The Puerto Rico’s Guide for Rum Lovers

Puerto Rico is known for its delicious food, which includes dishes like mofongo and arroz con gandules, but visitors are drawn to the island for other reasons as well.

Along the way, Puerto Rico has emerged as one of the most significant rum-producing regions in the Caribbean, home to both large-scale and small-scale companies.

There’s plenty of surf, sand, and sun to enjoy along the route, so whether you prefer your spirits neat or in alcoholic cocktails, the ideal Puerto Rican rum is only a short flight away.

If you want to immerse in this quick journey, and if you like, play this playlist while reading! 👆🍹

Discover the Best Distilleries on the Island

Rumination has a centuries-old history in Puerto Rico, and Ron del Barrilito is the best distillery if you’re looking for a distinguished establishment that combines classic elegance and contemporary charm.

Since the original recipe and maturing process were maintained since 1880, this illustrious enterprise has been the oldest rum brand on the island. Rum enthusiasts are encouraged to schedule a visit to the Ron del Barrilito visitor center to learn more about the history of the spirit. 

This establishment, which opened in 2019, offers visitors the chance to take in the beautifully restored estate house, learn mixology, and, of course, enjoy Ron del Barrilito directly from the source. For those looking to create the ideal piña colada, grab a bottle of 2 Stars; its vanilla-like flavor complements the sweet notes of tropical fruit perfectly. The sherry barrel-aged 3 Stars is a particularly well-liked sipping rum because of its strong notes of chocolate and nougat.

Scryer Rum’s rooftop patio, which is open to the public, provides a picturesque haven for those who don’t want to venture too far from Viejo San Juan. To top it off, the establishment is a master at crafting drinks. Drinks include classic Paper Planes and Spanish Harlems with banana infusions. All of the drinks are made with Scryer’s own pot-distilled rum, and each pour has rich flavors from the aging of sherry and port barrels. Those who are up for a challenge might travel about ninety minutes southwest from Viejo San Juan to Ponce, the home of the renowned Don Q. Currently the most popular rum on the island, it was first introduced formally in 1934 and comes in a variety of flavors, including pineapple, coconut, and key lime, all of which may be tasted directly on a rum tour at the stunning Museo Castillo Serrallés.

Explore the Brewing Bar Scene in Puerto Rico

Viejo San Juan is teeming with upscale bars that are all conveniently located within walking distance of one another. After touring some of the most well-liked distilleries on the island, you might want to see how Puerto Rican rum works in a cocktail. Starting the tour with a particularly elegant setting and an abundance of upscale artisan cocktails is Antiguo 26, which offers a variety of alternatives from the Monchito 2020, a refreshing concoction of citrus, rum, and clarified pineapple punch, to the Not So Mai Tai, which is fruit-forward.

Located a little bit further south, La Casita de Rones is sure to impress visitors with its flower-filled waterfront patio, making it the ideal spot to enjoy the breeze and a classic Coffee Old Fashioned. Of course, a visit to La Factoría is a must for every cocktail enthusiast visiting Puerto Rico. With six distinct bars housed within a historic building, this lively spot frequently makes an appearance on the list of the World’s 50 Best Bars because of its amazing creative cocktails, many of which are created with premium rum.

Outside the boundaries of Viejo San Juan, there are, of course, a ton of amazing cocktail bars to discover. Machete is located in the city’s Miramar neighborhood and has received a lot of praise from the local community for its laid-back vibe and tasty cocktails. The Jibaro All-Star, a rich concoction full of notes of mavi, is one of the many rum-heavy alternatives available. Passion fruit-infused daiquiris are another. Going outside the city limits will reward you handsomely with a visit to CaféStudio, a downtown establishment that serves excellent coffee and cocktails. For those who just need a final drink before leaving for the airport, Patio de las Flores is a vibrant location in the Parque Isla Verde neighborhood.

Visitors can take in the striking paintings upon arrival before ordering a custom cocktail from the bar. Rum fans should try the tropical fruit-forward C.R.E.A.M.

Taste the Most Famous Cocktails on the Island

While there are plenty of tasty cocktails to try all throughout the island, few can compare to the piña colada’s widespread popularity. Most accounts credit two specific locations as the birthplace of this sweet concoction of rum, cream of coconut, and pineapple juice, both of which are still open for business today. If you’re looking for a second challenger, head east to the Caribe Hilton hotel.

Barrachina is a seafood restaurant with robust cuisine and a sign claiming to have created the drink in 1963 on Viejo San Juan’s picturesque Calle de la Fortaleza.

This iconic location, which opened in 1949, says it created the first piña colada in 1954. Today, after a day of relaxing by the hotel’s enormous outdoor pool complex, you should try the cocktail at the on-site Caribar.

No matter the season, Puerto Rico’s year-round warm weather makes piña coladas a fantastic drink; however, for guests visiting in December in particular, a vacation wouldn’t be complete without sipping on some coquito. Known as “Puerto Rican eggnog,” this rich concoction of cream of coconut, condensed milk, rum, and other winter spices combines to create a cherished beverage that is a beloved Christmastime ritual. The aforementioned locations, such as La Factoría and the Ron del Barrilito visitor center, provide an opportunity to try the beverage, but making friends with locals is recommended for the greatest experience. 

Many locals would rather make a drink called coquito—each maker adding their own special combination of spices to the mixture—by getting in touch with a friend or coworker who is skilled in the technique rather than buying it from a store.

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