The Dominican Republic: Alcohol, Air, And Cheer

The Dominican Republic is known for its vibrant nightlife and array of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. Tourists are advised to only drink bottled beverages and ensure they are opened in front of them. This is due to the risk of tainted alcohol, which has been linked to several deaths in the country. The legal drinking age in the Dominican Republic is 18, and alcohol consumption in public places is illegal. The country offers a range of drinks, from traditional rums to inventive cocktails, beers, wines, and non-alcoholic options. The Mamajuana drink, a spiced alcoholic beverage made with rum, wine, honey, tree bark, and herbs, is a cultural staple.

Drinking laws and safety

When travelling to the Dominican Republic, it is important to be aware of the drinking laws and safety guidelines to ensure a pleasant and safe trip. Here are some key points to consider:

Drinking Laws

• The legal drinking age in the Dominican Republic is 18 years old. It is illegal for individuals under 18 to purchase or consume alcohol, and this law applies to both residents and tourists.
• Alcohol consumption in public places, such as streets and beaches, is illegal.
• Alcohol can be sold from 8 am to midnight from Monday to Saturday and from 12 pm to midnight on Sundays.
• Beer and liquor can be purchased and consumed by individuals who are 18 years old or older.
• It is recommended to only drink bottled beverages and ensure that they are opened in front of you to minimise the risk of consuming adulterated alcohol.

Safety

• Violent crime and traffic accidents are common issues in the Dominican Republic, especially in urban areas and on the roads. It is important to exercise caution and be vigilant at all times.
• Avoid displaying expensive belongings, such as watches or jewellery, to reduce the risk of petty theft, especially in tourist areas.
• Stay informed about local safety standards and follow traffic laws, especially when driving or using public transportation. Wear seat belts at all times when in a vehicle.
• Only use trusted vendors and reputable tour operators.
• Be cautious when consuming food and drinks, especially fresh juices, as food safety standards may vary. Consider brushing your teeth with bottled water.
• Familiarise yourself with emergency contact information and know how to seek medical assistance if needed.
• The consumption, possession, and sale of cannabis are strictly prohibited in the Dominican Republic, with severe penalties for offenders.

Popular alcoholic drinks

The Dominican Republic is known for its unique and diverse alcoholic drinks, ranging from traditional rums to inventive cocktails, refreshing beers, and wines. Here is a list of some of the most popular alcoholic drinks in the Dominican Republic:

Rum:

Dominican rum is celebrated for its rich heritage and is crafted from the island's lush sugarcane. The aging process, flavour profile, and production methods vary, resulting in a wide range of flavours. One of the most popular rums is the Brugal Extra Viejo, known for its smooth style and woody spiciness. Other popular options include Ron Barceló Gran Añejo, a smooth, sweet rum perfect for cocktails, and Opthimus Rum 18 Yr, a carbonated, fermented beverage.

Cocktails:

The Dominican Republic is famous for its inventive and refreshing cocktails. One popular choice is the Frozen Coconut Mojito, which combines the coolness of a mojito with the tropical taste of coconut. The Piña Colada Dominicana, made with fresh local pineapple and coconut, is another favourite. For a fruity option, there's the Dominican Punch, made with a blend of Dominican rums and tropical fruits.

Beer:

The Dominican Republic has a diverse beer landscape, with options like Cerveza Nigua, known for its artisanal brewing techniques, and Delta Beer, which is popular for its refreshing taste and quality craftsmanship. Dominican Mead, made with local honey, offers a sweet, historical drinking experience.

Wine:

The burgeoning wine scene in the Dominican Republic showcases the versatility and richness of local grape varieties. Vinos Sanchéz, for example, reflects the island's diverse microclimates. Dominican wines offer a range of flavours, from tropical fruit notes to more traditional profiles.

It is important to note that, while the Dominican Republic offers a wide variety of alcoholic drinks, it is always advisable to consume alcohol in moderation and to ensure that the beverages are safely produced and purchased from reputable sources.

