The most iconic and favorite cocktail in Aruba is undoubtedly the Aruba Ariba. Created in 1963 at the Hilton Aruba Caribbean Resort, this vibrant, fruity drink is the signature "welcome" beverage of the island. It features a potent mix of vodka, 151-proof rum, creme de banana, and a very special local ingredient called Coecoei. Coecoei is a deep red liqueur unique to Aruba, made from the sap of the agave plant mixed with rum and cane sugar; because it is not exported, you can truly only experience an authentic Aruba Ariba on the island. The spirits are blended with fruit juices (orange, pineapple, and cranberry) and finished with a splash of grenadine and a topper of Grand Marnier. Beyond the Ariba, the local Balashi Beer is the island's favorite refreshment for those seeking something crisp and cold. Whether you are at a luxury resort or a beachside "shack," sipping an Aruba Ariba with your toes in the sand is considered the essential Aruban vacation experience.