From the world-famous Cruzan Rum Distillery on St. Croix to craft breweries on St. Thomas, there’s no shortage of spots to sip your heart out on your next island getaway.
LessSet on the picturesque boardwalk in downtown Christiansted, the two-story Brew STX whips up small-batch beers alongside its menu of upscale pub fare. The on-site microbrewery is one of just a few on the island, making everything from blondes and Belgians to browns and ambers. Pair your Caribbean tacos or fresh catch of the day with a frosty beer on the patio for unrivaled ocean views.
Established in 1760, the Cruzan Rum Distillery is the oldest (and most famous) distillery on the U.S. Virgin Islands. As you enter, you’ll see remnants of Estate Diamond – the original plantation. Follow Master Distiller Gary Nelthropp on a thirty-minute outdoor tour to discover the legendary distilling process, from fermentation to aging. Afterward, don’t leave without trying St. Croix’s signature drink, the Cruzan Confusion – a bright, punchy cocktail made with mango and coconut vodka!
Enjoy a peek behind the scenes of the world’s most iconic spiced rum at the Captain Morgan Experience Center. Reserve a spot on a guided tour and tasting, where you’ll learn about the history of the brand and the rum-making process via an interactive display wall. Discover the story behind the legendary Captain Morgan and enjoy tasting the distillery’s award-winning rums in a pirate-themed tavern. Before you leave, hit up the gift shop and grab a few bottles to go!
Home of Mutiny Island Vodka, Sion Farm Distillery offers hourly guided tours. Here, you’ll experience the sights, sounds, and smells of the distilling process that transforms breadfruit into clear, smooth vodka. Watch the master distiller and his team from behind a glass wall as they craft the world’s first and only Island Vodka®. Learn about the sustainability practices of the zero-waste facility, and enjoy the rich aroma of breadfruit as it’s cooked and distilled.
Indulge in the flavors of the islands at Leatherback Brewing Company, a microbrewery that produces craft beer with Caribbean-grown ingredients and purified rainwater. Watch the brewers at work from the elevated touring deck before sipping beers like the Island Life lager or the Guanabana double IPA in the ocean-inspired tasting room. Conveniently located right around the corner from the airport, Leatherback Brewing makes a perfect start or end to an unforgettable vacation.
St. John Brewers sits just steps from the Cruz Bay waterfront in Mongoose Junction, St. John’s bustling shopping district. Visit the taproom and brewpub for small-batch craft beers like the Island Summer Ale and artisan sodas that work beautifully as cocktail mixers. Sit on the balcony and enjoy an Island Summer Ale, or try the North Shore Nitro Stout with hints of dark chocolate. Pair your beer with some good pub grub like barbecue sandwiches, pretzels and cheese or pizza.
Bearing the same name as the charming fishing village it sits in, Frenchtown Brewing Company is a three-barrel nano brewery serving up authentic, island-hopped beer – and with its bright pink exterior, you can’t miss it. Stop by the Hop Alley brewery for a tour and tasting of house favorites like the Frenchie Farmhouse Saison or Hop Alley IPA with its bright citrus and passion fruit notes. Before heading out, grab a refillable growler to bring to the beach.
Although people often associate the USVI with rum, a trip to USVI’s first vodka distillery is well worth a visit. ARC Vodka crafts its spirits from organically grown fruits, herbs, and spices from the Caribbean. Choose from several tasting/tour combos, like The Traveler – a thirty-minute distillery tour with five tastings of Premium ARC Vodka and a sample of artisanal punch. Grab a premade Passionfruit Lemonade or Pink Guava Limeade cocktail to take home on your way out.
Best known for its juicy burgers and small-batch beers, Rock City Brewing Company is a four-barrel craft brewery located near the cruise port. Each handcrafted batch is inspired by local, traditional flavors to immerse visitors in the Caribbean way of life. Sip on a Hull Bay Beach Lager or a Speed Bump Pineapple Wheat in the cozy tasting room, or grab a flight to sample an assortment.