The warmth of the sun and the quietly lapping sea just invite you to enjoy a cocktail while on your cruise. And with the adventure of your travels, why not treat your tastebuds to something new too? Most cruise ship bars will happily shake up a pina colada, margarita or mojito for you. However, with cruise ships mirroring today’s trends seen on land, you’re likely to find a craft cocktail bar on board that will offer you something that bit different to try. Think fresh fruits, new herbs, spices or liqueurs, all perfectly balanced for a wonderfully inviting drink. Here are ten of our favourites to whet your appetite.
1 – Purple Sunset
Take a step away from your traditional tequila sunrise with this Bacardi-based fruity cocktail. The purple comes from a hint of lavender syrup, and with a splash of sparkling wine for some bubbles, it’s a delightful twist from the norm.
Order at Alchemy Bar, Carnival Cruises
2 – Goombay Smash
Inspired by the Bahamas, this coconut and spiced rum cocktail is deliciously sweetened with a dash of orange and pineapple juice.
Order at all Royal Caribbean bars
3 – Pomegranate Cosmo
If Cosmos are your go-to drink, you’ll love the fruity twist on this one, which adds pomegranate to the usual ingredients of vodka, Cointreau, lime and cranberry juice.
Order at the Promenade Lounge, Beat Street and Route 66 bars, Disney Cruise Lines
4 – Jalapeno Cucumber Mojito
Add a little kick to your traditional mojito with this cocktail. It uses Zacapa Ambar rum, fresh jalapeno, lime, and cucumber juice with a spritz of club soda.
Order at the Sugarcane Mojito Bar, Norwegian Cruise Lines
5 – Shaman
With a smoky finish, the flavour of this rum-based cocktail with apricot liqueur, dry vermouth and dried sage is quite unique. It may not be for everyone, but it’s certainly worth a try for something a bit out of the ordinary.
Order at Eden, Celebrity Cruises
6 – Ultimate Cooler
This cocktail is perfect for enjoying from a sun lounger on deck. Its refreshing ingredients include vodka, watermelon syrup, passion fruit puree and cranberry juice.
Order at most Princess Cruises bars
7 – Kentucky Summer
On the ‘Strong and Spirited’ section of the menu, this cocktail lives up to its category, combining bourbon, St-Germain liqueur, mango, lime juice and mint.
Order at all Royal Caribbean bars
8 – B.B.C.
Frozen cocktails hit the spot just perfectly when at sea. For a bit of luxury, try this one containing Baileys Irish Cream, Bacardi, coconut cream, pineapple juice and fresh banana.
Order at the pool bar, MSC cruises
Mocktails
Not everyone enjoys alcohol, especially in the heat of the day, so to complete our list, here are our two favourite mocktails.
9 – Lime & Coconut
The signature drink of this bar, this delicious mocktail is a creamy yet fruity drink, served over ice, made up of coconut milk and syrup, Monin guava syrup, and lime juice.
Order at The Lime & Coconut bar, Royal Caribbean Cruises.
10 – Mango Mule
Fruity and refreshing, this mocktail combines mango puree, honey, lime, cucumber and ginger ale, getting the taste buds tingling at any time of day.
Cruise ships today have got very inventive in their drink-making, often with an extensive list of cocktails for you to choose from. Whether you’re looking for fruity or frozen, creative or classic, they’ll be something to enjoy as you sit back and enjoy the spectacular cruise ship views.
