The Caribbean isn’t just about turquoise waters and white sand beaches. It’s also a top destination for cocktail lovers. The islands are bursting with vibrant bars where mixologists serve up tropical creations that blend local spirits, fresh fruits, and island vibes. Whether you’re a rum aficionado or a fan of creative concoctions, the Caribbean is home to some legendary cocktail bars worth planning a trip around. Here’s your ultimate guide to the most iconic and must-visit cocktail bars in the Caribbean.

The Soggy Dollar Bar – Jost Van Dyke, British Virgin Islands

The Soggy Dollar Bar is world-famous for inventing the Painkiller cocktail—a creamy blend of dark rum, pineapple juice, orange juice, coconut cream, and a sprinkle of nutmeg. Located on White Bay Beach, this legendary beach bar is only accessible by boat, which adds to its allure. Patrons swim to shore, often with wet cash—hence the name “Soggy Dollar.” The laid-back atmosphere, hammock-strewn surroundings, and turquoise waters make this spot an unmissable cocktail destination.

La Factoria – San Juan, Puerto Rico

Ranked among the World’s 50 Best Bars, La Factoría in Old San Juan is a hidden gem behind an unmarked door. Once inside, you’ll discover a maze of interconnected rooms, each with its own vibe. From salsa dancing to intimate lounges, this bar combines Puerto Rican charm with world-class mixology. Their signature drink, the Lavender Mule, blends vodka, homemade lavender syrup, lime, and ginger beer—a refreshing twist on a classic.

The Rum Bar at Mount Gay – Bridgetown, Barbados

If you’re a rum enthusiast, The Rum Bar at Mount Gay Distillery is essential. This is the oldest rum distillery in the world, operating since 1703. While technically more of a tasting room than a bar, the cocktails here are crafted to highlight the depth and character of Barbados rum. You can enjoy expertly mixed drinks like the Rum Sour or Rum Punch while learning about the spirit’s long history on the island.

Baba Roots – Negril, Jamaica

Negril is known for its beautiful sunsets, but it’s also home to Baba Roots, a cocktail bar that mixes rasta culture, reggae vibes, and creative cocktails. Famous for its herb-infused drinks and naturally sourced ingredients, Baba Roots offers a unique Caribbean twist. Try their signature “Rootsy Rum Punch,” made with local herbs, fruit juices, and overproof rum. The bar’s natural ambiance and bohemian feel make it a favorite for both locals and visitors.

Dune Bar at The Ocean Club – Paradise Island, Bahamas

If elegance is what you’re after, the Dune Bar at The Ocean Club delivers sophistication alongside Caribbean flair. With views over the Atlantic Ocean and a menu curated by world-renowned chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten, the cocktails here are nothing short of luxurious. Sip a Dune Martini or a Bahama Mama as the sun sets over the beach—an unforgettable experience.

Vino Tiempo – Willemstad, Curaçao

Set in a vibrant Dutch colonial building in the heart of Curaçao’s capital, Vino Tiempo is more than a wine bar—it’s also one of the best places for high-end cocktails on the island. Their bartenders are constantly experimenting, using local liqueurs like Blue Curaçao in inventive ways. It’s a relaxed, stylish place with occasional live jazz and an excellent small-plates menu to accompany your drinks.

The Deck – St. George’s, Grenada

Perched on the waterfront with panoramic views, The Deck is an open-air cocktail bar that brings together local ingredients and artisanal flair. Known for their “Nutmeg Old Fashioned,” which uses Grenada’s world-famous nutmeg, this bar celebrates the island’s spice heritage. It’s an ideal spot for enjoying a sundowner and soaking in the natural beauty of the Spice Isle.

Lime Out – St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands

Imagine sipping a cocktail on a floating bar in the Caribbean Sea. Lime Out offers exactly that. This floating taco and cocktail bar is moored in Coral Bay, and visitors paddle or boat up to order drinks like their famous Jalapeño Margarita or the Tamarind Rum Punch. The menu focuses on bold, fresh flavors, and the setting is unlike any other—perfect for a fun, Instagram-worthy outing.

The Martini Bar & Lounge – Nassau, Bahamas

Located at the Atlantis Resort, this stylish cocktail bar is known for its extensive martini selection and dramatic flair. Mixologists often perform as they create their concoctions, making the experience just as entertaining as it is delicious. Choose from dozens of martinis—from tropical to classic—while relaxing in a chic, contemporary setting with live DJ music at night.

Ti Punch Lounge – Martinique

Martinique is often referred to as the rum capital of the French Caribbean, and the Ti Punch Lounge pays homage to that title. Located within the Trois Rivières distillery, the bar serves up an array of rum-forward cocktails, including the classic Ti’ Punch (rum, lime, and cane syrup). This spot is a celebration of Martinican culture and its deep rum-making traditions.

