By Sarah Greaves-Gabbadon
CJ Travel Editor
Sometimes you want to go somewhere everybody knows your name – or at least where you’re guaranteed to get a great rum punch or local beer. Check out this list (in no particular order) of our favourite Caribbean watering holes, and then start plotting your plan of rum-fueled attack.
Da Conch Shack, Providenciales
Toes in the sand, conch on your plate, and Rayon’s famous rum punch in your hand: Life doesn’t get much better at this beachfront Turks and Caicos institution in Blue Hills.
Ricks Café, Jamaica
There’s a reason why this West End, Negril classic has been drawing sunset crowds for 40 years. Come for the super-strong rum punch; stay for the dizzying performances by daredevil cliff divers.
Sunshine’s, Nevis
The only thing more intoxicating than this bar’s famous rum-laced Killer Bee is the broad smile of the affable proprietor himself, who’s welcomed everyone from Beyonce to Stephen Colbert to his colorful Pinney’s Beach bar.
Le Petibonum, Martinique
Our Best Caribbean Beach Bar for 2012, Chef Guy Ferdinand’s beach bar in Le Carbet is a sandy sanctuary for gourmands, a combination of ti’ punch bar and high-end restaurant.
Chez Silvie, Guadeloupe
This tiny establishment on the black-sand plage at Malendure has a huge assortment of punch aux fruits, a traditional rum-based aperitif in which macerated tropical fruit has been steeped for as many as 10 years. Flavors include cashew, passion fruit and pineapple – all equally potent and magnifique.
The Soggy Dollar, Jost Van Dyke
The BVI’s most famous cocktail, The Painkiller, was invented at this White Bay bar, earning the owners many “soggy dollars” from yachtie patrons who swim ashore from their boats in search of it. One sip of the dark rum, cream of coconut, pineapple and orange juice combo and you’ll understand why.
Chat ‘n’ Chill, The Bahamas
You’ll need a boat to reach this Stocking Island, Exumas drinkery and restaurant, but don’t let that stop you. The ice-cold Kalik and beachfront conch salad stand are worth the effort.
The Sandbar, Grand Turk
Sure, diving is a good reason to visit this sleepy Turks and Caicos island. But enjoying a frosty Turks Head at sundown on the deck of this tiny waterfront bar is a better one.
Karakter, St. Maarten
A yellow school bus; a white-sand beach; a golden Amstel Bright: This beach bar next to Princess Julianna Airport is a must for a brew with a runway view.
Elvis’ Beach Bar, Anguilla
Thursday night is the night to visit Elvis Fleming’s famous beachfront tavern, fashioned from a class C racing boat. Sip one (or three) of his famous rum punches – made with Don Cortez white rum and amaretto – and you’ll be well set for the weekend.