Puerto Rico Rum

And (Sometimes) Other Beverages. Rum is more than a drink in Puerto Rico; it’s part of Puerto Rican identity. In the early 20th century, Puerto Rico’s thriving sugar industry produced truckloads of rum. Though the sugar industry has since declined, the rum industry continues to thrive with sugarcane from the Dominican Republic. The three primary brands produced in Puerto Rico are Bacardi, Don Q, and Palo Viejo. Bacardi has been based in Puerto Rico since the 1959 Cuban Revolution and continues to be the world’s best-selling rum . However, Puerto Ricans prefer the older Don Q, which is still produced near Ponce at the Serallés Distillery. Rum connoisseurs declare that Palo Viejo, though not as popular, is the best Puerto Rican rum. The perennial bar favorite is the Cuba libre, commonly known as a rum and Coke. And, of course, Puerto Rico is the birthplace of the piña colada, a mix of rum, pineapple juice, and coconut juice. During the Christmas season, locals make coquitos, a mix of eggnog and rum named after the island’s favorite frog. Over the last few years, new alcohol taxes have considerably raised the price of drinking, but that hasn’t seemed to stop anyone.

But one can’t survive on rum alone; sometimes Puerto Ricans drink beer as well. The locally produced Medalla, a light beer, is the cheapest and most authentic option. When it’s too early for alcohol, many Puerto Ricans enjoy their café con leche, coffee served with lots of milk and sugar. Although coffee production has decreased greatly over the last 50 years, the towns of Yauco and Maricao are still known for their fine brews. Another popular beverage is mavi, a sweet, fermented drink made from the bark of a mavi tree and often served out of a large barrel.

More Culture in Puerto Rico

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