Non-alcoholic drinks

The Dominican Republic is known for its refreshing non-alcoholic beverages, which are essential in the tropical climate. These include:

• Morir Soñando, a creamy orange juice and milk drink, which is the most popular drink in the Dominican Republic.
• Jugo de Chinola, a passion fruit juice.
• Malta Morena, a non-alcoholic malt beverage that has a sweet, beer-like taste.
• Jugo de Tamarindo, a drink made from the pulp of tamarind pods, known for its sweet and tangy flavour.
• Limonada, made with freshly squeezed lime juice, water, and sugar.
• Fruit smoothies, which can be made with or without milk. Papaya smoothies (batida de lechosa) are especially popular.
• Fruit juices, which can be made from a variety of tropical fruits, such as beetroot and carrot, or carrot and orange.
• Fresh coconut water, a popular thirst quencher, especially on hot days.
• Herbal teas and tisanes, which are an important part of the Dominican pharmacopeia.

In addition to these unique beverages, more standard non-alcoholic drinks such as bottled water and soft drinks are also available.

Tainted alcohol

The Dominican Republic is known for its vibrant nightlife and breathtaking landscapes, and alcohol is a significant part of its culture and tourism industry. However, there have been concerns about tainted alcohol in the country, which has led to several deaths and raised important questions about drinking safety.

In 2021, more than 25 people died in the Dominican Republic due to consuming adulterated alcohol, according to the Ministry of Public Health. The outbreak of methanol poisoning affected over 80 individuals across various regions, with a higher proportion of men and young adults. The health agency identified two possible sources: a homemade alcoholic drink called clerén, which is illegally produced and consumed due to its low cost, and a type of frozen cocktail.

The issue of tainted alcohol is not unique to the Dominican Republic, as evidenced by the ongoing health alert in Costa Rica, where 15 deaths and 31 suspected cases of methanol poisoning have been linked to alcoholic beverages adulterated with methanol. This highlights the seriousness of the problem and the need for caution when consuming alcohol in any country.

To promote responsible drinking and ensure the safety of its residents and tourists, the Dominican Republic has strict drinking laws. The legal drinking age is 18, and it is illegal for individuals under 18 to purchase or consume alcohol, with this law applying to both residents and tourists. Alcohol consumption in public places, such as streets, parks, and beaches, is prohibited, and alcohol can only be consumed in designated areas like bars, restaurants, and private residences.

When travelling to the Dominican Republic, it is essential to be aware of these drinking laws and to consume alcohol responsibly and safely. By understanding and adhering to the local regulations, tourists can contribute to fostering a healthy environment and have a memorable and enjoyable experience in this Caribbean paradise.

Drinking water

While the Dominican Republic has water quality standards in place to protect public health, tap water is generally not considered safe to drink. The water in Punta Cana, for example, is sourced from underground aquifers and treated, but it is not drinkable. The Dominican Republic Ministry of Public Health has reported that approximately 98% of the country's population has access to chlorinated drinking water. However, it is recommended that visitors drink bottled water, which is widely available and considered safe for tourists. Many resorts also provide filtered water to their guests, ensuring that the water meets international standards.

To reduce health risks, travellers are advised to use purified water and avoid ice made from untreated tap water. Bottled water with sealed tops is recommended by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Drinking from the tap increases the risk of an upset stomach or traveller's diarrhea, as the water may contain microbes that your body is not accustomed to.

There have been some concerns about water safety in the Dominican Republic, with ongoing efforts to upgrade treatment facilities due to infrastructure limitations. The government is working to improve water quality by collaborating with international organizations and aligning national standards with global benchmarks.

It is important to note that the quality of drinking water can significantly impact your health, especially in tropical destinations like Punta Cana, where heat and humidity can easily lead to dehydration. Therefore, staying hydrated is crucial, and travellers are advised to bring a reusable water bottle and refill it often at safe water stations provided by many resorts. Verifying the safety of tap water before consumption is essential.

Frequently asked questions