12 Tropical Beach Cocktails You Need to Try on Vacation

Infographic listing and comparing some of the most iconic tropical cocktails and beach cocktails

Infographic comparing some of the most iconic tropical cocktails

Tropical drinks are an essential part of a coastal vacation experience. Some of the best beach destinations have their own signature cocktails, blending local flavors with world-class mixology. You'll find that the vast majority of the world's most iconic tropical cocktails hail from the Caribbean and Central and South America.

So whether you're sipping a Piña Colada in Puerto Rico or enjoying a Caipirinha in Brazil, each drink has a story to tell and a special connection with its place of origin.

Be sure to take a look at our poll at the end of this page and vote for your favorite, and see what others are choosing as the ultimate tropical cocktail!

Piña Colada (Puerto Rico)

History and Fun Facts: Invented in 1954 by Ramón "Monchito" Marrero at the Caribe Hilton in San Juan, Puerto Rico, this creamy coconut and pineapple delight quickly became a favorite worldwide. It was declared the official drink of Puerto Rico in 1978. Some stories claim pirates in the Caribbean drank an early version of this cocktail centuries before its modern incarnation.

Ingredients and How It’s Made: Rum, coconut cream, pineapple juice, and crushed ice blended to perfection.

Best Place to Enjoy It: The Caribe Hilton in San Juan or a beachfront bar in the Caribbean.

Mai Tai (California/Hawaii)

History and Fun Facts: Created by Victor J. "Trader Vic" Bergeron in 1944 in California, this cocktail became a symbol of Tiki culture. The name means "good" in Tahitian. The Mai Tai gained worldwide fame in the 1950s when it was featured at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel, helping to cement Hawaii’s reputation as a tropical vacation destination of choice.

Ingredients and How It’s Made: A mix of rum, lime juice, orgeat syrup, and orange liqueur.

Best Place to Enjoy It: Tiki bars in Hawaii or Trader Vic’s original locations.

Margarita (Mexico)

History and Fun Facts: The origins of the Margarita are debated, with claims from the 1930s and 1940s. One popular theory credits socialite Margarita Sames for creating it in 1948. Others trace it to Mexican bartenders experimenting with tequila-based cocktails for American tourists.

Ingredients and How It’s Made: Tequila, lime juice, and orange liqueur, served with a salted rim.

Best Place to Enjoy It: Beach resorts in Cancun, Cabo, or Tulum.

Daiquiri (Cuba)

History and Fun Facts: Invented in the late 1800s by American engineer Jennings Cox in Cuba, the Daiquiri was popularized in the U.S. thanks to Ernest Hemingway’s love for it. The cocktail was even a favorite of John F. Kennedy, adding to its legendary status.

Ingredients and How It’s Made: White rum, lime juice, and simple syrup, shaken and served chilled.

Best Place to Enjoy It: Havana, especially at El Floridita, Hemingway’s favorite bar.

Caipirinha (Brazil)

History and Fun Facts: Brazil’s national cocktail, made with Cachaça, was first used as a remedy for the Spanish flu in the early 20th century. Today, it’s a staple at Brazilian beach parties and Carnival celebrations.

Ingredients and How It’s Made: Cachaça, lime, sugar, and ice, muddled together.

Best Place to Enjoy It: Rooftop in Rio de Janeiro or Florianópolis.

Rum Punch (Caribbean/Jamaica)

History and Fun Facts: A staple in Caribbean resorts, Rum Punch recipes vary by island, dating back centuries. Its origins can be traced to sailors and pirates who mixed rum with citrus and sugar to preserve the spirit and make it more palatable.

Ingredients and How It’s Made: A blend of light and dark rum, tropical fruit juices, grenadine, and bitters.

Best Place to Enjoy It: Any all-inclusive resort in the Caribbean.

Michelada (Mexico)

History and Fun Facts: This beer-based drink is Mexico’s answer to the Bloody Mary, believed to have originated in the 1940s. Some say it was named after Michel Ésper, a man who asked for his beer with lime and spices at a local cantina.

Ingredients and How It’s Made: Beer, lime juice, tomato juice, hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and spices.

Best Place to Enjoy It: Beachside cantinas in Mexico.

Hurricane (New Orleans, USA)

History and Fun Facts: Invented at Pat O'Brien’s bar in the 1940s, the Hurricane is named after the shape of its glass. It became a must-have drink at Mardi Gras celebrations and remains a favorite in New Orleans.

Ingredients and How It’s Made: Rum, passion fruit juice, and lemon juice.

Best Place to Enjoy It: Pat O'Brien’s bar in New Orleans.

Zombie (Tiki culture)

Tiki Bar serving Tropical Beach Cocktails

History and Fun Facts: Created in the 1930s by Donn Beach (Don the Beachcomber), this potent drink was so strong that customers were limited to two per night. Its complex mix of rums and syrups makes it one of the most iconic tropical cocktails.

Ingredients and How It’s Made: Multiple types of rum, lime juice, falernum, and various fruit juices.

Best Place to Enjoy It: Tiki bars worldwide, especially in California and Hawaii.

Bahama Mama (Bahamas)

History and Fun Facts: Originating in the Bahamas, this rum-heavy cocktail gained popularity in the 1950s. The name is said to come from a local calypso singer, adding to its tropical flair.

Ingredients and How It’s Made: Dark rum, coconut rum, pineapple juice, orange juice, and grenadine.

Best Place to Enjoy It: Beachfront resorts in the Bahamas.

Painkiller (British Virgin Islands)

History and Fun Facts: Invented in the 1970s at the Soggy Dollar Bar on Jost Van Dyke island, this creamy cocktail was designed to be the ultimate beachside refreshment.

Ingredients and How It’s Made: Pusser’s rum, pineapple juice, orange juice, coconut cream, and nutmeg.

Best Place to Enjoy It: The Soggy Dollar Bar in the BVI.

Coconut Mojito (Cuba)

History and Fun Facts: A tropical spin on the classic Mojito, adding coconut for extra vacation vibes. The original Mojito is said to have been a favorite of the pirate Sir Francis Drake before being adapted into a modern cocktail.

Ingredients and How It’s Made: White rum, lime juice, coconut cream, mint leaves, and soda water.

Best Place to Enjoy It: Cuban beach resorts or Miami’s South Beach.

Which one is your favorite? Don't forget to vote in our poll below and let us know where you've had the best version of these drinks!

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