Why? Really. What is it about the Caribbean that requires so much rum? Democrats, Communists, and whatever passes for government at all those little islands, all bow to the cultural imperative of cheap and pretty good rum. Communism is not above moralism but not on this issue in Cuba. Quarts of rum that were formerly called Bacardi are now available every few yards on the streets of Havana for about $7.
While in Cuba, both Abby and I have consumed more hootch than in the preceding year. It is difficult to resist $3 mojitos with mint picked within the hour, muddled to perfection. The mint, I mean. Then there is happy hour (lasting 2 hours from 4-6) where the drinks are half price. It's a sin not to have two or three. And did I tell you they are not stingy with the rum? Just keep nodding as they pour.
I can only imagine that tourists spend more when we are drunk, or at least stay where we are to eat and sober up. This does not explain the local bars where the same thing is going on, tho.
And it's the rum thing! They do have disturbingly cheap scotch, but I never saw one poured. My venture at a Dry Vodka Martini was a complete failure, tasting fruity in some way that violated human decency. Rum went into everything. A Cuban coffee was coffee with, of course, rum. Rum on ice cream, over flan, rum flavored peanut butter (now I'm just making things up, but it's because, you know, rum).