Top 4 Haitian Beverages

Rhum Barbancourt is a renowned Haitian rum producer, established in 1862 by Dupré Barbancourt, a native of the Cognac region in France. The company is celebrated for its high-quality rums, crafted from pure sugar cane juice and distilled using methods similar to those employed in cognac production.

Over the years, Rhum Barbancourt has become a national institution in Haiti, embodying the country's rich cultural heritage and commitment to excellence. Expand

Distillerie Chelo is a family-run artisanal distillery from Saint-Michel-de-l’Attalaye in northern Haiti, recognized for producing Clairin, a traditional, unfiltered rum made exclusively from the local Cristalline sugarcane variety. The cane is hand-cut, spontaneously fermented with wild ambient yeasts, and distilled in classic copper pot stills, without additives, dilution, or industrial intervention.

The result is a powerful, raw spirit - typically 54-56% ABV - with a profile defined by grassy, herbal, and earthy notes, complemented by subtle citrus and restrained fruit undertones. Their flagship expression, Clairin Sajous, reflects the terroir of northern Haiti and the multigenerational expertise of the Sajous family, offering a spirit that stands in stark contrast to commercial, highly processed rums.

Chelo remains committed to minimal manipulation and traditional techniques, positioning its Clairin as one of the purest and most authentic representations of Caribbean rum heritage.Expand

Distillerie Faubert Casimir, located in the village of Barradères in Haiti, is one of the most authentic representatives of traditional clairin production, working exclusively with hand-cut sugarcane of the Hawaii Blanche and Hawaii Rouge varieties, grown without chemicals. Fermentation occurs spontaneously using only wild ambient yeasts, while distillation in small copper pot stills preserves the full terroir-driven character of the spirit.

Clairin Casimir, their flagship product, is bottled in small batches at around 49-54% ABV, retaining its natural vegetal, earthy, and mineral profile. The aroma reveals fresh cane juice, lemongrass, herbal notes, and subtle citrus hints, while the palate carries olive-like, grassy, and spicy elements accented by ginger and a gentle bitterness.

Its texture is oily, powerful, and unrefined, entirely focused on the raw authenticity of Haitian tradition rather than the sweetness found in commercial rums. Distillerie Casimir remains dedicated to ancestral craftsmanship and a production style that fully reflects the local terroir.Expand

Ti’ Punch is a cocktail made with rum agricole, cane syrup, and a slice of lime. To prepare it, cane syrup is first poured into a glass, followed by a squeeze of lime and rum. The ingredients are stirred until the syrup dissolves, and a few cubes of ice are then added to finish the cocktail. Ti’ Punch is typically served as an aperitif before a large meal, but it can also be consumed on its own. The word Ti' in the name is just a shorter version of petite, from the cocktail’s other name, Petit Ponch.Expand

Akasan is a Haitian porridge-like drink made with corn flour, evaporated milk, and spices. This nutritious drink is usually enjoyed for breakfast, and it can be served lukewarm or chilled. Most varieties are made with corn flour, sugar, evaporated milk, cinnamon, and star anise, but some versions use soaked, boiled, and mashed corn kernels and spices such as vanilla or nutmeg. The beverage can also vary in consistency, from thick to more frothy and easy-drinking versions. Akasan is commonly homemade, but pre-made versions are often sold by street vendors. Expand

Clairin is a Haitian version of rhum agricole—a clear spirit that is made from sugar cane. The drink is exclusively produced from local sugar cane that is harvested by hand and transported by animals. No artificial yeast is added during fermentation, and it must be bottled immediately after distillation. Clairin is a rustic and pure rum that perfectly expresses terroir and often displays herbaceous, vegetal, earthy, and grassy notes. Most Clairin is produced by small, craft distilleries that are scattered around Haiti. The drink has recently seen an upsurge in popularity and export, often appearing on cocktail menus around the world. Expand

Crémas is a popular Haitian mixed drink that is typically served at weddings, birthdays, and during the holiday season, when it is often paired with a sweet pastry on the side. The drink is made with a combination of coconut milk, sweetened condensed milk, lemon or lime zest, lemon or lime juice, rum (preferably dark), and flavorings and spices such as nutmeg, cinnamon, vanilla, and almond extract. To prepare it, all ingredients should be mixed together (or sometimes blended) until fully combined. When properly prepared, the drink should have a creamy texture, similar to a thick syrup.Expand