How Old to Drink in the Bahamas?

Welcome to the Bahamas, where the sun is shining, the beaches are pristine, and the drinking age is 18!

If you’re curious about the Bahamas drinking age, we’ve got you covered.

Keep reading to find out how to enjoy Bahamian beverages responsibly, and pick up some fascinating tidbits along the way. Cheers!

Legal Drinking Age in the Bahamas

The legal drinking age in the Bahamas is 18 years old.

This means that anyone aged 18 or older is allowed to purchase and consume alcoholic beverages, including the local favorites like Goombay Smash, a delicious blend of rum, pineapple juice, and orange juice, or Pirate Republic’s craft beer.

Underage Drinking and the Law in the Bahamas

Underage drinking is illegal in the Bahamas, and minors (anyone under the age of 18) are not allowed to purchase or consume alcohol.

If caught, underage drinkers may face severe legal consequences, including fines or even imprisonment.

Age Limits for Other Activities in the Bahamas

In addition to the legal drinking age, there are other age requirements for various activities throughout the Bahamas:

• Renting a car: Typically, the minimum age to rent a car is 21 years old, although some rental companies may have higher age requirements.
• Scuba diving: Most dive operators require participants to be at least 10 years old, with some restrictions for younger divers.
• Drinking on a cruise: If you plan to drink on a cruise ship while visiting the Bahamas, you should check with the specific cruise line, as many enforce a minimum drinking age of 21 years old.

Alcohol Consumption in Public Places

Drinking alcoholic beverages in public places is generally not allowed in the Bahamas.

It’s important to consume alcohol in designated areas, such as bars, restaurants, and resorts.

Public intoxication and drinking in public can lead to legal trouble, so be sure to drink responsibly.

Traveling with Minors: Parental and Legal Guardian Responsibilities

When visiting the Bahamas with minors, parents or legal guardians should be aware of local laws and age restrictions.

Minors may be allowed to consume alcohol if accompanied by a parent or legal guardian, but this practice is generally discouraged.

It’s best to follow the legal drinking age of 18 years old to avoid any complications.

Staying Hydrated: Tap Water in the Bahamas

Tap water is generally considered safe to drink in the Bahamas, especially in resorts and larger establishments.

However, it’s always a good idea to drink bottled water when visiting smaller islands or establishments to ensure the highest hygiene standards.

5 Most popular drinks in Bahamas

A tropical cocktail is really the cherry on top to make your Bahamas vacation a luxury.

But it’s not necessarily bank-breaking. The cost of an average mixed cocktail in Nassau, Bahamas is around $10.

With that said, here are the top 5 most popular mixed alcoholic drinks that you might want to try:

#1 – Bahama Mama

You can’t leave the Bahamas without even trying the iconic Bahama Mama.

It’s a rum cocktail with coffee liqueur, and Bahama’s local pineapple and orange juice.

This tropical cocktail has a lot of variations available. You can get it over ice or as an alcoholic slushie.

A perfect way to beat the heat

#2 – Rum Punch

Another rum cocktail, the Rum Punch is definitely one of the most popular drinks on the island.

It’s a blend of two to three types of rum, grenadine syrup, orange juice, lime juice, pineapple juice, and nutmeg.

#3 – Goombay Smash

There is a good reason why Goombay Smash is the national drink of the Bahamas.

For the authentic experience, you have to go to Miss Emily’s Blue Bee Bar on the Abaco Islands for their secret family recipe of Goombay Smash.

It’s impossible to find the real thing anywhere in the Bahamas.

Miss Emily’s cocktail contains the freshest tropical punch flavors of coconut and pineapple mixed with rum.

#4 – Piña Colada

You don’t need to get caught in the rain to like Piña Colada.

No tropical vacation is complete without this iconic pineapple and coconut drink with rom.

#5 – Rebellious Fish

This one-of-a-kind drink is served only on Norwegian Cruise Line ships visiting the Bahamas.

This cocktail combines punchy citrus flavors from orange juice, orange vodka, and orange liqueur finished off with sparkling wine and passion fruit.

Rebellious Fish is served in a fishbowl with fresh berries.

10 Most popular beers in Bahamas

If a fruit cocktail is not for you, you can’t get any better than a cold one on a sunny beach trip.

Your standard Bahamian pint beer only costs around $4.

Locals are absolutely serious about their Bahamian beers whether it is at a barbecue or a lazy afternoon at the beach.

Lucky for you, they love telling everyone how great their beers are, and, well, they are not wrong.

Here are the top 10 most popular beers in the Bahamas that both local and tourists can’t get enough of:

#1 – Kalik

Kalik is the island’s most popular lager-style beer.

This beer holds a cultural significance to the Bahamians so it’s not surprising that this is their top beer.

