Where to get the best Aruba Ariba cocktail in Aruba
Cocktails often serve as the foundation for a memorable (or maybe not-so-much) trip, and the Caribbean island of Aruba serves up a signature drink that has fueled guest experiences for over six decades.
The Aruba Ariba can be considered the official vacation drink of the island, known for sweet, tropical fruit flavors and a blend of spirits.
The beverage goes back to July 1, 1963, when bartender Juan “Jocky” Tromp mixed the slew of ingredients at the Aruba Caribbean Hotel. Today, that property operates as the Hilton Aruba Caribbean Resort & Casino, where the drink remains a part of the beachside experience. The recipe combines traditional bar options like vodka and white rum with fruity additions, specifically crème de banana, Grand Marnier, lemon juice, pineapple juice, orange juice, and a splash of grenadine.
If you’re looking to experience this Aruban classic, a plethora of venues across the island serve excellent versions, from the original historic recipe to creative twists.
Hilton Aruba Caribbean Resort & Casino
As the birthplace of the cocktail, the Hilton Aruba Caribbean Resort & Casino serves the authentic recipe to guests looking for a taste of island history. The property honors the 1963 creation by Tromp using the exact measurements established more than 60 years ago.
The original mix is a balance of spirits and citrus juices. Bartenders shake together 0.5 ounces of vodka, 0.5 ounces of rum, 0.25 ounces of Grand Marnier, and 0.25 ounces of crème de banana. This spirit base is combined with 0.25 ounces of lemon juice, 1.5 ounces of pineapple juice, and 3 ounces of orange juice, finished with 0.75 ounces of grenadine for the red layer. It gives the drink a smooth, fruit-forward profile that avoids overwhelming sweetness. Don’t get me wrong, the drink is quite sweet though. Be ready. If you check out this spot, you can enjoy the historic cocktail at the beachfront bars while looking out at the stunning water.
The Old Cunucu House
For a dining experience that pairs the island cocktail with authentic food, The Old Cunucu House is inside a preserved, 150-year-old traditional Aruban home. The restaurant has a historic backdrop where guests can sample a frozen, blended version of the Aruba Ariba.
The bartenders alter the texture and spirit profile by turning the cocktail into a blended treat. The process starts by blending orange juice, pineapple juice, banana liqueur, grenadine, and a half of a fresh banana with ice. Cointreau or triple sec is added to provide an orange finish. Once blended, the drink gets a float consisting of a shot of dark rum and a shot of white rum. The cocktail is then topped with Coecoei liqueur. Each glass is finished with a garnish of an orange slice, cherries, and a palm leaf.
Taste My Aruba
Photo by Shaun Melady
This spot focuses on fresh ingredients and local flavors, serving up a version of the vacation drink that adjusts the spirit ratios for a stronger, citrus-forward profile. Taste My Aruba is a favorite for those who prefer their cocktails with a crisp, balanced finish.
The recipe at this establishment increases the primary spirits to help cut through the sweeter fruit juices. The mixologists build the drink using 1 ounce of vodka, 1 ounce of white rum, 0.3 ounces of banana liqueur, and 0.5 ounces of lime juice. The fruit blend consists of 1.5 ounces of pineapple juice and 1 ounce of orange juice. For the color and sweetness, the bar utilizes 0.4 ounces of either grenadine or local Coecoei liqueur.
Another drink that I highly recommend getting at Taste My Aruba is their Aloe-tini. The island is known for its aloe and this restaurant has infused vodka with the fresh plant to create a delicious (and very easy-to-drink) martini.
The West Deck
The West Deck is a casual waterfront deck that sits right on the beach, making it a destination for daytime drinking and watching ships along the coast, and planes landing at the airport. The bar serves a potent version of the cocktail that might draw in the rum lovers.
The recipe has a layered approach, which throws in a mix of vodka, white rum, orange juice, pineapple juice, and grenadine. Then a dark rum float is added on top. Pro tip: let the float settle into the Aruba Ariba to cut down the sweetness of the juices. You’ll thank me later.
Cheers!
Follow Shaun Melady on Instagram at @ShaunMelady.
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