The Watering Hole – Saint Lucia

Nestled in the heart of Rodney Bay, The Watering Hole is known for its inventive rum cocktails and vibrant ambiance. With live music, street food vendors nearby, and an open patio, it’s a social hub for locals and tourists alike. The bartenders here love to experiment—expect drinks that feature everything from cinnamon smoke to banana foam, all with locally distilled spirits.

Rooftop 360 – Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic

While not on an island, Santo Domingo offers a cocktail experience worth mentioning. Rooftop 360 offers stunning views of the colonial zone and a modern, sleek bar scene. Known for its mojitos and daiquiris made with Dominican rum, this spot combines cosmopolitan energy with tropical style. It’s especially magical at sunset when the sky turns orange over the historic skyline.

Sunset Lounge – Anguilla

Set in the luxurious Four Seasons Resort, the Sunset Lounge offers breathtaking views over Barnes Bay and a cocktail list that matches its high-end vibe. Expect Japanese-Caribbean fusion bites alongside drinks like the Yuzu Margarita or the Dark & Stormy with housemade ginger syrup. The experience is polished yet welcoming—a beautiful spot for a romantic evening.

The Rum Room – Havana, Cuba

No list of Caribbean cocktail bars would be complete without a nod to Havana. While Cuba is rich in cocktail history, The Rum Room stands out for its dedication to both the art and culture of rum. Here, you can sample rare aged rums and cocktails like the classic Daiquiri, Mojito, and Cuba Libre, each made with premium Cuban ingredients. Live music and vintage decor round out the experience.

Hemingway’s Bar – Grand Cayman

Named after Ernest Hemingway, this classic bar at the Grand Cayman Beach Suites offers a cozy, literary atmosphere with ocean views. Try the Papa Doble (Hemingway’s daiquiri) or their Rum Espresso Martini. It’s a relaxed yet refined place to enjoy strong drinks and conversation with fellow travelers and locals alike.

The Shore Club Bar – Providenciales, Turks and Caicos

Located in one of the most luxurious resorts in Turks and Caicos, The Shore Club Bar is known for upscale cocktails crafted with top-tier ingredients. The Ginger Smash and the Dragonfruit Mojito are both guest favorites, and the atmosphere combines beachfront serenity with five-star service. It’s a great choice for those who enjoy indulgence with a tropical twist.

Smugglers Cove – Tortola, British Virgin Islands

Smugglers Cove may be more famous for its quiet beach, but the bar here is a true hidden gem. With a focus on fresh fruit and local rums, this open-air shack serves drinks in coconut shells and pineapple husks. It’s rustic, simple, and exactly what a Caribbean cocktail experience should be—authentic and unpretentious.

The Pirate’s Cove – Saint Kitts and Nevis

As the name suggests, this themed bar leans into Caribbean pirate lore, offering a fun and interactive drinking experience. Bartenders in costume mix drinks with theatrical flair, and signature cocktails like the Blackbeard’s Revenge—a spicy rum blend with cinnamon and coffee—are big hits. It’s an entertaining stop for anyone looking to combine history with a strong drink.

Skylark Bar – Port-au-Prince, Haiti

Located in a boutique hotel, Skylark Bar blends Haitian art, music, and cocktails in a chic rooftop setting. Known for using local clairin (a traditional Haitian spirit) in innovative ways, the bar’s mixologists focus on creating culturally infused drinks. Try the “Lakou Cooler,” which combines clairin with hibiscus, basil, and lime. It’s a powerful introduction to Haiti’s rich and underrated cocktail culture.

Resorts – All Over the Caribbean

Beyond standalone cocktail bars, many Caribbean resorts offer a complete nightlife experience where expertly crafted drinks meet high-end entertainment. Luxury resorts across the Bahamas, Aruba, Puerto Rico, and the Dominican Republic feature stylish lobby bars, poolside cocktail lounges, and rooftop venues where guests can sip signature rum creations without leaving the property.

Many of these resorts also include full-scale casinos, allowing visitors to move seamlessly from sunset cocktails to gaming tables. For those who prefer a more private experience, some resorts now cater to in-room entertainment as well, where guests can relax with a drink while enjoying casinos at the room through digital platforms like Duckysino. This blend of resort comfort, cocktails, and modern casino access creates an all-in-one Caribbean escape that appeals to travelers looking for both relaxation and excitement.

Conclusion: A Cocktail Trail Through Paradise

The Caribbean is more than just a beach lover’s dream—it’s also a cocktail connoisseur’s paradise. From floating bars and historic rum distilleries to glamorous hotel lounges and reggae-filled beach shacks, each island offers a unique flavor and vibe. Whether you prefer your drinks smoky, spicy, or sweet, there’s a Caribbean cocktail bar waiting to serve you a glass full of sunshine. So the next time you plan a tropical getaway, make room in your itinerary—and your liver—for a tour of the Caribbean’s most iconic bars.