In Barbados, the undisputed king of alcohol is Rum, as the island is widely considered the birthplace of the spirit. The world's oldest commercial rum distillery, Mount Gay (est. 1703), is located here and remains incredibly popular among locals and tourists alike. Other heavy hitters in 2026 include Foursquare, Cockspur, and Doorly’s. You will find rum in everything from the ubiquitous "Bajan Rum Punch"—traditionally made using the "One of Sour, Two of Sweet, Three of Strong, Four of Weak" rhyme—to sophisticated, aged sipping rums that rival fine cognacs. If you prefer beer, the local favorite is Banks Beer, a crisp, refreshing pilsner that is perfectly suited for the Caribbean heat. For a unique local experience, "Rum Shops" are found in almost every village; these are small community hubs where people gather to share a "flask" of rum with a side of water or coke. Whether you are at a high-end beach club or a roadside shack, the Bajan "spirit" is deeply tied to its centuries-old rum-making heritage.