Are you tired of ordering the same old drink every time you go on vacation? We’ve all been there—sticking to what we know because it’s comfortable and familiar. But imagine the excitement of stepping out of your comfort zone and indulging in a world of new flavors and experiences. Whether you’re lounging on a tropical beach, exploring a vibrant city, or cruising the open seas, trying new drinks can be one of the best ways to immerse yourself in the local culture or create new memories! And with the convenience of beverage packages on cruises or the inclusive nature of all-inclusive resorts, there’s never been a better time to expand your palate and discover your new favorite libation!
As you embark on your next vacation, prepare to tantalize your taste buds with an array of exotic and refreshing beverages from around the globe. From classic cocktails to regional specialties, here are the top 30 drinks you must try on your next adventure:
Hugo Spritz: Typically consists of Prosecco, elderflower syrup (St Germain), soda water, fresh mint leaves, and a slice of lime, creating a refreshing and aromatic cocktail perfect for sipping on a sunny afternoon.
Dark ‘n’ Stormy: Originating from Bermuda, this cocktail combines dark rum and ginger beer, served over ice with a splash of lime juice for a bold and refreshing libation.
Cuba Libre: A Cuban classic made with rum, cola, and lime juice, served over ice in a highball glass for a simple yet satisfying cocktail.
Planter’s Punch: This Caribbean concoction features dark rum, grenadine, pineapple juice, orange juice, lime juice, and simple syrup, served over ice with a splash of grenadine and a cherry for a sweet and fruity flavor profile.
Tequila Sunrise: Named for its vibrant colors, this cocktail consists of tequila, orange juice, and grenadine, served over ice in a highball glass for a visually stunning and delicious libation.
Bellini: Originating from Venice, Italy, this cocktail is made with prosecco and peach puree, served in a champagne flute for a sweet and effervescent drink that’s perfect for toasting.
Aperol Spritz: A popular Italian aperitif, the Aperol spritz features Aperol, prosecco, and soda water, served over ice with a slice of orange for a refreshing and bittersweet flavor profile.
Negroni: This classic Italian cocktail is made with gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth, stirred over ice and served in a rocks glass with an orange twist for a bold and complex flavor profile.
Sangria: Originating from Spain, sangria is a fruity wine punch made with red wine, fruit juice, brandy, and fresh fruit, served over ice for a refreshing and flavorful drink that’s perfect for sharing with friends.
Limoncello Spritz: Typically features Limoncello (a traditional Italian liqueur), Prosecco, soda water, and a splash of lemon juice, offering a delightful blend of citrusy sweetness and effervescence for a refreshing and zesty cocktail experience.
Paloma: A Mexican favorite, the paloma features tequila, grapefruit soda, lime juice, and a pinch of salt, served over ice with a grapefruit wedge for a refreshing and tangy cocktail.
Mint Julep: A Southern classic, the mint julep is made with bourbon, simple syrup, and fresh mint leaves, muddled together and served over crushed ice for a refreshing and aromatic libation.
Whiskey Sour: This classic cocktail features whiskey, lemon juice, simple syrup, and a dash of bitters, shaken with ice and strained into a chilled glass for a tart and refreshing drink.
French 75: Originating from France, the French 75 combines gin, champagne, lemon juice, and simple syrup, served in a champagne flute for a bubbly and citrusy cocktail that’s perfect for celebrating special occasions.
Mai Tai: A tropical delight from Polynesia, the mai tai features rum, lime juice, orange liqueur, orgeat syrup, and a splash of grenadine, served over crushed ice with a sprig of mint and a slice of lime for a refreshing and flavorful libation.
Mimosa: A brunch favorite, the mimosa combines champagne and orange juice in a flute glass for a light and bubbly libation that’s perfect for toasting. (We like to replace the orange juice for grapefruit juice sometimes too!)
Blue Hawaiian: This tropical cocktail features rum, blue curaçao, coconut cream, and pineapple juice, shaken with ice and strained into a chilled glass for a vibrant and refreshing drink.
Margarita: a classic margarita typically consists of tequila, triple sec (or orange liqueur), freshly squeezed lime juice, and a touch of simple syrup, served over ice in a salt-rimmed glass for a perfect balance of sweet, tart, and refreshing flavors. Try adding a flavor to your next margarita, or making it spicy!
Sex on the Beach: This fruity cocktail combines vodka, peach schnapps, orange juice, and cranberry juice, served over ice with a slice of orange for a sweet and refreshing libation.
Hurricane: Originating from New Orleans, the hurricane features rum, passion fruit juice, orange juice, lime juice, and grenadine, shaken with ice and strained into a hurricane glass for a fruity and potent cocktail.
Irish Coffee: A warming and indulgent treat, Irish coffee is made with hot coffee, Irish whiskey, brown sugar, and topped with whipped cream for a rich and comforting drink.
Mudslide: A decadent dessert cocktail, the mudslide features vodka, coffee liqueur, Irish cream liqueur, and cream, served over ice and garnished with a drizzle of chocolate syrup for a sweet and indulgent treat.
- Mojito: This refreshing Cuban cocktail is made with white rum, sugar, lime juice, soda water, and fresh mint leaves, muddled together and served over ice for a refreshing drink.
Piña Colada: Made with rum, coconut cream, pineapple juice, and crushed ice, blended until smooth and garnished with a pineapple wedge for a tropical and refreshing treat.
Dirty Shirley: Typically includes vodka, lemon-lime soda (such as Sprite or 7UP), grenadine syrup, and a splash of cherry juice, giving it a sweet and fruity flavor with a kick. It’s often served over ice in a highball glass and garnished with a maraschino cherry and a slice of lime for added visual appeal.
Pisco Sour: A Peruvian delight made with pisco (a grape brandy), lime juice, simple syrup, egg white, and Angostura bitters, shaken with ice and strained into a chilled glass for a frothy and citrusy treat.
Bee’s Knees: A classic cocktail featuring gin, honey syrup, and lemon juice, shaken and strained into a coupe glass for a sweet and tangy taste sensation.
Sazerac: Originating from New Orleans, the sazerac is a timeless cocktail made with rye whiskey, absinthe, Peychaud’s bitters, and a sugar cube, served in a chilled glass with a lemon twist for a bold and flavorful libation with a hint of licorice.
- Moscow Mule: A trendy and refreshing cocktail, the Moscow Mule features vodka, ginger beer, and fresh lime juice, served over ice in a copper mug. It offers a delightful combination of spicy ginger, tangy lime, and smooth vodka, making it a popular choice for cocktail enthusiasts everywhere.
- Pimm’s Cup: A quintessentially British cocktail, the Pimm’s Cup features Pimm’s No. 1, a gin-based liqueur, mixed with lemon-lime soda (such as Sprite or 7UP) and garnished with cucumber, strawberries, orange, and mint. It’s a refreshing and herbaceous drink, perfect for leisurely summer afternoons or garden parties.
