Brighter days are ahead, we just KNOW it. While we’re waiting and dreaming of our next tropical escape, why not bring the resort home with an island-inspired cocktail? We’ve gathered the most delicious cocktail recipes from top resorts that you can easily make right in your home, so break out the cocktail shaker and turn on some tropical house music for some of that good old fashioned “island escapism.” It’s 5 o’clock somewhere!
Hawaiian Margarita – Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa, Waikoloa Beach, HI: 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 (tart-sweet-salty dusty made with pulverized dried asian plums that pairs perfectly with this luau drink).
Espanto Wave – Cayo Espanto, San Pedro, 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 – Coco Beach Resort, Ambergris Caye, 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 – Hilton Hawaii Village Waikiki Beach Resort, Honolulu, HI: 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 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 – Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino, Palm Beach, 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 – Carillon Miami Wellness Resort, Miami Beach, FL: 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 – Wymara Resort & Villas, Providenciales, Turks and 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’s Signature Cocktail – Half Moon, Montego Bay, 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!