Top Cocktails for a Taste of Bermuda Culture

Esquire recently visited the island to uncover the stories behind Bermuda’s celebrated cocktails and highlight the standout bars serving them up. See Bermuda's cocktail culture in action.

The magazine discovered what locals and intrepid travellers already know: the island is a hotspot for craft cocktails. From fruit-infused libations to spicy island originals to creative twists on the classics, Bermuda’s cocktails offer a delicious taste of island flavours and island life.

Bermuda and a cold cocktail go hand in hand – the colours, the scents, and the refreshing tastes complement the essence of Bermuda and its multisensory island vibes. While you’ll find seemingly endless options for great cocktails, the following are some of the most exceptional.

Gates Bay Mary, The St. Regis Bermuda

The prestigious St. Regis Bermuda Resort on Gates Bay rests in one of the island’s most historic locations: St. George’s, the oldest continually inhabited English town in the New World, founded in 1612 after the wreck of the Sea Venture. The resort sits in the shadow of Fort St. Catherine, an oceanfront fort that guarded Gates Bay for centuries.  That body of water lent its name to the Bermuda iteration of the classic cocktail, the Gates Bay Mary. “This piquant libation sublimely blends Bermuda’s past and present,” says the resort’s head bartender, Abraham Afework, “as this is the place where in 1609 Admiral Sir George Somers and Sir Thomas Gates, as well as the first colonists, landed after the Sea Venture was wrecked on the reef.” Reflect on this momentous misadventure as you sip the zesty cocktail.

• Location: The St. Regis Bar is in St. George’s near the northern tip of the island.
• Signature cocktail: The Gates Bay Mary is a Bermudian twist on the Bloody Mary, replacing traditional vodka with local Gosling’s Black Seal Rum and adding in a locally made spice mix unique to The St. Regis. This cocktail turns up the heat and brings a lively island touch to the briny classic.
• Unique bar features: Floor-to-ceiling windows overlook Gates Bay and the Atlantic Ocean beyond. Savour the view and the complex flavours as you sip.
• Fun fact: Gates Bay is where the legendary Sea Venture wrecked in 1609, turning the English crew and passengers into Bermuda’s first settlers.
• Things to do nearby: Explore the 17th-century Fort St. Catherine for island history and panoramic ocean views. In the Town of St. George, a UNESCO World Heritage site, visit the Mitchell House Museum to get a glimpse of colonial-era Bermuda and see treasures from the period. Just down the road, do a perfume making workshop at Lili Bermuda.

Rum Swizzle, Tobacco Bay Beach Bar & Restaurant

The beloved Rum Swizzle has been around since the 18th century. In the early days, the cocktail was essentially watered down rum, served one part rum and six parts water. Over time, fruit flavours were added and swizzle sticks were introduced to serve as a primitive blender. About six inches long with several little spikes at the bottom, these handy accessories came from a tree called Quararibea Turbinate, also known as the Swizzlestick Tree.

Many sources claim that the world’s first cocktail party was held in London, England around 1924 and that the Swizzle was the drink of choice. Regardless, the Rum Swizzle has reached iconic status with its storied history and refreshingly sweet island flavours – and the Tobacco Bay Beach Bar & Restaurant serves one of the best.

• Location: The Tobacco Bay Beach Bar & Restaurant is on St. George’s at the island’s northernmost tip.
• Signature cocktail: Try the Rum Swizzle, Bermuda’s national drink. No two swizzles are alike, and this version stands out for its signature rum and perfect swirl of fruit juice, creating a delightful concoction with a dreamy, soft coral colour. It’s not just a drink – it’s the island in a glass.
• Unique bar features: As you sip, admire the stunning limestone rock formations surrounding the bay, with the alluring open ocean visible beyond. In season, electrifying events include beach bonfires, soca fetes, and family fun days.
• Good to know: The beach itself is known for being family friendly. The waters are calm and very shallow, and even beginning snorkellers will find it easy to spot sealife among the rocks.
• Things to do nearby: Witness the dramatic beauty of the Unfinished Church, then explore the historic Town of St. George, Bermuda’s first capital. Enjoy fresh fish at Wahoo’s Bistro, one of several waterfront dining spots. Then rent Pedego electric bikes and cycle to explore neighboring St. David’s Island.

Dark ‘N Stormy, Azura Bermuda 

This world-famous cocktail originated in Bermuda after World War I, when British naval officers mixed Gosling's Black Seal Rum with local ginger beer. Named for its two-toned “stormy” appearance (dark on top, clear on the bottom), the drink became a national favourite. Gosling's later trademarked the cocktail, requiring the use of their rum for it to be official. 

Enjoy the sweet-and-spicy cocktail rain or shine at the luxury hotel Azura Bermuda, where the cocktail is expertly crafted and the ocean views are also worth savouring.

• Location: Azura Bermuda is located on the South Shore, on the border of Warwick Parish and Paget Parish.
• Signature cocktail: The Dark ‘N Stormy is an iconic Bermuda-born cocktail, and Azura’s version is one of the best. Inspired by a favourite drink of British sailors, this cocktail is a blend of Gosling’s Black Seal Rum and ginger beer, poured over ice and garnished with a lime. Dark on top and clear on the bottom, this drink has a little storm in every sip.
• Unique bar features: The Pool Bar is elevated, offering views of Bermuda’s famous South Shore. Take in the pink-sand beach and Atlantic Ocean vistas as you indulge in this cocktail with more than 100 years of history.
• Things to do nearby: Visit beloved South Shore beaches such as Horseshoe Bay and Warwick Long Bay, then get an amazing bird’s-eye view of the island at Gibbs Hill Lighthouse. You can also play a round of golf at Turtle Hill Golf Club and then enjoy a steak dinner at the The Waterlot, an acclaimed historic restaurant.

Bacardi Daiquiri, Bacardi Limited’s 1862 Cocktail Bar

With a sweetly delectable taste stemming from just three ingredients, the Bacardi Daiquiri is proof that simplicity is the ultimate sophistication. 

This cocktail is served with style at the exclusive 1862 Cocktail Bar, housed within Bacardi Limited’s global headquarters. With impeccable cocktails, award-winning design, and deep connections to Bermuda’s international business community, this private cocktail bar embodies elevated island life. This bar is open by invitation only. If you don't have an invite, you can find delicious daiquiris and other tempting cocktails at nearby Harry's Restaurant on the Hamilton Harbour. 

• Location: The 1862 Cocktail Bar is located at Bacardi Headquarters in the City of Hamilton.
• Signature cocktail: The Bacardi Daiquiri is crisp, refreshing, and sweet. This three-ingredient cocktail – just rum, lime, and sugar – contains the perfect trifecta of island ingredients.
• Unique bar features: High ceilings adorned with constellation artwork are a highlight of this modern, elegant bar with a sleek, high-end design. It won the LOOP Design Awards in the category of “Themed Design & Heritage.”
• Things to do nearby: Shop the boutiques of the City of Hamilton, take a Heritage Walking Tour with the Town Crier, and see the artwork of the Bermuda National Gallery at City Hall. Later, enjoy a mouth-watering sushi dinner at Pearl and discover electric nightlife along Front Street. 

To get a fuller, richer taste of Bermuda, discover the island’s diverse food culture or dig into the food and drink scene.