Caribbean cocktail recipes bring sunshine in a glass, whether you’re lounging in your London garden with a Bluetooth speaker or dancing barefoot on a Trinidadian beach. From classic rum punch to vibrant sorrel spritzes and coconut-heavy piña coladas, island drinks are flavour-packed, festive, and surprisingly easy to recreate in a UK kitchen.
Craving a taste of the islands? We’re mixing up a vibrant roundup of iconic Caribbean cocktails — plus sharing where to find authentic rum and island mixers right here in the UK. So cue the steelpan playlist — it’s time to shake, stir, and sip your way to the tropics.
Caribbean Cocktails: A Taste of Island Culture
Caribbean cocktails aren’t just drinks, they’re cultural storytellers. Every splash of rum, squeeze of lime, and sprinkle of spice holds a history of resilience, celebration, and tropical bounty. Much like the region’s music, language, and food, island drinks are shaped by a mix of African, Indian, European, and Indigenous influences.
Whether it’s the Carnival fuel that is Trinidadian rum punch, or the Christmastime tradition of sorrel drinks in Jamaica, these beverages are layered with more than just alcohol, they carry rhythm, heritage, and plenty of joy.
1. The Classic: Caribbean Rum Punch
Let’s begin with the undisputed star of any Caribbean gathering: Rum Punch.
This isn’t just a splash of juice and a glug of spirits, true Caribbean rum punch is crafted with intention, following the time-honoured rhyme:
“One of sour, two of sweet,
Three of strong, and four of weak.”
It’s all about balance, citrus for zing, sweetness for harmony, rum for warmth, and dilution to mellow it all out. Each island has their own delicious variation.
Try This at Home — Caribbean Rum Punch Recipe
1. 1 part fresh lime juice
2. 2 parts simple syrup or grenadine
3. 3 parts good Caribbean rum (see sourcing tips below)
4. 4 parts water or fruit juice (orange, pineapple, or passionfruit work well)
5. Dash of Angostura bitters
6. Freshly grated nutmeg, to finish
Stir with love, serve over ice, and garnish with lime wheels, orange slices, or a maraschino cherry if you’re feeling extra.
UK Tip: Look for Wray & Nephew (Jamaica), Chairman’s Reserve (St Lucia), or Mount Gay (Barbados) at retailers like The Whisky Exchange, Waitrose Cellar, or online Caribbean grocers like Tropical Sun.
2. Piña Colada: The Beach Holiday in a Glass
Creamy, tropical, and unashamedly indulgent — the piña colada is pure escapism. Originating from Puerto Rico but loved across the Caribbean, this blend of rum, pineapple, and coconut tastes like a hammock nap in liquid form.
At-Home Piña Colada
1. 60ml white rum
2. 90ml pineapple juice
3. 30ml coconut cream, look for “creamed coconut” from brands like Grace or Dunn’s River or Walker’s Wood.
4. Ice
Blend or shake vigorously, then serve in a hurricane glass with a pineapple wedge and cocktail umbrella if you’re feeling theatrical.
UK Tip: Creamed coconut is easily found in major supermarkets in the international foods aisle, or order a stash from AfroCaribbeanfood.com.
3. Sorrel Rum Spritz: Festive with a Fizz
A modern, fizzy remix of the Jamaican Christmas classic, this drink is floral, tangy, and spiced with cinnamon and cloves. It’s what you’d serve at a garden party if you want to impress without breaking a sweat.
Sorrel Rum Spritz-
1. 90ml chilled sorrel drink (buy bottled or make your own from dried hibiscus flowers)
2. 30ml dark rum (like Appleton Estate or Old Brigand)
3. Top with soda water or prosecco
4. Lime wedge and mint for garnish
Sorrel drink can be brewed at home or bought pre-made from Caribbean shops and Amazon.
UK Tip: Dried hibiscus (sorrel) is available at Holland & Barrett, Caribbean food shops, or online herb retailers.
4. Ting with a Sting: The Ultimate Simplicity
A cult classic that barely qualifies as a recipe, but is beloved nonetheless. “Ting” is a lightly carbonated grapefruit soda from Jamaica. Add a generous measure of white rum and voilà: zesty, boozy refreshment.
Ting with a Sting-
1. 50ml overproof white rum
2. 200ml Ting soda
3. Lime wedge
UK Tip: Ting is available at larger Tesco stores, Sainsbury’s, or Afro-Caribbean grocery outlets.
