Drinks — Rum, Beer & Phoenix

Rum — Mauritius' Liquid Gold

Mauritius produces top-quality rum that is gaining international recognition. The tradition dates back to the sugarcane plantations of the colonial era — back then, rum was distilled as a cheap comfort for workers. Today, Mauritian rum is a premium product.

• Chamarel Rum: The most famous distillery, producing Rhum Agricole from fresh sugarcane juice (not molasses). The "VSOP" and "XO" varieties can compete with top Caribbean rums. Distillery visit with tasting: 450 MUR (9€).
• New Grove: A modern distillery with innovative bottlings, including the "Savoir Faire" (aged 15 years) — one of the best rums in the Indian Ocean.
• Labourdonnais: Produced at the historic Château Labourdonnais in Mapou. Excellent golden rum and a beautiful estate with a restaurant and garden.
• Green Island Rum: The affordable "people's rum" — available in every store for under 5€. Enjoyed neat, with cola, or in a Ti'Punch (rum, lime, cane sugar).

Beer

Phoenix is THE Mauritian beer — a light lager, easy and refreshing, perfect for the tropical climate. Brewed since 1963, it is ubiquitous. The brewery also produces Blue Marlin (stronger, fuller-bodied) and Stag Lager. A bottle of Phoenix in a store: 60–80 MUR (1.20–1.60€), in a restaurant 150–250 MUR (3–5€).

Other Drinks

• Alouda: The Mauritian national drink — milk, agar-agar, basil seeds, and syrup. Refreshing and unique.
• Fresh Fruit Juices: Pineapple, mango, passion fruit — freshly pressed at street stalls for 50–100 MUR.
• Coconut Water: Directly from the coconut, sold on the beach. From 50 MUR (1€).
• Mauritian Tea: From the Bois-Chéri plantations — the vanilla tea is a special experience and a perfect souvenir.