto Rico, it is typically made with Don Q or Bacardí for a more authentic flavor.
Cuba Libre
This cocktail is a classic that never goes out of style, ideal for any occasion. Its simplicity and refreshing flavor make it a favorite among both locals and visitors.
Non-Alcoholic Beverages of Puerto Rico
Coco Frío (Cold Coconut)
Coco Frío is coconut water served directly from a freshly cut coconut. It is a natural and refreshing drink, perfect for combating the tropical heat. In addition to being delicious, coconut water is known for its hydrating and nutritious properties, making it a healthy and revitalizing option.
Coco Frío (Cold Coconut)
It is common to see vendors on the beaches offering cold coconuts to tourists, making it a symbol of beach life in Puerto Rico.
Limber
Limber is a type of homemade ice cream frozen in small plastic cups. It comes in various flavors, such as passionfruit, coconut, pineapple, tamarind, and guava, and is a favorite among both children and adults.
Limber
This drink is a tradition that evokes childhood memories for many Puerto Ricans. Limber is perfect for enjoying on a hot day, offering a sweet and refreshing flavor that delights the palate.
Horchata de Ajonjolí (Sesame Horchata)
This traditional drink is made with sesame seeds, cinnamon, and sugar. Its creamy and unique flavor makes it ideal for accompanying desserts.
Horchata de Ajonjolí - Cócteles y Bebidas
Horchata de Ajonjolí is an example of African influence on Puerto Rican cuisine, offering a rich and comforting flavor. It is a drink enjoyed with family, especially during special occasions.
Frappé
Puerto Rican frappés are frozen drinks made with tropical fruits like mango, passionfruit, and soursop. They are a refreshing and delicious option for hot days.
Frappé
These drinks are popular in cafés and ice cream shops, where they are served with a variety of toppings like whipped cream and fresh fruit. Frappés are a testament to the creativity and love for tropical flavors that characterize Puerto Rico.
Mavi
Mavi is a fermented drink made from the bark of the mabi tree, sugar, and spices. Its flavor is slightly sweet and effervescent, offering a unique experience.
Mavi
This drink is a tradition that dates back to the time of the Taínos, the island’s indigenous people. Mavi is a drink that connects the past with the present, offering an authentic and ancestral flavor.
Piragua
Piragua is a cone of shaved ice drenched in fruit syrups like strawberry, grape, or pineapple. It is a classic found in plazas and streets across Puerto Rico.
Piragua
Piragua vendors, known as piragüeros, are an icon of Puerto Rican culture, offering a sweet and affordable treat to locals and tourists alike. Piragua is a symbol of the simplicity and joy that characterize Puerto Rico.
Malta
Malta is a sweet and malty carbonated drink. It is served cold, and some mix it with condensed milk for a richer flavor. This drink is popular among both children and adults, offering a unique and comforting taste.
Malta
Malta is an ideal option for those seeking a non-alcoholic beverage with a rich and distinctive flavor.
Puerto Rican Coffee
Puerto Rican coffee is recognized worldwide for its robust flavor and exceptional quality. During Christmas, coffee is a beverage that accompanies both desserts and long family conversations. It is prepared in a cloth coffee maker, which extracts all the flavor from the coffee beans grown in the mountains of Puerto Rico. This strong coffee is ideal to enjoy after a hearty meal, and is often served with a touch of rum or milk.
Puerto Rican Coffee
Puerto Rican coffee is not just a beverage, it is an integral part of daily life and festivities. At Christmas, it is common to serve it alongside desserts such as tembleque or arroz con dulce, creating a complete experience that highlights the flavor and hospitality of the island.
Café con Queso (Coffee with Cheese)
Café con Queso is a tradition in some parts of the island, where a piece of cheese is placed inside hot coffee to give it a salty and creamy touch.
Café con Queso (Coffee with Cheese)
This unusual combination is a delight for many Puerto Ricans, offering a unique and comforting flavor. Café con Queso is an example of the creativity and passion for flavors that characterize Puerto Rican cuisine.
A Flavorful Journey Through Puerto Rico
Every sip of these drinks tells a story of culture, tradition, and flavor. Whether you're enjoying a Piña Colada on the beach, a Coquito at Christmas, or a Chichaito at a party, Puerto Rico's beverages are an essential part of the Boricua experience. Additionally, the island continues to innovate in the world of mixology, fusing local ingredients with new techniques to create modern cocktails with authentic roots. Cheers and toast to the flavors of the island!