5. Coconut Water Cooler: Hydrating and Heavenly
For those who want the beach without the buzz, this mocktail brings all the island flavour and none of the regret. Perfect for designated drivers, teenagers, or anyone trying to survive Dry January.
Coconut Water Cooler-
1. 200ml coconut water
2. 50ml pineapple juice
3. Squeeze of lime
4. Dash of Angostura bitters (optional)
5. Crushed ice
Garnish with mint and a paper straw. Bonus points if served in a coconut shell, but no judgement if it’s a reused jam jar.
UK Tip: Look for Vita Coco brands at most supermarkets, or hit your local Asian grocer for fresh coconut water.
6. Mocktail Spotlight: Homemade Sorrel Drink (Non-Alcoholic)
This one’s a staple for Caribbean households around Christmas but is a beautiful, ruby-red refresher all year round.
Sorrel Drink-
1. 1 cup dried hibiscus flowers (sorrel)
2. 4 cups boiling water
3. 1 cinnamon stick
4. 4 cloves
5. Orange peel (optional)
6. Sweeten to taste with brown sugar or honey
7. Chill for at least 4 hours (or overnight)
Serve over ice with a splash of sparkling water if you want to jazz it up. Add rum for the adult version.
Where to Buy Caribbean Spirits and Mixers in the UK
Tracking down authentic Caribbean ingredients is easier than ever thanks to online retailers and high-street supermarkets expanding their world food sections. Here’s where to start:
Online Shops:
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The Drink Supermarket: Carries everything from Wray & Nephew to Ting.
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Caribbean Choice UK (part of the wider Grace Kennedy portfolio): Offers groceries and alcohol with UK delivery.
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The Whisky Exchange: Brilliant for aged Caribbean rums like Plantation, Mount Gay XO, and more.
In-Store:
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Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Morrisons (especially larger branches) often stock Caribbean rum, Ting, coconut cream, and occasionally sorrel drinks.
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Brixton Market (London), Handsworth (Birmingham), or Moss Side (Manchester) are excellent for real-deal Caribbean corner shops and supermarkets.
Insider Tip: If in doubt, visit your local Afro-Caribbean or Asian grocer. You’re likely to find better value and more authentic products than mainstream chains.
Glassware & Garnish: Go Bold or Go Home
Presentation matters — not just for Instagram, but for evoking the celebratory spirit of the islands. Here’s how to level-up your serve:
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Use vibrant glassware: Tall hurricane glasses, jam jars, enamel cups.
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Garnish with fresh fruit: Think lime wheels, pineapple spears, or passionfruit halves.
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Herbs & spice: Mint, basil, fresh grated nutmeg or cinnamon sticks add extra flair.
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Umbrellas and swizzle sticks? A little cheesy, perhaps, but undeniably essential to the island cocktail experience.
Soundtrack & Vibes: Curate Your Caribbean Cocktail Hour
No Caribbean cocktail hour is complete without the right soundtrack. Here’s a quick playlist idea to match your drinks:
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“Rum and Coca-Cola” – The Andrews Sisters (nostalgic vibes)
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“Temperature” – Sean Paul (you knew it was coming)
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“Bam Bam” – Sister Nancy (iconic)
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“Despacito” – Luis Fonsi (technically not Caribbean, but it works)
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“Turn Me On” – Kevin Lyttle (mid-2000s soca banger)
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“One Dance” – Drake feat. Wizkid & Kyla (global vibes, UK link)
Tips for Hosting a Caribbean-Themed Cocktail Night
Want to impress your mates or liven up a staycation?
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Batch your cocktails in jugs or dispensers for self-serve ease.
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Offer one signature cocktail and one mocktail to keep everyone happy.
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Use string lights, reggae or soca music, and a few beachy props to set the scene.
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Bonus: Make a cocktail garnish station where guests can customise their drinks.
Final Sip: Shake Up Your Summer
Whether you’re toasting Carnival from your garden deckchair or dreaming of Tobago with every clink of ice, these Caribbean cocktails recipes bring the rhythm of the islands to your glass. Rum punch and island drinks aren’t just about booze, they’re about celebration, community, and a little bit of mischief.
So, whether you go bold with a sorrel spritz or keep it breezy with coconut water coolers, don’t forget: the best ingredient is always the vibe.
Got your own island drink twist? Share it in the comments, and don’t forget to follow currybien.co.uk/ .
