The Original Inspiration Behind the Bad Bunny Bar in Old San Juan

Discover how a small coffee cocktail bar in Old San Juan quietly sparked a movement that inspired Puerto Rico’s modern bar scene.

In the heart of Old San Juan, where cobblestone streets echo with centuries of culture and rhythm, one bar quietly sparked a revolution.

Don Collins Coffee Cocktails didn’t just serve drinks it pioneered a movement. Long before celebrity-owned bars and TikTok-trending cocktails, Don Collins was the original spot that dared to blend two of Puerto Rico’s most beloved flavors: rich, locally roasted coffee and the island’s world-renowned rum. This innovative concept turned heads and tastebuds, creating a new standard for what a Puerto Rican cocktail could be.

Where Innovation Meets Island Tradition

Opened with the vision of honoring Puerto Rico’s deep-rooted traditions while shaking up the bar scene, Don Collins Coffee Cocktails was the first of its kind. Locals and tourists alike were drawn in by its moody, tropical charm and the unexpected synergy of espresso and spiced rum. The team behind the bar leaned heavily into locally sourced ingredients—Puerto Rican beans, Caribbean spices, demerara sugar, and small-batch rums—to craft cocktails that were as soulful as they were bold. Signature drinks like the Espresso Coquí and Boricua Mule became instant hits, setting a new standard for cocktail culture in the Caribbean.

The Spark That Lit a Movement

The concept was so fresh, so unmistakably Puerto Rican, that it inspired a wave of imitators and innovators most notably, the now-famous Bad Bunny Bar opened by the global reggaetón icon. But it wasn't just the drinks. It was the vibe. Don Collins blended warm hospitality, creative bartending, and a deep respect for local traditions. That cultural authenticity became the blueprint for what a modern Puerto Rican bar could be.

A Legacy Still Brewing

Today, Don Collins Coffee Cocktails continues to thrive in Old San Juan, proudly holding its place as the original innovator. While new spots may bring flash and fame, Don Collins remains grounded in what made it special from the start: community, craft, and culture in every cup. So, whether you're sipping on a cold brew rum on a hot afternoon or sharing stories with locals over a coquito espresso martini, remember—you’re not just having a drink. You’re tasting a legacy.