When you think of the British Virgin Islands, sun, surf, sea and SCUBA diving will immediately pop right on the get go. Interestingly, the BVI is one of the top sailing destinations in the world simply because of its climate, calm waters and the flock of islands that visitors can visit.
Tourists from all walks of life enjoy the fruits of the BVI on a multitude of level: they can frolic and enjoy nature at its finest, learn of its culture and be happy with the company of its locals. These and many more makes it a premiere spot for those who want to live life to the fullest, make the best of their time away from the hustle and bustle of city living and, along the road, rediscover themselves amidst new faces.
Sailing the BVI will eventually take you to a stop, dock and explore the many bars and restaurants that it offers. Ask your skipper or any local and they will gladly accommodate your request. This gesture will, of course, have you taste their famous “Painkiller”, a potent concoction that’s not for the faint of heart.
Considered to be the British Virgin Island’s official cocktail, the Painkiller is just one of the islands’ popular rum-based drinks. Traditionally, rum is among the BVI’s main product, hence the multitude of drinks that it created overtime. The Painkiller meanwhile became famous due to its “friendly” taste: people tend to drink more Painkillers only to be kicked in the head after 3 servings.
What, then, makes the Painkiller such an enticing delight even though it can make you pass out? The answer lies in the ingredients: Pineapple juice, cream de coconut, orange juice and freshly grated nutmeg make up the “fresh” part of the Painkiller, while the generous serving of local rum delivers an invisible punch in the end. According to some, all drinks in the Caribbean are “hand-poured and often liberally with more rum than mix”. By this, a Painkiller can be gentle, or a killer, depending on how you want to take it.
The Painkiller was created at the Soggy Dollar back in the 1970s. The bar itself bares the sign, “Zero To Naked in 3.2 Painkillers”. This alone serves as a subtle warning to those who want to face the challenge. Even the most seasoned drinkers are known to have passed out while drinking one too many Painkillers. As for the Soggy Dollar, they have become one of BVI’s most visited bars because of the Painkiller.