3 Bahamian Spirits & More Cocktail Recipes To Master At Home

The Islands of The Bahamas are known for having a rich history of libations (almost all of which are traditionally constructed from a combination of fruit juices and rums). Interestingly, though, The Bahamas itself has never been a large producer of rum, primarily because our soil isn’t well suited to growing sugarcane year round. That being said, our soil issues haven’t prevented us from consuming rum– we drink the stuff often and with alacrity!

Here for you are the country’s most recognizable labels and award-winning spirits with a few more cocktail recipes below to keep your parties flowing year-round…

Nassau Royale Liqueur

Credit: The 700 Experience

One of The Bahamas’ most celebrated spirits is the Nassau Royale Liqueur, which was first distilled by the Bacardi family in 1960. A delicate blend of ingredients like local banana and exotic hints of vanilla bean, Nassau Royale’s traditional island taste and aroma is best experienced straight, over ice or in a hand mixed cocktail. Of course, we also suggest pairing the liqueur with a delicious Bahamian fruit dessert. This spirit can be found on sale duty-free in most of Downtown Nassau’s Bay Street liquor stores.

Bahama Papa
1 ½ oz Nassau Royale Liqueur
1 ¼ oz Bacardi Gold rum
2 oz Pineapple juice
2 oz Orange juice
⅙ oz Grenadine
Dash, Angostura Bitters (optional)

Vigorously shake all ingredients together, serve over crushed ice, and garnish with a wedge of fresh pineapple.

Afrohead Rum

Credit: Vinichi

For years, this was a house-rum served only for guests at The Landing Hotel in Harbour Island. Afrohead Rum was hand-bottled, unnamed, and its only defining characteristic was its minimal logo of a female with a generous afro atop her head. Now recognized as one of the finest distilled rums in the Caribbean with rich notes of caramel, vanilla, and black pepper, Afrohead is exclusively available in Nassau at Young’s Fine Wine boutique liquor store in The Sandyport Old Towne Mall.

FroCo
1 ½ oz Afrohead Rum
3 oz Coconut water
¾ oz Lemon juice
2 pure cane brown sugar cubes

Muddle sugar cubes with lemon juice, shake and strain all ingredients over ice, garnish with a lemon slice and top with shredded coconut.

Red Turtle Vodka

Credit: John Watling’s Distillery

Filtered with the famous pink sands of beaches in Eleuthera, Red Turtle Vodka is a 100% pure cane, handcrafted, artisan vodka. Complete with a turtle icon than symbolizes its roots in the Bahamian islands, John Watling’s Distillery is proud of it’s smooth local libation introduced in 2014. Purchase this product directly from the distillery, which is located on the historic Buena Vista Estate (circa 1789), overlooking the harbour and offering panoramic views of Downtown Nassau.

Bahamas Sunrise
1 oz Red Turtle Vodka
1 oz John Watling’s Pale Rum
1 oz Sweet and sour mix
1 oz Orange juice
Splash of cranberry juice, to float

In a chilled tall glass, add ice, layer ingredients beginning with the vodka to create the appearance of an ombre sky, serve with a cocktail straw and an orange slice.

Even More Bahamian Cocktail Recipes You’ll Love…

Credit: Dish Maps

Goombay Smash
1 oz Pale Rum
1 oz Coconut Rum
2 oz Pineapple Juice
2 oz Orange Juice
Dash Grenadine Syrup

Fill a hurricane glass with ice. Pour liquid ingredients individually and stir. Garnish with an orange slice and a maraschino cherry and serve.

Credit: Always Ravenous

Sky Juice
6 oz Fresh Coconut Water
2 oz Gin
1 oz Sweetened Condensed Milk
Pinch Ground Nutmeg

Add coconut water, gin, and condensed milk into a cocktail shaker. Shake vigorously until combined. Pour into a cocktail glass over ice and top with a pinch of ground nutmeg for flavour.

Credit: Tru Bahamian Food Tours

Spiked Switcha
2 oz Vodka
1 oz Fresh Key Lime Juice
1 oz Fresh Lemon Juice
1/2 oz Simple Syrup

In a shaker, add vodka, key lime juice, lemon juice, and simple syrup and mix well. Pour over ice and serve with fresh citrus wedges as garnish.