Looking for a drink that will have you dreaming of cool European cities, warm weather destinations, or domestic metropolises? Check out some of our suggestions below and start sipping your way into vacation.
Pimm’s Cup
This British cocktail can be found on menus at trendy bars and restaurants, and you can find the mix at most liquor stores. Try out this recipe below for a cool summertime sipper.
Pimm’s No.1 (gin-based mix) 1.5 cups
Sprite/ginger ale 1.5 cups
1 cucumber sliced
2 cups strawberries muddled
1 Lemon sliced
1 cup mint leaves muddled
3 cups ice
Mix together in pitcher serve over ice
Mai Tai
This is one of those drinks, that if you had it on vacation, every time you have one at home it will bring you right back to paradise. Its debated origin comes from an LA bar owner, who claimed to have made the drink for his Tahitian friend who was in town visiting. After trying the drink, the friend yelled out “very good” in Tahitian, which translates to Mai Tai. There are currently 11 ways to make a Mai Tai, check out this recipe below.
1.5 ounces spiced rum
1.5 ounces coconut rum
1 tsp grenadine
3 ounces pineapple juice
2 ounces orange juice
1 cup of ice
Combine all ingredients in cocktail shaker, serve over ice
Pina Colada
Pina Colada is Spanish for strained pineapple and has been the National drink of Puerto Rico since 1978. Two rival bars in San Juan claim to have made the cocktail, the Caribe Hilton Hotel Beachcomber bar in 1954 and Barrachina Restaurant in 1963. Until you can try the two for yourself, make one at home today!
2 ounces coconut cream
2 ounces pineapple juice
1.5 ounces light rum
.5 ounces dark rum
1 piece fresh pineapple
2 cups of ice
Mix all liquid ingredients together, serve over ice, and garnish with pineapple slice.
Caipirinha
This Brazilian cocktail is made with Cachaca, which is Brazil’s most commonly distilled alcoholic beverage, just above rum. It was invented in 1918 in Sao Paulo and was given to Spanish Flu patients medicinally. Although we can’t speak to its actual medical powers, you can try it out at home today!
.5 lime quartered
2.5 fluid ounces of Cachaca
1 tsp white sugar
1 cup ice cubes
Muddle limes and sugar in the bottom of a cup, serve cachaca over ice.
Sake, Wine, Beer, and Champagne
If you are looking for something simple that will get you in the vacation state of mind, why not try a foreign wine or beer. Sake is a Japanese rice wine that can be found at most liquor stores. Depending on the type and brand it can have different finishes ranging from nutty to fruity. Wines from around the world can be found anywhere wine is sold, try an Australian Shiraz, South American Malbec, or French Champagne, to mix up your normal routine. If you are more of a beer drinker there are some great options when it comes to international brews. Guinness is one of the most famous beers in the world, and for a good reason, this Irish treat will have you dreaming of green as far as the eye can see. Light beer drinkers can try out Pilsner Urquell from the Czech Republic. This pilsner was created by Germany brewer in 1842 with Czech hops.
Ouzo, Akvavit, and Fernet
Like to sip your alcohol neat or on the rocks? Maybe you want to experiment with your own cocktails at home? Here are some around-the-world liquor options to spark your creativity. Ouzo is a popular Greek digestive, with anise flavors, that is great to end a meal with, especially if you are quite full. Akvavit comes from 15th century Scandinavia and is popular throughout northern and central Europe. It has a distinct flavor as it is made with cardamom, cumin, anise, fennel, lemon and orange peel. Fernet has become popular at dive bars around the U.S. and is often mixed with coke in South America. Although it is an Italian spirit, it is most popular in Argentina, where they drink 3 million liters annually. When mixed with coke, it is called a Fernadito or simply Fernet and cola. This cocktail was invited in Cordoba, Argentina in the 80s.
Paloma
If you are a fan of a classic margarita, the Paloma is a great option to mix it up. It can be made with silver tequila and grapefruit soda, or grapefruit juice and club soda with lime. It is a fresh take on one of Mexico’s most classic drinks.
1 grapefruit wedge
1/4 cup grapefruit juice
1 tbs. fresh lime juice
1 tsp. Sugar
1/4 cup tequila
1/4 cup club soda
Kir Royal
This fancy cocktail will make you feel like you are sipping your bubbly at Versailles even if you are just in your living room. And although this drink will make you feel all done up, it is simple to make. A Kir Royal is champagne, and a liqueur called creme de cassis. To make, simply fill your champagne glass 2/3 full of creme de cassis and top with champagne.
