Disclaimer: Many of the beverages in this list of best drinks in Puerto Rico contain alcohol. Please drink responsibly; do not drink with people you do not know; do not drive whilst intoxicated; and always observe the legal drinking age limits.
If you love your stomach, then sampling the local dishes and beverages in the Caribbean should be at the top of your list. For the best drinks in Puerto Rico, we searched high and low for the island’s long time favourites, which include beer, cocktails and rum concoctions.
1. Pitorro
Lovingly called “moonshine rum”, pitorro is a drink with a rum and sugarcane bases. It is a homemade beverage that can be found at celebrations around the island. Unfortunately, some production of pitorro is illegal and, as as a result, attracts punishment and prosecution. Homemade pitorro usually contains local fruit which adds even more tropical flavor and spice to the brew.
2. Chichaito
Chichaito has the pleasure of being the must-have beverage in Puerto Rico. This potent shot contains anisette liquor, white rum, and ice. The drink, which has a distinct licorice flavour, is available at almost every bar in the island. It is very easy to make and requires few ingredients. Some bars and restaurants are very innovative and create their own variations of chichaito. There is chichaito de coco which is chichaito with coconut milk and coconut cream and chichaito de Nutella, which is chichaito with Nutella and evaporated milk.
3. Malta India
Malta India is a dark brown non-alcoholic beverage that is made from barley and hops. Malt is essentially beer that does not go through the fermentation process. Yes, there is no alcohol. Compania Cervecera de Puerto Rico produces Malta India. However, Caribbean people love malt beverages and they are a natural element of our lives. Malta India has a distinct taste and smell that makes it one to remember and crave.
4. Bili
Bili is one of the best drinks in Puerto Rico because it’s a rum made from a locally grown fruit called the la quenepa. La quenepa is plentiful throughout the Caribbean and is the same as ackee in Barbados and guinep in Jamaica. To make bili, quenepas are added to white rum, vanilla, brown sugar and cinnamon and stored in a dark place for one month to cure. Feel free to try some quenepas – if you get a sweet one, you’re lucky. If you get a sour one, the taste will pass.
5. Pina Colada
The pina colada is the national drink of Puerto Rico and a worldwide favourite for cocktail lovers. There are rumours that the brains behind the pina colada was a Puerto Rican bartender. However there is still some confusion about which bartender is the true creator. The pina colada is a simple drink that features the versatile pineapple fruit. To make this drink you will need, pineapple juice, coconut cream, condensed milk and ice. Blend them well, pour into a glass, garnish with a pineapple slice and enjoy.
