If there’s one drink synonymous with Bahamian tradition, it’s Sky Juice, a creamy, coconut-based cocktail that has become a national staple and a must-try for visitors.

Locally known as “Gully Wash”, Sky Juice dates back to the early 20th century, when cheap liquor flowed through The Bahamas during Prohibition. Without access to canned juices or sodas, islanders turned to fresh coconut water to craft refreshing mixed drinks.

Though rum was widely available, traditional Sky Juice recipes use gin, which was cheaper for working-class Bahamians. The drink soon became a staple, celebrated for its cool, tropical taste and simple ingredients.

What’s in Sky Juice?

Sky Juice is made with three basic components:

• Gin: The backbone of the drink
• Fresh coconut water: Balances and smooths out the alcohol
• Sweetened condensed milk: Adds a creamy, sweet texture

Some bartenders enhance the flavor with a dash of cinnamon, nutmeg, or a splash of coconut rum. Non-alcoholic versions—called “unleaded” Sky Juice—offer the same indulgent tropical taste minus the hangover.

The Name Behind the Cocktail

There are two prevailing theories about how Sky Juice got its name:

1. Coconuts grow high in palm trees, symbolizing the sky’s gift
2. The drink’s cloudy, milky appearance resembles the sky itself

However, the famous bartenders at Goldie’s Conch House coined the name, leaving its meaning open to interpretation.

Pairing Sky Juice with Bahamian Cuisine

Sky Juice pairs perfectly with a hearty Bahamian meal, including:

• Peas N’ Rice
• Macaroni & Cheese
• Cracked Conch
• Fried fish or seafood

Locals often enjoy Sky Juice after dinner, or sip it over ice, with conch fritters, while watching the sunset on a Nassau beach.

IN THIS ARTICLE