Kicking Back With Kalik

It's the middle of the holiday season and after four straight days ( Christmas Eve, Christmas, birthday, Kwanzaa)  of celebrating, I'm finally relaxing. For me, that means a book, music and a cup of tea.  My relaxation ritual made me remember how I observed the locals unwinding on Eleuthera and Harbour Island. Despite the popularity and common association with tourists, I never saw a native Bahamian touch a Bahama Mama  or Yellow Bird cocktail. Instead, I saw them relaxing at cafes, eating conch fritters and drinking tea, coconut water or Goombay Punch.  Forget Coke or Pepsi, the go to soda in the Bahamas is the  sweet, bubbly, red, Goombay Punch. I've heard the taste described as a pineapple Life Saver and that pretty much sums it up except I think its a lot more refreshing.

Another alternative for a quick break is Goombay Fruit Champagne. It's less sweet than the punch and tastes like cream soda. I saw school children drinking cans of this walking home from school.

The most ubiquitous beverage that I saw locals sipping everywhere, from bars to beaches, was Kalik, the national beer. Pronounced (ca Lick), it's named for the sound that Goombay bells make during Junkanoo. Almost like  they were making a point of cultural pride, whenever I saw Bahamians relaxing, a Kalik was typically nearby. It tastes light and zesty and makes a good relaxation aid. What's your favorite way to relax?