On the days, weeks and even months leading up to my next cruise, one vision gets me through the waiting game: a frosty cocktail with an umbrella. For me, umbrella drinks represent VACATION — and I can tell you, as soon as we’ve dropped off our luggage in the stateroom, there’s a good chance you’ll find me and my husband outside on the Lido deck with a couple of cold beverages in our hands. It’s just a vacation tradition! Now, I don’t claim to be an expert of mixed drinks (my husband has that title, after 17 years in the bar business), but I’ve had my share of cruise cocktails during my estimated 100+ combined days at sea. Over the years I’ve graduated from the standard margarita and piña colada to more adventurous libations that have opened my senses to the wonderful world of mixology.
Here are 10 of my favorite cruise beverages.
MIAMI VICE (RedFrog Rum Bar) – Alright. So this icy concoction is on the other end of the spectrum when it comes to mixology, but it remains a cruise favorite. Piña colada and strawberry daiquiri are swirled together in the same glass, giving you two delicious frozen drinks for the price of one. A Carnival classic.
TING MOJITO (RedFrog Pub) – My first taste of Ting was in Jamaica, and it was love at first sip. I didn’t think the carbonated grapefruit soda could get any better until I tried the Ting mojito at the RedFrog Pub. Grapefruit vodka, grapefruit juice, fresh lime, mint, simple syrup, and a splash of Ting, make the Cuban classic a new tropical favorite.
CARIBBEAN COLADA (RedFrog Rum Bar) – The piña colada will always be an iconic cruise cocktail — but that doesn’t mean you can’t kick it up a notch with the Caribbean version, containing Gosling’s Black Seal Rum, Cruzan Vanilla Rum, banana, coconut and pineapple … Don’t forget to add a floater of Gosling’s for a delicious & creamy adult treat.
THE REMEDY (Alchemy Bar) – The Alchemy Bar is the ultimate stop for when you want a handcrafted cocktail to “cure what ails”. The Remedy is one of their most popular prescriptions with Gosling’s Black Seal Rum, Malibu Coconut Rum, orange juice, pineapple and fresh lime juice.
SPICY CHIPOTLE PINEAPPLE MARTINI (Alchemy Bar) – My favorite pre- dinner cocktail is the Spicy Chipotle Pineapple Martini at Alchemy Bar. The drink has just the right amount of heat for you to take notice, without being overwhelming. Prepared with Skyy Vodka, Chipotle Pineapple Syrup, pineapple juice, simple syrup and fresh mint leaves, it’s a bold and refreshing martini to start your night with. {See the recipe here – link to mixology class post}
THE REDFROG TROPICAL HURRICANE (RedFrog Pub) – Another cruise favorite is the Hurricane. The RedFrog Pub makes a fantastic tropical version (that’s served in a fish bowl!) with a healthy mix of Bacardi Rum, Bacardi Oakheart Spiced Rum, exotic juices and soda. This one is big enough to share!
SAKE SANGRIA (Ji Ji Asian Kitchen) – You will no doubt need a tasty beverage to wash down all of the delicious pork belly at Ji Ji Asian kitchen. My recommendation is the Sake Sangria, made with Sake, Cointreau, pineapple juice, Sprite and fresh fruit.
CARIBBEAN MANHATTAN (Alchemy Bar) – I have to include my husband’s favorite cruise cocktail because it’s the completely different than everything I’ve listed above or below. I’m not even a bourbon fan, yet I can get behind this beverage: Maker’s Mark Bourbon, Cinzano Sweet Vermouth, spiced brown sugar syrup and bitters make the Caribbean Manhattan the perfect nightcap after a long day in port.
BLUE’S BLUE MARGARITA (Blue Iguana Tequila Bar) – We’re finally to the margarita! One of my all time faves. The Blue Iguana Tequila Bar makes a delicious version with Sauza Tequila, Blue Curaçao, simple syrup and lime juice. This margarita’s blue hue makes it perfect for sipping on sea days.
RED’S RUM TREASURE (RedFrog Rum Bar) – Clearly cruising and rum go hand in hand, because I’ve got another rum-based beverage that compliments just about everything that I love about being at sea. Red’s Rum Treasure is made from world-renowned, premium aged Zacapa 23 Rum, coconut rum, Sprite, guava & pineapple juice and a touch of grated nutmeg. One of these will have any cruise starting off right …. Now I just need to start planning!
What’s your favorite “umbrella drink”?
This post was created as part of my collaboration with Carnival. As always, all of the opinions, thoughts, and ideas in this post are my own.
