Wondering what to drink during your vacation in the Dominican Republic to stay safe and avoid stomach troubles? Better not try tap water, but there are plenty of other options – from bottled water, fresh juices and coconut straight from the palm, to rum, which almost has the status of a national treasure here. You just need to know what, where, and how – so you don’t get caught out.
Dominican Republic – Can You Drink Tap Water?
In the Dominican Republic, drinking tap water is rather a bad idea – regardless of whether you are staying in a luxury resort or a modest guesthouse. Unfortunately, the country struggles with infrastructural problems, and water supply systems often do not meet the standards that tourists from Europe are accustomed to. The water may contain bacteria, parasites, and other contaminants that are not always a problem for local residents, but for an unaccustomed organism can result in stomach upset, poisoning, or – in extreme cases – more serious health problems. Experts recommend using only bottled water, not only for drinking but also for brushing teeth. It is also worth being careful with ice in drinks. In hotel restaurants, it is usually made from purified water, but in local eateries or on the beach, it is better to avoid it. The simplest and safest rule is: do not take risks. Drinking tap water may seem like a saving, but in practice it often ends with losing several days of vacation and having to run around pharmacies. And nobody really needs that on holiday.
Dominican Republic – Is Bottled Water Safe?
Yes, bottled water in the Dominican Republic is generally considered safe to drink, but as is often the case when traveling – it is worth staying vigilant. In shops, hotels, and restaurants you will find various brands of water, both local and imported, and most of them meet basic sanitary standards. The problem arises when you come across a counterfeit – that is, a bottle filled with tap water and recapped, which unfortunately is sometimes encountered in some smaller points of sale. Therefore, it is best to buy water in larger, reputable shops, supermarkets, or directly at the hotel. In restaurants, do not be afraid to ask for a bottle that is still sealed – the staff is used to this and should not make a problem out of it. Bottled water is essential in the tropics, where dehydration can come faster than you expect. If you want to be even more cautious, you can opt for internationally known brands or local ones that have good reviews – such as Planeta Azul or Agua Crystal. In other words: drink freely, but always look at the bottle twice. A cautious tourist is a healthy tourist.
What Else to Drink During a Vacation in the Dominican Republic?
The Dominican Republic has quite an impressive menu of beverages, both non-alcoholic and those “with a percentage.” First up are fresh fruit juices – mango, papaya, pineapple, or passion fruit (in the Dominican Republic better known as chinola). Often freshly squeezed on the spot, served with ice (here again it is worth asking about the water source) – it is a real vitamin and flavor bomb that refreshes wonderfully in the tropical climate. Also popular is agua de coco, or coconut water straight from the coconut – you can buy it at the beach or from street vendors with coolers on wheels. Ideal for hydration, slightly sweet and natural.
When it comes to “adult” beverages – the Dominican Republic is famous for its local rum, and there is no shortage of brands: Brugal, Barceló, Bermúdez – each has its own style and taste. Rum served with cola and lime is a classic (the local cuba libre), but you can also be tempted by more local inventions – for example, mamajuana, an alcoholic infusion of bark, herbs, rum, red wine, and honey. It tastes like a mixture of tincture and herbal liqueur and according to locals works for almost everything – from colds to… “bedroom matters.” Read: … and a bottle of rum!!.
Hotels and resorts also offer classic carbonated drinks, coffee (often very good – the Dominican Republic produces its own beans), teas, and local milk or corn-based beverages, such as jugo de avena (oat-based drink). The important thing is that everything comes from a reliable source – we avoid drinks with ice of unknown origin, and if something seems suspicious, it is better to ask or simply decline.
