Bahamas
The Bahamas, being a major tourist destination, has a diverse coffee scene that caters to both locals and international visitors. While the islands don't traditionally grow significant amounts of coffee, they import quality beans and have a developing café culture, particularly in Nassau and on islands like Eleuthera and Harbour Island.
Here are the different ways to order coffee in The Bahamas and what's typically in them:
Basic Brewed Coffee
This is the most common and easily found coffee option in homes, local restaurants, diners, and hotels.
Black Coffee / Regular Coffee:
What's in it: Typically drip-brewed coffee, which can vary in strength. It's simply coffee brewed with hot water.
Customization: Usually served with a choice of sugar, and milk or cream (dairy or sometimes evaporated milk or condensed milk) on the side for guests to add to their preference. Instant coffee is also very widely used in Bahamian homes and less formal eateries.
Coffee with Milk / "Coffee and Milk":
What's in it: Brewed coffee mixed with hot milk. The ratio can vary, resulting in a creamy, milky coffee.
Customization: Sugar is usually provided for self-sweetening.
Espresso-Based Drinks (Common in Cafes, Resorts, and Tourist Areas)
Modern coffee shops, resort cafes, and more upscale restaurants in places like Nassau, Paradise Island, and the popular Out Islands will offer a full range of espresso-based beverages, reflecting global coffee trends.
Espresso / A Shot of Espresso:
What's in it: A small, concentrated shot of coffee, typically 1-2 ounces, characterized by a reddish-brown foam on top called crema. You can ask for a "double" (or doppio) for two shots.
Americano:
What's in it: Espresso diluted with hot water. It's designed to provide a strength similar to a drip coffee but with the distinct flavor profile of espresso. Can be ordered iced.
Latte (Caffè Latte):
What's in it: Espresso with a large proportion of steamed milk and a thin layer of microfoam on top. It's known for its smooth, creamy texture.
Customization: Widely available with various flavor syrups (vanilla, caramel, mocha, hazelnut, etc.) and different milk types (whole, skim, 2%, oat, almond, soy, coconut milk). Can be ordered iced.
Cappuccino:
What's in it: Espresso with roughly equal parts steamed milk and thick, airy foamed milk on top. It generally has a stronger coffee presence than a latte due to the higher foam-to-milk ratio.
Mocha (Caffè Mocha):
What's in it: A latte with chocolate syrup or powder added, often topped with whipped cream and chocolate drizzle or shavings.
Macchiato:
What's in it (Traditional Espresso Macchiato): Espresso "stained" with a small dollop of foamed milk on top.
What's in it (Starbucks-style Latte Macchiato): Often a layered drink with steamed milk at the bottom, topped with espresso poured through the milk, and then foam.
Flat White:
What's in it: Espresso with velvety steamed milk, characterized by very little or no distinct foam, resulting in a smooth, integrated texture and a stronger espresso flavor than a latte.
Cortado:
What's in it: Espresso "cut" with a small, roughly equal amount of steamed milk. Served in a small glass, it's designed to mellow the espresso's intensity without overpowering its flavor.
Cold Coffee Drinks
Iced coffee options are very popular and widely available in cafes.
Iced Coffee:
What's in it: Brewed coffee served over ice. Can be customized with milk/cream and sweeteners.
Cold Brew:
What's in it: Coffee grounds steeped in cold water for an extended period (typically 12-24 hours), then filtered. This method produces a less acidic, smoother, and often more concentrated coffee. Served over ice, often diluted with water or milk. More common in specialty cafes.
Blended Iced Coffees / Frappes / "Coffee Smoothies":
What's in it: Coffee, ice, milk, and various syrups or flavorings blended until smooth, often topped with whipped cream. These are popular indulgent drinks in cafes.
Bahama Mama Coffee (Unique Tropical Blend):
What's in it: A coffee drink designed to evoke the flavors of the classic Bahama Mama cocktail. It typically features chilled coffee or espresso blended with coconut cream (or coconut milk), sugar or flavored syrups, and importantly, often a splash of rum (or rum flavoring, if non-alcoholic). It's frequently garnished with tropical fruit like a pineapple slice or a cherry.
Specialty and Local Offerings
Flavored Lattes/Mochas: As in many international settings, a wide array of flavored syrups (vanilla, caramel, peppermint, cinnamon, etc.) are commonly used to customize lattes and mochas.
Local Coffee Blends: Some local roasters will create their own "Bahamian blends" by roasting beans sourced from different regions (e.g., Central or South America, other Caribbean islands) to achieve a specific flavor profile. Asking for "local coffee" might lead you to these.
Key things to remember when ordering:
English is the Official Language: Ordering coffee is straightforward as English is the official language.
Sweetness: Like many cultures, Bahamians often enjoy their coffee sweetened, so sugar will almost always be available, and condensed or evaporated milk are popular choices for a creamy, sweet cup.
Cafe vs. Local Spot: The variety of options will significantly depend on the establishment. High-end resorts and dedicated coffee shops will offer the full international espresso menu, while smaller, more local eateries will likely stick to basic black coffee or coffee with milk, possibly made with instant coffee.
*The content in this document was generated using artificial intelligence, drawing from various online sources, and subsequently refined for accuracy and conciseness in 2025. Users are advised to consult multiple sources to corroborate information and should not rely solely on this document for comprehensive research.