Craving a mouthwatering drink to warm up your winter chills? There’s no place like Belize to quench your thirst for both wanderlusts, and a savory cocktail. Being a Caribbean country means having distinct liquor tastes, and Belize is no amateur when it comes to having an impressive selection to choose from. Some of these drinks might sound familiar, but there’s no denying the Belizean twist that makes them irresistible.
Whether you’re in Belize for a relaxing trip, or simply craving a cocktail you once tried here, learn the history and magic behind each renowned Belizean mixed drink. You’ll become a bartender novice while curing the biting nature of winter.
Dragon Fruit Mojito
The best upgrade someone could give to the classic mojito is adding dragon fruit to the mix. It creates a perfect blend of fruit, mint and rum and refreshes you on any given day. This cocktail is pleasing both to the eyes and taste buds as the dragon fruit gives it a bright pink color and sweet tang. We highly recommend The Lodge at Chaa Creek’s superb making of this drink, as they grow all the ingredients in their organic garden. Awe at the taste and sight of this eccentric cocktail. Here’s how you can try your rendition of this cocktail and surprise yourself with a newfound skill and drink on your favorites list.
What you’ll need:
- 12 mint leaves
- 2 oz Dragon fruit
- 2 oz Caribbean White Rum
- 1 oz Lime juice
- 2 teaspoons sugar
Instructions: First, crush the mint leaves along with dragon fruit. Then, shake it with the rest of the ingredients. Lastly, top off the drink with some soda water and you’re all set to drink this wonderful concoction.
Panty Ripper
This easy, two-ingredient cocktail is a beloved drink among many Belizeans. Us folks even say it in our engaging Creole dialect as “Panti Rippa,” making it well known throughout the country. Who knew coconut and pineapple go so well together? What makes it even better is the Kuknat (coconut) rum made by Travellers Liquors in Belize. So well liked and well known that it won the silver medal for Best Flavored Rum in 2022. The coconut flavored rum adds the ultimate edge for this fruity cocktail. Just when you thought you knew and loved a drink, Belizeans will have their own variation that astounds you. For days when you’re craving an effortless drink, this cocktail is the perfect go-to.
What you’ll need:
- 2-3 oz Kuknat Coconut Rum
- Fresh pineapple juice
Instructions: mix the two ingredients together and feel the warmth of the Belizean culture in no time.
Rumpopo
This drink may be more hands-on than the previous two, but there’s no doubt the end results are heavenly on the taste buds! Treasured among Belizeans across the country, Rum Popo is a Belizean’s take on eggnog with a kick of rum. Its origin dates back hundreds of years, and since then it has been used as a form of gift, celebration, or perfect drink on a cozy December day. Nutmeg and rum are its leading flavors, and its consistency is rich and creamy. It is the optimal holiday drink, and many households have their own recipe they use every December. Many choose a specific rum to spike their rumpopo with so pick your favorite Belizean rum and make it your own distinct version. Enjoy this velvety cocktail any day of the holiday month and it’s sure to warm you up inside.
What you’ll need:
- 4 large eggs, yolks separated from whites
- ½ cup full cream or heavy cream
- 1 ¼ cup sugar
- 2 large cans evaporated milk
- 2 tsp vanilla
- ¼ cup rum
- 2 tsp freshly grated nutmeg
Instructions: First, whisk the egg yolks together. Then, blend the cream, vanilla, nutmeg, rum, sugar and milk together. Next, beat the egg whites until fluffy and then fold in the yolk mixture. Let the mixture chill for 2-3 hours but the longer you let it sit, the better it tastes.
CranBarrel
Gaining its name from Belize’s One Barrel Rum, this cocktail only has two important ingredients: dark rum and fresh cranberry juice. If you’re a fan of the sharp tang of cranberries and the smooth glide of dark rum, then you’re just in luck. One Barrel Rum enhances this drink from your typical cocktail. Once again coming from Travellers Liquors Ltd., this dark rum earned the Gold Medal in Best Aged Rum in 2019. Not at all complicated, but extremely rewarding in its ideal combination of flavors and succeeds in making your day feel complete. Enjoy this cocktail after a long day to unwind in a comfy chair, or make one to start your night of having fun. CranBarrel is made for any occasion.
What you’ll need:
- 2-3 oz One Barrel dark rum
- Fresh cranberry juice
Instructions: Pour the dark rum over ice and top it off with the fresh cranberry juice.
Rum Punch
Belize’s unofficial national drink comes last in the list but first in many people’s hearts. Containing two different kinds of rum and a slew of fruit juices, this drink is an unparalleled fusion of flavors. The combination of the orange, pineapple and lime juice leave the punch sweet, with the rum barely noticeable. This makes it so compelling that it has you hooked from the first sip. The best drink to showcase a Caribbean country’s love for fruits and rum, this cocktail is perfect for a day for decompressing and enjoying some downtime.
What you’ll need:
- 2 cups white rum
- 1 cup of coconut rum
- 2 ½ cups orange juice
- 2 ½ cups pineapple juice
- ½ cup fresh lime juice
- 3 tbsp grenadine
Instructions: Mix all the ingredients in a pitcher or punch bowl and chill before serving. Pour over ice in a tall glass and garnish with pineapple or orange slices.
When you’re in Belize, these cocktails are perfect for refreshing you after an adventurous day. Upon reminiscing about your unforgettable trip, create these drinks for nostalgia’s sake. It’s the cure to your Belizean cravings and is sure to warm up your soul. If the yearning ever gets too much, you can always visit Belize and try these drinks at The Lodge at Chaa Creek. To make your reservations, contact reservations[at]chaacreek.com
BONUS: Here 7 Belizean dishes you must try.