Kalik is actually a sound that cowbells make when its rung.

During the island’s celebration of Junkanoo, locals perform music day and night, and cowbells are a huge part of it.

So, it only makes sense that their famous beer is not only known for its taste but for its cultural branding.

Kalik also comes in different varieties (Gold, Light, Light Platinum, and Radler) depending on how strong you like it.

#2 – Bahamian Brewery SANDS

A contender to Kalik,  SANDS is a smoother, less flavor, and a lighter less filling beer.

This beer has a soft and pleasant texture which you’ll taste a nice note of bitterness.

The perfect beer for a light drink during a meal.

#3 – Pirate Republic Island Pirate Ale

Made from the only brewery that prides itself on being the only craft beer in the Bahamas, Island Pirate Ale is the first IPA brewed by Pirate Republic Brewing Co.

This beer has strong flavors of pine with hints of citrus and tropical fruit. Island Pirate Ale definitely sticks to the flavor palate of The Bahamas.

#4 – Bahamian Brewery Bush Crack

Compared to the previous beers, Bush Crack is on the lighter side but its high alcohol content rivals other beers.

Neither hoppy or thick, it’s a good smooth beer if you’re trying beers for the first time.

#5 – Pirate Republic Yo Ho Ho

Another beer from the Pirate Republic, the Yo Ho Ho is a staple at every brewpub.

It has a nice malt base with a perfect blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, anise, and peppery spices.

But make no mistake, Pirate Republic’s Yo Ho Ho is not your average winter spice beers.

This still captures a perfect night out on the coasts of the Bahamas.

#6 – Pirate Republic Take No Quarter

Bahamians really do love their craft brews from Pirate Republic.

This beer has flavors of citrus, light fruits, and hints of bitter hops with a floral aroma.

Take No Quarter has a medium body with a moderate bitterness that is strong but not to the point that it is unpleasant.

#7 – Bahamian Brewery Strong Back Stout

This beer is noticeably smooth even with its high alcohol content.

Strong Back Stout is brewed with roasted barley and cold-filtered fermented yeast.

It’s rich in taste but leaves no bitterness in your tongue.

If you’re a dark malt drinker, then this beer is definitely for you.

#8 – Pirate Republic Gold & Haze of Piracy

Gold & Haze Piracy is known for its hazy appearance from the unfiltered and suspended yeast.

This refreshing and light beer has notes of cloves, spice, and orange peel which is absolutely perfect for a breezy afternoon on a community barbecue.

#9 – Pirate Republic Captain Kidd’s Kölsch

Kölsch is made from Columbus hops and sweet yeasts brewed with aromatic and caramel malts.

This beer is perfectly balanced with a touch of Munich that adds more to its flavor without sacrificing the satisfactory gulp.

#10 – Bahamian Brewery High Rock Lager

This complete full-bodied beer is brewed with malt, water, hops, and yeast.

A lager beer like this takes longer to make to give a wholesome flavor but surprisingly, even with its strong of a flavor, this beer goes down very smooth.

Now you have your list of must-try-alcohols, you need a perfect place to get that animal party in you going.

Sure, partaking in a casual drinking session on the coasts or on a cruise sounds amazing but what if you’re craving for the best Bahamian nightlife of your trip?

Popular Bars in the Bahamas

Here is a shortlist of the top bar and club contenders that not only will you have a great time partying at, but also have their top-notch drinks:

Miss Emily’s Blue Bee Bar

Located at Green Turtle Cay, Bahamas, this bar gave birth to the perfection of the Bahamas’ national drink Goombay Smash.

All thanks to Miss Emily when she made it back in 1960.

This popular bar screams tradition and history. Its interior is decorated full of notes and business cards of the visitors.

Their ceiling is even full of the tourists’ hats, t-shirts, and other belongings.

Definitely mark this location for your trip to leave some memorabilia of your own!

The Dune Bar

If you don’t want to escape the beautiful ocean but still want to party like no tomorrow, then The Dune Bar might be your spot.

Located in the Paradise Island Drive in The Ocean Club, this open-air bar offers a panoramic view of the ocean.

Don’t forget to order one of their signature dishes and drinks specially designed by their chef.

Bahama Boom Beach Club

This bar in Nassau hosts different themed parties every night that you might just need to spice things up.

Don’t miss their Thirsty Thursday where they offer huge discounts on their drinks.

A perfect locale for an evening beach party, Bahama Boom Beach Club is definitely one of the best nightclubs in the city.

These lists are only a taste of what the Bahamas can offer.

In conclusion

understanding the legal drinking age and other age limits in the Bahamas is crucial for a safe and enjoyable trip.

Be sure to respect the laws of the country, drink responsibly, and have a fantastic time exploring the beautiful islands of the Bahamas.

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