Food & Drink
From traditional Dutch cuisine to Asian, African, and Spanish, our culinary options are as diverse and welcoming as our people.
Hot Delight
Made by Aurelio Ruiz using a recipe his grandfather developed in 1880, Hot Delight gourmet salsas have gained international acclaim. These hot salsas are made with Madame Jeanette (Scotch Bonnet) chilies, which far surpass the intensity of jalapeños. The pica di papaya version, made with locally grown green papayas, is slightly less potent than the original, but still packs a punch! These salsas are all-natural and contain no preservatives. Facebook: www.facebook.com/hotdelightaruba/.
Aruba Heat
Aruba Heat also uses the extremely hot Caribbean Madame Jeanette chili pepper and bottles three different varieties of hot sauce, each with a different heat level. All three sauces have a unique flavor, with natural ingredients like dried coffee, pineapple, mango, coconut, molasses, and ginger root that complement the heat of the chilies. With layers of heat and flavor, they will win the approval of any hot sauce connoisseur. Individual bottles are available, as well as convenient gift packs with a sampler of all three sauces. Website: www.aruba-heat.com.
Nonna’s Gourmet
Nonna’s Gourmet’s homemade jellies, jams, and hot sauces featured locally sourced fruits and vegetables and Aruba’s famous Madame Jeanette peppers. Popular items include the pica ginger jelly (pica means “hot”) and the Andicuri mango hot sauce, made with locally grown mangoes.:https://www.facebook.com/Nonnas-Gourmet-1797347667149418/?ref=page_internal
Balashi Beer
Stock your refrigerator and minibar with drinks made right here in Aruba! Since 1999, the Balashi National Brewery has produced its flagship beer, Balashi, to the overwhelming approval of locals and visitors alike. Crisp and refreshing, this Dutch-style pilsner pours brilliantly clear, golden in color, and with a light head. The base of the beer is none other than Aruba’s world-acclaimed drinking water, often referred to by locals as “balashi.” The brewery also produces the light and refreshing Chill, a beer best enjoyed smoothly, especially with a squeeze of lime, and especially while relaxing on our beautiful beaches. The newest beer, Magic Mango, is a slightly fruity Aruba Pale Ale. And since the bottles are small, they can be easily wrapped and taken home as a souvenir! Website:
Coecoei
Playa Liquor & Bottling Company produces coecoei, a deep red alcoholic beverage used in numerous tropical cocktails. Its centuries-old recipe was originally developed by an indigenous tribe in Venezuela and introduced to Aruba about sixty years ago. It is one of the ingredients in the island’s famous Aruba Ariba
Ponche Crema
Ponche crema is a smooth, creamy drink made with egg yolks, cream, rum, and various spices, often enjoyed during the holiday season. Wrap a bottle carefully and take it home to add an island touch to your next holiday celebration. Playa Liquor & Bottling Company and a few smaller businesses produce ponche crema on the island.
Website: www.playaliquoraruba.com.
Palmera Rum
Cocktails in Aruba are typically made with Palmera rum, hand-blended and bottled at a factory in Oranjestad. While Palmera offers a variety of rum blends, the coconut rum is a favorite among visitors, while locals stick to the original Palmera rum, known for its oaky sweetness with hints of vanilla. Website: www.pqparuba.com.
