March 10, 2016
For generous tots of rum and rainbow-coloured cocktails accompanied by evocative Calypso sounds, there’s no better bar scene than lively Barbados. Here, we take a look at the best cocktail bars in Barbados to try on your next trip.
Mixologists at Lime Bar are famous for being spirits connoisseurs, crafting perfectly balanced cocktails. Expect stylish drinks at this chic West Coast joint, be it a mean mojito, a cool caipirinha or a potent rum punch. Everything is served with considerable panache, including a menu of imported liqueurs and chilled beers. Check out the live music nights to be wowed by some of the island’s Calypsonian masters.
Conveniently located next to a ritzy boutique clothes store crammed with gorgeous threads, Ju-Ju’s Beach Bar (St James) is one of those rare little finds, right on the sand, that ticks all the right boxes. Not only is it cheap and cheerful, but it also serves a pokey rum punch with a kick. A chilled-out mix of punters runs from the postman to Hollywood starlets and visiting yachtsmen at this beach location at The Garden, St. James, where you’ll also find some of the most stunning sunset views in Barbados.
Sassy Latino vibes resonate throughout Café Sol, from the open-air margarita bar and Mexican menu to the late night sultry salsa sounds. Locals, tourists, expats and airline crews alike enjoy this laid-back bar for its Happy Hour – the most generous in St Lawrence Gap’s bar scene (5pm-7pm and 10pm-midnight each day). Choose from sangria, rum punch and a whole host of other cocktails, and expect not to leave until late.
Holetown’s plushest cocktail joint, The Red Door Lounge is known for its sophisticated ambience, great DJ sets and hipster bar. Not sure what to order? Opt for the signature Red Door Mule (a delectable mix of white rum, fresh lime, wild berries and ginger topped with ginger beer), or challenge the in-house cocktail guru to create something just for you. Find the Red Door Lounge at the Mango Bay Hotel on 2nd Street.
As the name suggests, Scarlet bar is painted in an unmissable crimson red that shouts “˜here I am!” to every cocktail die-hard for miles around. Inside, it’s more of a retro feel with matching vermillion décor, moody lighting and a mile-long list of classic cocktails. Chic, classy and with an interesting Oriental-Bajan menu, Scarlet attracts a discerning clientele. Order a Cane Dog (rum, passion fruit liqueur, peach schnapps, lime, tonic) and 10 per cent goes to animal welfare.
Sample some of these Caribbean cocktails for yourself by booking a flight to Barbados with Virgin Atlantic.
Have you visited any of these cocktail bars in Barbados? Which is your favourite? Let us know in the comments section below.
Award-winning travel writer, author & broadcaster Sarah Woods has lived, worked and travelled in The Caribbean since 1995. She has visited resort towns, villages and lesser-known islands where she has learned to cook run-down, sampled bush rum, traded coconuts, studied traditional medicine, climbed volcanoes and ridden horses in the sea. Sarah is currently working on a travel documentary about the history of Caribbean cruises.
