Sunshine, the open sea, and good company. These are just some of the elements that make up a great cruise experience. Whether you’re enjoying a tropical drink poolside or having a pre-dinner cocktail, cruises are a great time to start imbibing a fruity, boozy concoction.
In recent years, cruise lines have become more sophisticated and offer everything. This includes giant swimming pools, Wi-Fi connection, or huge TV screens that allow you to watch the games of the NFL preseason schedule during your vacation on the high seas.
They have also doubled down on the range of bar-side beverages that they have on offer. Instead of all-you-can-eat buffets, tired lounge singers, and shuffleboard, ship bartenders have decided to upskill themselves.
So, sit back, relax, and enjoy a cold one as we take you through the top 6 cocktails that you can enjoy when you’re out on a cruise.
1. The Pina Colada
The quintessential cruise ship cocktail, the Pina Colada, is said to have been invented by Puerto Rican pirate Roberto Cofresi. It is claimed that Cofresi served up this delicious concoction by mixing coconut, pineapple, and white rum to boost the morale of his crew as they plundered the high seas.
Despite its roguish origins, this delightful drink is popular among cruisers looking for a good time. With pineapple juice, coconut milk, and white rum in the mix, it’s easy to see why the Pina Colada is popular with both pirates and cruisers alike.
Ingredients:
- White rum
- Cream of coconut/coconut milk
- Pineapple juice
2. Elderflower Gin and Tonic
Cool, refreshing, and clear are just some of the terms used to describe a good “G and T.” Adding a slight twist to the classic recipe, the Elderflower G and T blends the sweet bouquet of Elderflower with the sharp bite of Juniper berries.Â
Garnished with lime and enjoyed with plenty of crushed ice in a highball glass, this is the perfect antidote to the scorching heat of the open sea.
Ingredients:
- Gin
- Elderflower liqueur
- Lime wedge
- Tonic water
3. Blue Gin Delight
The tropical brother of Tom Collins, the Blue Gin Delight is crisp, refreshing, and extra fruity. With generous amounts of Sprite, gin, and blue curacao, this drink brings you the taste of summer in a highball glass.
If vodka isn’t for you, the Blue Gin Delight perfectly accompanies your poolside escapades.
Ingredients:
- Blue Curacao
- Old Tom Gin
- Lemon juice
- Sprite or 7-Up
- Cocktail cherry
- Lemon slice
4. Blue Hawaiian
Another blue-colored concoction, the Blue Hawaiian, is a fun holiday version of the Long Island Tea. Where the Long Island Tea would leave you with little-to-no recollection of the night’s events, the Blue Hawaiian wants to spend a day with you by the pool.
Served with rum, blue curacao, and an assortment of fruit juices, the Blue Hawaiian is best enjoyed frozen or with generous amounts of crushed ice.
Ingredients:
- White Rum
- Vodka
- Blue Curacao
- Pineapple juice
- Coconut milk
5. The Singapore Sling
Back in the colonial era, wives of British plantation managers would congregate at the Raffles Hotel, where they would indulge in a truly wondrous concoction. Mixed with fresh pineapple juice from Sarawak, gin, Cointreau, and grenadine, amongst others, the Singapore Sling is a deceptively smooth drink.
Boozy and fruity in equal measures, relive a different time with a cold Singapore Sling at your side as you lounge by the pool.
Ingredients:
- Gin
- Cherry brandy
- Cointreau
- DOM Benedictine
- Grenadine
- Pineapple juice
- Fresh lime juice
- Angostura bitters
6. Bikini Martini
Despite its namesake, the Bikini Martini is anything but a martini. Served in a martini glass, this delicious tropical cocktail is made with rum, vodka, and pineapple juice. Refreshing and fruity, this drink packs quite a punch, so sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride.
Ingredients:
- Coconut Rum
- Pineapple juice
- Vodka
- Grenadine
- Maraschino cherries
What is your favorite cruise drink?
