Food & Drinks
With endless creativity and constant transformation, the Puerto Rican kitchen has evolved into a true foodie paradise.
From seaside kiosks to fine dining, the Island’s chefs are reinventing those beloved abuelita recipes and caring for the people through food. You’ll taste that Boricua passion as you follow your appetite (and curiosity) across Puerto Rico. The Island’s cocktail scene has evolved with equal care. Puerto Rico is the birthplace of the piña colada, and you’ll find that an innovative approach to refreshing drinks continues to this day — whether it’s one of the world’s top bars in Old San Juan, a brewery tour, a tasting of local rums, or a poolside cocktail.
![Puerto Rico's culinary map.](/sites/default/files/styles/square_image/public/2020-10/Culinary%20Map.png?itok=ArACQcIf)
Culinary Traditions
Puerto Rico is more than rice and beans!
Food is an essential part of Puerto Rico’s culture, blending elements of Spanish, African, and native Taíno cuisine. Your trip to the Island won’t be complete if you don’t sample staple dishes such as mofongo, made of deep-fried green plantains; tostones, double deep-fried plantain wheels; and lechón asado, a slowly spit-roasted pork dish with juicy meat and crispy skin that was recently declared a Puerto Rican culinary legacy.
![rum](/sites/default/files/styles/square_image/public/2020-12/1.Rum_.jpg?itok=jl-E0uMU)
Puerto Rico produces around 70% of the rum consumed in the United States.
![rice](/sites/default/files/styles/square_image/public/2020-12/2.Food_.jpg?itok=Gaph_7eQ)
The perfect companion to rice and beans is a side of tostones (fried plantains).
![platanos](/sites/default/files/styles/square_image/public/2020-12/3.Food__0.jpg?itok=v3oClpBP)
In the last couple of years, farm-to-table has really come to define Puerto Rico’s gastronomical scene.
![pina colada](/sites/default/files/styles/square_image/public/2020-12/4.Drinks.jpg?itok=ozBpEII0)
As the birthplace of the piña colada, the island’s bartenders known a thing or two about refreshing cocktails.
![alcapurria](/sites/default/files/styles/square_image/public/2020-12/5.Food_.jpg?itok=RnW8ZwiU)
Filled with delicious ground beef or local crab, alcapurrias are the go-to beachside fritter for locals.
![fine dining](/sites/default/files/styles/square_image/public/2020-12/6.Food_.jpg?itok=DxOkLqWn)
Eager for a culinary adventure? Visit any of the Island’s James Beard nominated restaurants.
![Cocktails](/sites/default/files/styles/square_image/public/2020-12/7.Drinks.jpg?itok=BNl5di1V)
Did you know Puerto Rico is home to one of the World’s 50 Best Bars, La Factoría?
![A bartender puts the finishing touches on a cocktail at a bar in Puerto Rico.](/sites/default/files/styles/vertical/public/2022-08/Bartender-Making-Cocktail.jpg?itok=jJJmTPcX)
Cocktails & Mixology in Puerto Rico
Gold or white, spiced or dark, Puerto Rico is the Rum Capital of the World — and you'll find many creative interpretations of rum-based cocktails on the Island. While many bartenders have their own spin on classics like the piña colada, ask to have your drink crafted with award-winning Puerto Rican brands like Bacardí, Ron del Barrilito, or Don Q to see what all the buzz is about.
A great way to taste and learn about the more than 70 brands under the Rums of Puerto Rico quality seal is to tour our distilleries, such as the historic Castillo Serallés and iconic Casa BACARDÍ. Or, try some creative, rum-forward cocktails at bars such as La Factoría and La Casita de los Rones in Old San Juan or La Barrita del Lado or La Central by Mario Pagán, both at Distrito T-Mobile.
Guide to Rum Tasting in Puerto Rico
Are you sober-curious? Check out our guide to the Island's best mocktails instead.
![A bartender pours a shot of Ron del Barrilito into a glass](/sites/default/files/styles/square_image/public/listing_images/profile/7984/191-3-11817_jpeg0-3e575fe55056a36_3e576461-5056-a36a-08bb63bda5d1e377.jpg?itok=V0DmT2WQ)
Be sure to try Ron del Barrilito while on the Island.
Puerto Rican Rum Journey
Get your rum-soaked passport and follow your own path in the Rum Capital of the World. Download the Puerto Rican Rum Journey App and use it as your guide through different distilleries across the Island. Create a route, book your walking and tasting tour, and even make a mixology class reservation. You can even enroll in their rewards program, buy rum and other gifts to bring home, and receive special notifications of promotions directly.
Culinary & Cocktail Videos
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