With Easter and Semana Santa kicking off in April, and the summer vacation season just around the corner, the Caribbean’s favorite beach beer has some warm-weather tips and picnic hacks to make your time at the beach as easy as popping open an ice-cold Chill.
Let’s start with the common-sense basics of any day spent under the island sun:
Stay hydrated
What’s the quickest way to ruin a day of fun under the sun? Dehydration. Always bring plenty of water. Even though drinking a Chill is refreshing, don’t rely on beer for hydration. Try alternating beer with water.
Hang in the shade
When setting up your picnic or camping site, make sure there’s shade available. Whether from trees, huts, palapas, or a beach umbrella, it’s important to take breaks from the direct sun.
Sunscreen
Always wear sunscreen, even if you’re in the shade. Aruba’s pristine white sands are made of crushed coral which reflects and magnifies the sun’s intensity. Remember to use only mineral-based and reef-safe sunscreens.
Food Safety
When packing your picnic, always have a separate cooler for refrigerated items and meats. Plan a menu around food that doesn't spoil as fast including vinegar-based salads, dips like hummus and salsa, olives, tapenade, roasted red peppers, nuts, and hard cheeses. If putting together a crudité, pair it with crusty breads like French bread instead of crackers that can become soggy quickly from the sea air.
Make your picnic next level! Delight your family and friends with a few simple tips for a memorable picnic experience:
Palate wood + throw pillows
Palate wood is a cheap and easy way to set up a cool tablescape. Just plop them in the sand and toss in some cushions or throw pillows, setting the tone for a boho-chic beach picnic.
LED candles in mason jars
Nothing adds to an ambiance like lighting. If you’re planning a sunset picnic, bring along a few mason jars (or wash and re-use jars from pickles, olives etc for a free alternative) and fill with LED candles, which are wind proof.
Easy centerpiece for table
Add some color and charm to your picnic tablescape by once again employing mason jars or recycled jars and fill with fresh cuttings from your garden. Colorful bougainvillea is a great choice.
Surprise them with Chillmosas!
This is super easy and perfection on a beach day. It’s simply orange juice with a splash of Chill, garnished with a wedge of orange.
Essential oil mosquito repellent
Keep as many artificial chemicals away from our natural beach environment as possible. Essential oils like peppermint, lemongrass, and eucalyptus are natural mosquito repellents.
Trash or recycle
Pack your own trash bags so that you can leave the beach area the way you found it. If nearby trash receptacles are full, don’t try to cram your trash in or leave it next to the receptacles, please take your trash home to dispose.
Remember that Chill, Balashi, and Magic Mango bottles can be returned for cash at one of our Tropical Bottling Return Centers. When packing your cooler with beer, save the carton or the plastic case it came in and bring to beach to refill with your empties.
From your friends at Chill and Balashi Brewery, we wish you a fun and safe camping season and summer vacation. Drink responsibly.