Drinks & Nightlife

Beer

Panama has two national beers that are a must-try:

• Balboa: The most popular beer, named after the explorer. A light, refreshing lager — perfect in tropical heat.
• Atlas: Slightly fuller-bodied than Balboa. Both cost about $0.75 in stores, $1.50–3 in restaurants.
• Craft Beer: The scene is growing — Casa Bruja in Panama City brews excellent IPAs and stouts. Rana Dorada (Golden Frog, named after Panama's national animal) is the most well-known craft brewery with its own bar in Casco Viejo.

Rum & Seco

• Ron Abuelo: Panama's premium rum. The 12 Años and XV are top-notch and internationally award-winning. A bottle in the supermarket: $15–30. Many connoisseurs consider it the best rum in Central America.
• Seco Herrerano: THE national drink of Panama — a sugarcane distillate (similar to Cachaça), which tastes unusual neat but becomes a cult party drink as "Seco con Leche" (with milk and coconut milk). A glass in the bar: $2–3.

Non-Alcoholic

• Coconut Water: Available everywhere at street stalls directly from the fresh coconut ($1). Isotonic, refreshing, and the most natural refreshment in the tropics.
• Raspados: Panamanian shaved ice — shaved ice with colorful fruit syrup and condensed milk. The sweet salvation on hot days.
• Chicheme: Traditional drink made from corn, milk, vanilla, and cinnamon. Thick, sweet, and nourishing.
• Coffee: Panama produces world-class coffee (Geisha!), but many fondas serve instant coffee. For excellent coffee: Specialty coffee shops in Panama City (Bajareque, Unido, Café de Roberto) or directly on the farm in Boquete.