A Caribbean cocktail trail in Nevis – USA TODAY

Lauren Mowery, Special for USA TODAY 6:46 a.m. ET May 17, 2017

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Or try the Mango Mary, a tropical twist on a bloody, rimmed in jerk seasoning. For dinner, book the five-course food and rum pairing for proof the popular liquor can match an array of foods, from sticky, sweet ribs to pineapple dessert.(Photo: Lauren Mowery, for USA TODAY)

Just as Christopher Columbus sailed the ocean blue, approaching Nevis in 1493, sotoo, do most tourists first see the Caribbean island from a boat. And that vision, astonishingly, hasnt changed much: at its center lies a lush green volcanic peak capped in white clouds. In fact, the islands name derives from Columbuss romantic misnomer Nuestra Senora de Las Nievesor Our Lady of the Snows. Eventually, Nieves would become Nevis.

Unlike Columbus and his intrepid crew, todays visitors arrive by fast ferry from St. Kitts, usually one or two rum punches deep by the time they disembark. Myriad reasons lure mostly Americans to the isle. The trove of historic sites, loosely organized along a heritage trail, traceback to Alexander Hamiltons birth. An authentic capital, Charlestown isfilled with small businessesand nary a fast food chain in sight. Bountiful, fresh seafood is served in boutique hotels and relaxed, beachfront bars roadside ribs and chicken on Friday afternoons. The waterfall hike up Mt. Nevis, golf and tennis at the Four Seasons, and diving with PADI center Scuba Safaris off Oualie Beach all allure. Plus, the discreet populationhaslittle interest in the rich and famous who anchor their yachts off Pinneys beach.

Regarding fine, white sand beaches, thats one feature common to Caribbean islands, lacking on Nevis. The western side has a narrow golden strip framing sparkling turquoise water, but thats about it. However, what may be viewed as a deficit to some, has worked in other ways to the islands advantage. The big building boom never came to Nevis, preserving its small island charm and leaving the scenery unspoiled. There's no mega-Marriott sprawl or jumbo cruise ship hordes to be found. The handful of hotels are colorful, quaintand trimmed in gingerbread. Many occupy former sugar estates, incorporating historic stone structures into their grounds. Even the largest resort, Four Seasons, was built low-slung and sympathetic to the landscape. This also means roads dont snarl with traffic and restaurants always have an open table. The result: a no-stress atmosphere that facilitates rest, relaxationand romance.

But a laid-back island vibe doesnt preclude an afternoon or evening of boozy festivities. In fact, its quite the opposite. Every bar, restaurantand hotel has a signature cocktail. While rum punch dominates, secret ingredients and carefully guarded recipes mean no two drinks will be exactly the same. So, hop on a plane, catch a ferry, then hire a Jeep or taxi to circle this verdant volcanic island for a tour of her finest tropical drinks.

Browse the gallery above for a sneak peek at the drinks, and see more spirited island travel below.

The home of the world's oldest rum brand

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A Caribbean cocktail trail in Nevis - USA TODAY