Popular Puerto Rico Drinks: A Scout through the Island’s Signature Sips

By Steve Dez •  Updated: 10/16/23 •  10 min read


Dive into the world of popular Puerto Rico drinks, a delightful fusion of tropical flavors and traditional concoctions. From the national treasure, the Piña Colada, to diverse spirits like Amaretto Colada and Pitorro, Puerto Rican beverages offer a distinct taste profile.

Celebrate with local brews such as Bilí, Coquito, and Chichaíto which play essential roles in native festivities. For those seeking non-alcoholic options, don’t miss out on Horchata de Ajonjolí, Mavi, or a Spiced Cherry Cocktail.

Uncover the rich coffee culture through brands like Cafe Yaucono and Cafe Rico Rico. Lastly, review rum’s historical influence in Puerto Rico with renowned brands such as Bacardi and Don Q. Immerse yourself into this flavorful voyage reflecting Puerto Rican heritage one sip at a time.

popular puerto rico drinks
Courtesy of @discoverpuertorico
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Experiencing the National Treasure: The Piña Colada

First things first, let’s pay homage to the ultimate Puerto Rico drink: the iconic Piña Colada. This cherished blend of pineapple juice, coconut cream, and rum is more than just a refreshing cocktail; it’s a symbol of Puerto Rican culture. In fact, this beloved libation was crowned as the national drink of Puerto Rico back in 1978.
Now that I think about it, I can’t imagine sitting on a sunlit Puerto Rican beach without sipping on this tropical delight.

Diversity in Taste: From Amaretto Colada to Pitorro and Beyond

Boricua, as locals lovingly call themselves, are known for their creativity when it comes to popular Puerto Rico drinks. After enjoying a traditional Piña Colada, you can switch lanes and dabble with its cousin – the Amaretto Colada. Unique in its own right, this variant replaces rum with Amaretto liquor.
Yet another coveted local brew is Pitorro – homemade rum that frequently makes an appearance during holiday celebrations. This diversity truly encapsulates the essence of Puerto Rico’s vibrant drink culture.

Celebrating with Local Spirits: The Role of Bilí, Coquito, and Chichaíto in Puerto Rican Festivities

All things considered; there’s something incredibly fascinating about how deeply connected beverages like Bilí, Coquito and Chichaíto are to Puerto Rican festivities. Take Bilí for instance – an intriguing concoction created by fermenting quenepas (a type of fruit) in white rum.


However, the holiday spirits truly reach their peak with Coquito (Puerto Rican eggnog) and Chichaíto, a shot drink made from anise liqueur and white rum. You see, these aren’t just drinks – they’re time-honored traditions that encapsulate the very heart of Puerto Rican celebrations.

Exploring Non-Alcoholic Delights: Horchata de Ajonjolí, Mavi, and Spiced Cherry Cocktail

By the way, it’s not all about alcohol when it comes to popular Puerto Rico drinks. There is an abundance of non-alcoholic delights like Horchata de ajonjolí (sesame seed horchata), Mavi (a fermented tree bark drink), and Spiced Cherry cocktail to titillate your taste buds.


In any case, don’t forget to try out local favourites like Medalla Light beer for those non-hardcore moments or quench your thirst with a refreshing Coco Frio (coconut water).

Decoding Puerto Rico’s Coffee Culture: Cafe Yaucono and Cafe Rico Rico

Puerto Rico’s coffee culture represents the island’s passion for quality caffeine fixes. Traditional coffees like Cafe Yaucono and Cafe Rico Rico are almost revered here.
So if you happen to love coffee as much as I do, these local brews promise an aromatic journey into the best of Puerto Rican java.

Reflections on Rum’s Historical Influence: Bacardi and Don Q Brands

Rum isn’t just a spirit here; it has seeped deep into Puerto Rican history. Major brands like Bacardi and Don Q have their roots firmly planted in this island nation’s heritage,
thus making rum a significant thread in the rich tapestry of Puerto Rican culture. Every sip is a testament to this enduring legacy.

From tropical cocktails like Piña Colada and Mojito de frutas tropicales, to festive brews like Coquito and chilled Medalla Light beer, Puerto Rico offers a cornucopia of enticing drinks. Whether you’re a rum enthusiast or an admirer of non-alcoholic beverages, this island will make you feel right at home with its diverse array of options.


Till our next post, cheers to these amazing popular Puerto Rico drinks, or as the locals would say – Salud!

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popular puerto rico drinks

 

Planning a trip to the island? Our what to do in Puerto Rico page provides all the necessary information on popular tourist activities, including savoring traditional Puerto Rican drinks. Whether you’re a fan of locally made spirits, or prefer a freshly squeezed juice, there are plenty of options to keep you refreshed throughout your stay.

Puerto Rican drinks often feature local produce and traditional recipes. Stop by one of the outstanding bars in Puerto Rico where mixologists fuse tradition with innovation in crafting new beverage experiences. It’s also common for these establishments to serve popular finger foods such as mofongo along with their drinks.

For those who wish to replicate these wonderful tastes at home, we recommend starting with coquito – an emblematic Christmas drink known as Puerto Rican eggnog. Visit our page on finding the best coquito on the island, where we provide details about this beloved drink and list places known for their exceptional versions.

Exploring traditional cuisine is crucial when visiting any new place. Pair your Puerto Rican drink with some delicious local food from our list of the best Puerto Rican fried foods.. From alcapurrias filled cassava fritters to crunchy pinchos grilled skewers, each dish offers unique flavors that go well with both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.

Hi there, friend!

I’m Steve, your trusted guide to everything Puerto Rico! From misty mountainscapes to vibrant Salsa beats, I’ve scouted every corner of this enchanting island.

But today, we’re not hiking up El Yunque or dancing in San Juan… Well, not literally anyway! We’re embarking on a delicious journey towards `the popular Puerto Rico drinks.

The island’s Signature sips


Raise your virtual glasses – it’s time for a friendly clink!

Piña coladas under palm trees, coquito during Christmas or a canita – you see,Puerto Rican drinks are an essential part of our merry escapades.`

Fruitful moments shared over drinks steeped in tradition makes for experience unparalleled.

 

 
 
 
 
 
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A post shared by Discover Puerto Rico (@discoverpuertorico)


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Before you go…

If you’re heading to Puerto Rico for the first time and wondering what to do, we highly recommend trying some of the island’s famous drinks. Our New To Puerto Rico page introduces you to a range of activities, including tasting some traditional beverages like the coquito or pitorro.

While you’re there, don’t forget to visit one of our favorite mofongo establishments listed in our Where To Get The Best Mofongo post. You might want to pair your meal with a delicious local drink for an authentic Puerto Rican dining experience.

Steve Dez

Also known as Richport, is a Puerto Rican creator and writer. He grew up in the island and always had a passion for writing, he wrote his first play at the age of 12 and has been creating content ever since. He's now a well-known blogger and creative who writes posts, songs and poetry that showcase his love for his roots, blending traditional stories with modern themes always with some adobo and boricua flavors in the mix.

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