Costa Rica Spirits and Jaco Nights: A Taste You’ll Want to Bring Home

When it comes to unforgettable nights and vibrant experiences, Costa Rica knows how to deliver — especially in the lively town of Jaco. Famous for its beach parties, buzzing bars, and world-class surfing, Jaco nightlife offers visitors an authentic slice of the country’s culture. And when the party's over, you’ll want to take a piece of it home with you. Exploring the most popular alcohols in Costa Rica is more than just discovering great drinks — it’s about tasting the essence of Pura Vida.

Best Alcohol Gifts from Costa Rica

Before you head home, consider picking up a few of Costa Rica’s finest spirits and craft beers. One standout is Flor de Caña, an award-winning Nicaraguan rum that's beloved across Costa Rica and easily found in Jaco’s liquor stores. Smooth, complex, and aged to perfection, Flor de Caña makes a perfect gift — or a worthy addition to your own home bar.

Another thoughtful souvenir? Locally made microbrews. Costa Rica’s craft beer scene has exploded over the last decade, with bottled options available at bars, restaurants, and specialty shops around Jaco. Breweries like Costa Rica’s Craft Brewing Co. and Treintaycinco offer a range of IPAs, lagers, and stouts with bold, tropical notes. Picking up a few bottles lets you share the unique flavors of Costa Rica’s Pacific coast with friends and family back home.

Cacique Guaro: Costa Rica’s Spirit of the People

No discussion of Costa Rica alcohol would be complete without Cacique Guaro — the national spirit. Distilled from pure sugarcane juice, Cacique Guaro has a clean, lightly sweet profile that lends itself beautifully to cocktails or sipping neat. The sugarcane used to make it is harvested from fields primarily located in Costa Rica’s warm central regions, like Guanacaste and the Central Valley.

Beyond its crisp flavor, Cacique Guaro is a major player in Costa Rica’s local economy. From cane farmers to distilleries to bartenders pouring guaro-based cocktails in Jaco’s beachfront bars, every bottle supports jobs and communities throughout the country. It’s a spirit with a story — and a heart.

Traditional Costa Rican Cocktails: Sip the Culture

If you’re looking for a true taste of Costa Rica beyond the party-punch clichés, here are a few traditional and sophisticated drinks to try:

Chiliguaro
This classic shot mixes Cacique Guaro with tomato juice, hot sauce, and a splash of lime. Think of it as Costa Rica’s spicier, wilder cousin to a Bloody Mary — but lighter and meant to sip in a single, bold taste.

Guaro Sour
Made with fresh lime juice, a dash of sugar, ice, and a healthy pour of Cacique Guaro, the Guaro Sour is a refreshing cocktail that’s simple, elegant, and deeply tied to Costa Rica’s drinking culture. It’s sophisticated without being fussy — just like Costa Rica itself.

Tapado de Ron
For rum lovers, Tapado de Ron offers an island-style drink that’s smooth and rich. It’s typically crafted with aged rum (like Flor de Caña), coconut water, cinnamon, and a hint of clove, served over ice. It's the flavor of tropical relaxation in a glass.

A Taste of Costa Rica, Wherever You Are

Bringing a bottle (or three) of Costa Rican spirits or craft beer home is more than a souvenir — it’s a chance to relive your adventure every time you pop the cork. Whether you’re gifting friends, planning a Costa Rica-themed cocktail night, or simply treating yourself to a little sip of Pura Vida, the flavors of Costa Rica will always take you back to those golden Jaco sunsets and laughter-filled nights. Salud!