Summertime in the Cayman Islands is fantastic, and many of us will do our best to enjoy the weather and the outdoors with our family and friends.

It might be too hot for some to cook elaborate meals, but if you want to host a fun summer night with your best friends, we have a plan for you. Create signature Caribbean cocktails that will pair perfectly with popular Caribbean dishes. Even better, make it a summer cocktail evening potluck.

We’re sharing iconic Caribbean cocktails from rum punch to pina colada and Dark n Stormy. This is a short guide to planning a memorable summer evening with your loved ones.

Create a self-serve bar station for guests.

Better Home and Gardens recommends DIY drink stations, a popular party trend in which your guests get to “play mixologists.”

For your supplies, you will need to gather all your spirits and chasers, have cocktail glasses, ice, and napkins, and go the extra mile and create cocktail recipe cards to guide your guests.

Caribbean cocktails and food pairings

Now what do our three cocktails – rum punch, pina colada and Dark n Stormy – have in common? You guessed it: they are rum cocktails. So, depending on where you are in the Caribbean, use your favourite local dark or light rum for your signature cocktails.

Now let’s have some fun with our food choices.

You can choose spicy jerk wings or delightful garlic butter shrimp for rum punch. Either is a great starter for the evening.

Your Dark n Stormy will go great with dishes cooked on a barbecue, which is perfect summer fare. Topped with lime juice, the ginger and rum will complement the barbecue sauces and marinated meats.

Your dessert cocktail is the pina colada, and you can end the night with a tropical fruit salad and rum cake that will surely delight all partygoers.

If cocktails at home aren’t your preference, we recommend heading to one of the Cayman Islands’ top beach bars to enjoy some well-needed relaxation, good vibes, top-tier drinks and great food.

Please drink responsibly.

Sources: Better Home and Gardens and Steel Tie Spirits Co.