Transport yourself to paradise with these tropical cocktail recipes from top resorts. Enjoy island-inspired drinks like Hawaiian Margaritas and Coconut Mojitos right at home.
Hawaiian Margarita Recipe from Waikoloa Beach Marriott: What makes this mixture so unforgettable is the lilikoi (aka passion fruit) that brings a uniquely tropical flavor to this Mexican staple. Blend 1.5 oz of Jose Cuervo tequila, 1 oz of lilikoi (passion fruit) concentrate, and 3 wedges of pineapple. Pour the margarita into a hurricane glass and rim it with li hing mui powder (a tart-sweet-salty dusty made with pulverized dried Asian plums that pairs perfectly with this luau drink).
Espanto Wave Cocktail from Cayo Espanto Belize: This signature drink is what you’re welcomed with when you step off the boat at Cayo Espanto, Belize’s exclusive private island. Blend 1 oz of Captain Morgan spiced rum, 1 oz of Caribbean dark rum, 1 oz of curaçao, 1 oz of amaretto, 1 oz of triple sec, 1 oz of pineapple juice, 1 oz of lime juice, 1 tbsp of sugar, and ice cubes in a bar blender until smooth and frozen. Pour into a pint or collins glass and garnish with a lime wedge.
Coconut Mojito Recipe from Coco Beach Resort Belize: This fan favorite cocktail is sure to have you fantasizing of lounging by a pool in the Caribbean breeze. Place 4 oz coconut rum or any white rum, 4 oz of cream of coconut, five sprigs of fresh mint leaves, and 2 oz of fresh lime juice in a high-powered blender with four cups of ice. Blend until completely smooth and then pour into glasses. Garnish with mint and lime slices if desired.
Blue Hawaii Drink Recipe from Hilton Waikiki: As turquoise a tropical lagoon, this taste explosion was created at this resort a whole four years before Elvis Presley ever danced the hula in a movie of the same name. Begin by creating a Fresh Sour Mix: In a saucepan over medium heat, stir one cup of water and one cup of granulated sugar together until dissolved. Remove from heat and cool to room temperature. Add one cup of fresh-squeezed lemon juice and .5 cups of fresh-squeezed lime juice and mix well. Keep it in the refrigerator for up to a week. When the week is over, fill a hurricane glass with ice cubes. Pour in .75 oz of white rum, .75 oz of vodka, .75 oz of blue curaçao, 3 oz of fresh pineapple juice, and 1 oz of your Fresh Sour Mix and stir with a tall spoon. Slice a notch in a pineapple wedge and fit onto the lip of the glass. For a frozen drink, pulse all the ingredients in a blender until smooth before pouring them into a glass.
Aruba Mule Recipe from Marriott Aruba: Sip the refreshing flavors of the ‘One Happy Island’ with this aloe-inspired concoction. Fill a copper mule mug or rocks glass with ice. Add 1.25 oz of vodka, 2 oz of aloe vera juice, .25 oz of fresh lemon juice, and .25 oz of simple syrup to the glass. Top with 4 oz of ginger beer and stir gently. Garnish with mint leaves.
The Florist Cocktail from Carillon Miami Wellness Resort: If your tastebuds prefer botanical flavors, this is sure to be a winner. Combine 1.5 oz of Botanist gin, .5 oz of Grand Poppy liqueur, .75 oz of Boiron kalamansi, .5 oz of orange blossom honey, and 3 drops of lavender bitters in a shaker. Shake with ice and strain into a highball glass with ice. Top with soda and garnish with a dehydrated lime peel.
Enchanted Forest Cocktail from Wymara Turks & Caicos: The resort’s enchanting backdrop of Grace Bay Beach paired with the mixologist’s European travels inspired the flavors of this vibrant cocktail. Combine 1.5 oz of Star of Bombay gin, 1 tsp of organic raspberry jam, 1 oz of fresh lime juice, .75 oz of ginger lemongrass syrup, and 1.25 oz of fresh pineapple juice on ice in a cocktail mixer. Shake for a few seconds and then double-strain into a martini coupe glass. Garnish with fresh raspberries.
Half Moon Signature Drink Recipe Jamaica: This exotic cocktail is just one of the reasons this continues to be one of Jamaica’s top resorts. Pour 1.5 oz of Appleton Estate Gold Rum, 1 oz of triple sec, 3 oz of pineapple juice, and half a lime juiced into a shaker over a scoop of ice. Shake and strain into a glass.
Cheers!