Six Caribbean cocktails to warm you up

Baby it’s cold outside and we could all use some warm inspiration. 2016 took us to many Caribbean destinations and naturally, we enjoyed some amazing cocktails. Here are 6 favorite recipes we brought home that will warm you right up and might even inspire your next getaway.  

The Real Jamaican Punch

A staple all over the island, the Jamaica Tourism Board provided us with their secret recipe that’s as easy as 1,2,3,4. Just mix the ingredients in a pitcher and serve over ice. Remember, it may be cold outside, but "No worries,” because anything can be made better with Jamaican Punch.

  • 1 part lime or lemon juice
  • 2 parts grenadine/clear syrup
  • 3 parts Appleton Estate V/X Jamaica Rum
  • 4 parts water

The Flamingo-Tini

A favorite drink when visiting Aruba, it was made famous by the beautiful flamingos wandering the white sand beaches at the Renaissance Aruba. Take a sip and you’ll visualize both. Just mix the ingredients in a shaker and pour over ice.

  • 1.5 oz Grey Goose Vodka
  • 0.5 oz Triple Sec
  • 0.75 oz pineapple juice
  • Splash raspberry syrup
  • Top with champagne 

Kermas Liquor

If you can’t decide which Island to visit, jump on the Love and Harmony Cruise on the Norwegian Pearland and enjoy drinks and music from all over the Caribbean. Kermas Liquor from Haiti is a favorite. Serve it as is or with a little coffee. Mix the ingredients in a large bowl, but allow each step to sit a few minutes.  Pour into a bottle to serve. 

Step 1
1 can Evaporated Milk and 2 cans Sweetened Condensed Milk

Step 2
1 can Cream of Coconut

Step 3
1 tsp Grated Nutmeg
1 tsp Cinnamon
1 tsp Anise Star Extract
1 tsp Almond Extract
1 tsp Vanilla Extract

Step 4
1 tsp lime juice

Step 5
1 cup of Dark Rum 

Scarlett Macaw

How about a cocktail from one of the National Geographic Lodges of the World in Belize? Chef Renee developed the Scarlett Macaw at Belcampo in Belize. Infuse ½ lbs hibiscus with a bottle of  Rhum Agricole until the rum is a deep red color. Shake the ingredients with ice for 30 seconds and garnish with a lime.

  • 3 oz. “Red” Rum Agricole
  • 0.5 oz. ginger syrup
  • 1 oz. pineapple juice
  • 0.5 oz. lime juice
  • 2 dashes orange bitters

Grape Escape

You’ll find one of our favorite cocktails, along with everything else you could possibly want, at the luxurious Casa de Campo resort in the Dominican Republican. Just muddle 5 grapes, add the ingredients and ice, shake, and serve with a basil leaf garnish.

  • 1.5 oz. Vodka
  • 1 oz. Ginger Liqueur
  • 0.5 oz. lemon juice
  • 0.5 oz. Simple Syrup
  • 5 grapes      

1648 Punch

This punch, from the French Leave resort on Elsuthera, will put you in the Caribbean mindset wherever you are. Think pink sand beaches and Cupid’s Cove. Mix the ingredients in a shaker, strain, and garnish with mint, but at French Leave, you’ll also get an orchid!

  • 3/4 oz. Wray & Nephew
  • 3/4 oz. Rico Coconut Rum
  • 3/4 oz. Plantation Dark Rum
  • 1 oz. grapefruit juice
  • 1 oz. orange juice
  • 1 oz. Olea Saccarum
  • 2 dashes Angostura bitters
  • 2 dashes Orange bitters