Where to Drink in Grand Cayman
While vacations to tropical locales tend to default to the standard or uninspired when it comes to beachside drinks, Grand Cayman is in a league of its own. Forget watery Mai Tais: The cocktail credentials on this Caribbean island are world-class, with many programs being helmed by drinks industry vets from London, New York City, and beyond. From Italian aperitivo interpreted island-style to literary-inspired creations and original programs that incorporate local ingredients, the cocktail scene in Grand Cayman is the cherry garnish on your tropical holiday.
Bonny Moon Beach Club | Photos courtesy of Bonny Moon Beach Club
Bonny Moon Beach Club
Named in homage to both the legacy of Irish pirate Anne Bonny, who sailed the Caribbean in the 18th century, and the vibrantly visible (thanks to the island’s low light pollution) celestial bodies overhead, the vibe at Bonny Moon lands somewhere between boho beach club and island discotheque. Located on an open-air deck mere steps from the ocean’s turquoise waters, Bonny Moon offers both respite and revelry, whether sipping their signature Piña Colada (house rum blend, banana liqueur, coconut cream, oat milk, fresh pineapple juice) from a lounge chair or hitting the sandy dance floor for one of their full moon beach parties. Sample other original cocktail creations like the Lambada (cachaça, Campari, lime, guava purée) or the Radio Gaga (sparkling rosé, Aperol, Lillet, passion fruit syrup, mint) alongside bites from the seafood-forward menu.
Door No. 4
Founded in 2022 by bar industry vet Simon Crompton, Door No. 4 has since nabbed its fair share of global acclaim, including Best New International Cocktail Bar at Tales of the Cocktail in 2023. Tucked inside The Grove on Seven Mile Beach, Door No. 4 combines a speakeasy style with inspiration from the golden age of tropical cocktail bars. The result is a jaw-dropping menu of original creations that range from bright and crushable, like the Kudu Cooler (gin, cucumber saké, mango leaf cordial, lime soda), to the downright decadent, such as the Banoffee Coffee (banana-infused Irish whiskey, coffee, brown sugar, molasses, salted banana cream).
Library by the Sea
Every great cocktail should tell a story, but at Library by the Sea, located in the Kimpton Seafire, the one-of-a-kind drinks bring literature itself to life. London cocktail vet and beverage mastermind Jim Wrigley leads the inventive program, where every drink is built from a book, from The Little Prince (“B612, for Consuelo” with gin, cacao distillate, rose water, hibiscus, Italicus, oloroso, goat kefir, sweet vermouth) to Stephen King’s It (“Dancing Clown” with bourbon, peanut butter, strawberry caramel, banana liqueur, oloroso sherry, tannin). With equally creative presentations in bespoke drinking vessels, it’s no wonder the drinks—and the bar as a whole—have garnered heaps of international acclaim, including Best Bar in the Caribbean on North America’s 50 Best list.
The Little Prince cocktail at Library by the Sea | Photo courtesy of Kimpton Seafire Resort + Spa
Ms. Piper’s Kitchen and Garden
Tucked back from the bustle of the beach, Ms. Piper’s is a charming garden oasis, with twinkling lights strung above tropical plants, a private pool, and an open-air kitchen serving up fresh seasonal fare. The cocktail menu pulls its inspiration from notable women around the world, both modern and historic. The Summit Blossom (Roku Gin, coconut lychee wine, green tea cordial, strawberry jam, Mandarin sherbet) is named for Junko Tabei, the first woman to summit Mount Everest. Rich sipper The Anita, named for actor Rita Moreno, features peanut butter and white chocolate washed rum, bourbon, Cognac, banana oleo, and Angostura bitters. Como la Flor, dedicated to singer Selena, is bright with blanco tequila, peach liqueur, pomegranate juice, lemon, and a hibiscus agave syrup.
Next Door by Hey Palu
The Caribbean outpost from acclaimed Edinburgh bar Hey Palu, Next Door proves that the aperitivo lifestyle can be found anywhere in the world. The original creation of Edinburgh bartender and Amalfi Coast native Alex Palumbo, Hey Palu opened in the city’s Old Town in 2019 and has since garnered a pile of international awards. Now, bringing that same style of modern Italian drinking to more tropical climes, Next Door opened earlier this summer in the bustling commercial district of Camana Bay. Expect standbys like freezer Martinis and aperitivo favorites like the Negroni alongside original creations with a tropical nod, such as the West Bay Swizzle with Jamaican rum, scotch bonnet pepper, pineapple and white port.
Next Door by Hey Palu | Photos by Laura Capra
Pom Pom
Overlooking the expanse of Seven Mile Beach from the top floor of the Hotel Indigo, rooftop bar Pom Pom offers arguably the most stunning sunset view on the island. With a menu that leans toward Latin-inspired flavors, find cocktails like the Morada Highball made with a botanically infused corn spirit and a house-made chicha morada soda, or the Bolivian Ramos with a spicy, infused-Singani, acid-adjusted grape juice, coconut cream and club soda. Stick around after sunset for their monthly Astro party under the stars, featuring live DJs, drink specials, and guest artists.
Tillies
Beachside restaurant Tillies, located in the Palm Heights hotel, explores the cuisine of the Greater Antilles region. But the cocktail menu is an adventure worth undertaking in itself. Created by New York cocktail vet Natasha David, the offerings span from the easy drinking PH Spritz (orange wine, lemongrass ginger tea, lychee, Sauternes, sparkling wine) and the vibrant Sorrel Daiquiri, to a Caribbean Old Fashioned blending bourbon and Jamaican rum with regional spices. For those in need of a little easy-going refreshment, a half dozen spirit-free cocktails fit the bill, like the Melon Highball made with seasonal, local melons. Hop tip: Don’t sleep on the Miso Caramel Sundae for dessert.
Tillies | Photo by Peden + Munk/@pedenmunk
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