Oh how we love escaping from city life to hit a hot spot far away and oh how we love even more finding spots that offer the best signature cocktails in the world. Seriously now. There’s nothing like a vacay with a cool, tall one in your hand, yes? From the famous kick of rum and coconut in the Pina Colada of Puerto Rico, to the uber-chic Manhattan in New York City to the pink-hued Singapore Sling, the wonderful news is that there are cocktails out there to tickle every taste bud.
So why not explore destinations around the world with the most iconic cocktails and we are here to help you find where to go to try them all. Below, we take you to intimate al fresco dining settings and skyscrapers with luxurious rooftop bars, lively beachfront inns, and every other fab place to sweeten and spice your vacay.
7 SIGNATURE COCKTAILS TO TRY IN 7 FABULOUS DESTINATIONS
The Dark ‘n’ Stormy – Bermuda
What to drink: Dreaming of powder-soft and pink-hued sands, cerulean waters and a laid back island lifestyle? Then look no further than the secret hideaway of Bermuda and sample the island’s signature cocktail The Dark ‘N’ Stormy.
What it’s made of: This cocktail is mixed with dark rum and ginger beer, served over ice and garnished with a slice of lime, although no true Bermudian would ever add lime juice to their Dark ‘n’ Stormy! The cocktail was first mixed over a hundred years ago when members of Bermuda’s Royal Naval Officer’s Club added a splash of the local dark rum to their spicy homemade ginger beer.
Where to stay: The luxurious Hamilton Princess & Beach Club A Fairmont Managed Hotel is perfectly situated overlooking the beautiful Hamilton Harbour with views of floating sun loungers and four first-class dining restaurants – ideal for searching for your favourite bar serving the famed Dark ‘N’ Stormy cocktail.
Caipirinha – Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
What to drink: If you’re looking for a fun-fuelled getaway then Rio will not disappoint. From its eccentric Carnival festivities, to the famous Copacabana Beach and the array of lively bars, there’s ample opportunity to enjoy a cocktail (or two)!
What it’s made of: Travellers to Rio must try the nation’s famous Caipirinha cocktail, made with sugarcane hard liquor and lime.
Where to stay: Situated on the iconic Copacabana beach, the Arena Copacabana Hotel boasts an unrivalled location. Guests can sip Brazil’s signature cocktail at the by the rooftop pool, along the beach or at one of the indoor bars.
Pina Colada – San Juan, Puerto Rico
What to drink: Travellers to San Juan will love the contrasting settings from the lively Isla Verde strip known for its bars, nightclubs and casinos, to the cobblestoned Old San Juan full of Spanish colonial buildings.
What it’s made of: Sample the country’s signature cocktail Pina Colada and cool down with this sweet drink made with rum, coconut milk and pineapple.
Where to stay: Settle in for an unforgettable stay at the chic 21st century La Concha Renaissance San Juan Resort, just a short stroll away from the gorgeous sandy beach of Condado and boasting an outdoor infinity pool. Enjoy a Pina Colada or another refreshing cocktail of your choice from the poolside bar in the hot-tub or relaxing on your lounge bed at the sundeck.
Manhattan – New York City, United States
What to drink: Revel in the hustle and bustle of New York City and travel to the big apple for the ultimate dining and shopping experiences, where the night is always young. Travellers to the city that never sleeps must sample the iconic Manhattan cocktail.
What it’s made of: Made with whiskey, sweet vermouth and bitters this elegant cocktail packs a kick. Be sure to check out the swanky Please Don’t Tell cocktail bar, where customers enter through a phone booth and sip novel cocktails in the dark.
Where to stay: The chic AKA Times Square apartments are located within just a block from the iconic neon lights of Times Square and the apartments feature fully-equipped kitchens and separate living rooms – so you can mix up an inconic Manhattan yourself or enjoy one at a nearby bar only a stroll away.
Negroni – Florence, Italy
What to drink: Italy’s signature cocktail the Negroni is made from gin, vermouth rosso, Campari and garnished with an orange peel. Legend has it, the first Negroni was mixed in 1919 at the Cafe Casoni in Florence. Count Camillo Negroni ordered the bartender to strengthen his drink, and after the success of the cocktail the Negroni family founded the Negroni Distillery in Treviso.
Where to stay: The charming country house of Marignolle Relais & Charme – Residenza d’Epoca offers an outdoor swimming pool overlooking the luscious rolling hillsides, picturesque rooms and a short drive from the historic centre of Florence. Wake up to daily fresh breakfasts in the sunny gazebo by the swimming pool surrounded by deck chairs and parasols.
Black Russian – Brussels, Belgium
What to drink: From the high fashion scene of Antwerp to the romantic fairy-tale like town of Bruges and bustling capital of Europe Brussels, there really is something for all types of travellers in Belgium. Invented by a Belgian barman in 1949, the Black Russian is a must-try.
What it’s made of: The refreshing drink packs a punch – it’s made with a mixture of vodka and coffee liqueur. Sip the signature cocktail in a range of settings from the little gem of Le Trappiste in Bruges – set in a 13th century cellar and offering over 100 beers and tasting sessions – to the modern Life is Beautiful cocktail bar.
Where to stay: The legend is that bartender Gustave Tops mixed the first Black Russian cocktail in 1949 for socialite Perle Mesta while working at the Hotel Metropole. Relax in luxury during your stay at this grand art deco hotel dating back from 1895 and perfectly set in the historical centre of Brussels. Enjoy the signature drink at Bar le 31, and then move on to the Café Metropole to enjoy a premium brasserie-style cuisine in Brussels typical tradition.
Singapore Sling – Bukit Batok, Singapore
What to drink: Explore Singapore’s vibrant culture, soak up the natural beauty and be in awe of the country’s alternating worlds, from ancient temples, to the rows of skyscrapers, luxury penthouses to jungle tree-houses. But of course make sure you sample the nations claim to mixology fame – the Singapore Sling.
What it’s made of: This gin based cocktail contains Cointreau, Dom Benedictine, Grenadine, lime, pineapple juice and cherry brandy; which gives it the famous pink hue. Sip this iconic cocktail at the Long Bar in Raffles Hotel, which is rumoured to be where the first Singapore Sling was mixed in 1915, as an alternative to straight gin for ladies.
Where to stay: Housed in a beautifully restored colonial building, the iconic Raffles Hotel provides a relaxing getaway in the heart of the city. This luxurious hotel boasts an array of fine-dining options with an impressive fourteen restaurants and even a shopping arcade. Sample a fusion of cuisines at the Raffles hotel from French, Western, Asian and Chinese and try the legendary Singapore Sling at the hotel’s Long Bar.
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