Top 10 holiday cocktails and their origins

We all love a good cocktail whilst on holiday, the two go hand in hand like Bonnie and Clyde or roast beef and Yorkshire pudding. I’ve put together this little fun list of the best ones out there, where they hail from and how they are made: Singapore Sling, Singapore This fabulous cocktail was famously first invented at the Long Bar of the Raffles Hotel in Singapore who treasure their original recipe of gin, cherry Heering, Benedictine and fresh pineapple juice. Modern interpretations can include ingredients like Angostura bitters, lemon juice and cherry brandy topped with soda. Pina Colada, Puerto Rico Popular in Hawaii and throughout the Caribbean (thanks to high quality rum in resorts like Jamaica and Barbados) the Pina Colada actually hails from Puerto Rico. A good Pina Colada can really be made with any kind of white rum with coconut cream and pineapple juice usually served over crushed ice– making it the perfect pool or beach companion on hot days. Margerita, Mexico Mixing tequila, Cointreau and lime juice results in this bitter sharp cocktail often served in a frosted and salted glass. Served throughout the United States but believed to derive from across the border in Mexico where it is celebrated as a national treasure. Many tourists enjoy it with a token sombrero! Cosmopolitan, USA The original way to create this classic US cocktail is with lemon/citrus flavoured vodka, cranberry juice, Cointreau and lime- shaken with ice and served ice cold. Its origins however are somewhat disputed. Popular in San Francisco and New York, the cosmopolitan is often garnished with a lime wheel. Harvey Wallbanger, USA The original US cocktail is made with vodka, orange and Galliano and tastes perfect ‘on the rocks’ – it’s synonymous with New York and is rumoured to be named after a Manhattan Beach. Not to be confused with a Screwdriver which is essentially the same cocktail without the Galliano. Mojito, Cuba Best prepared with Cuban Havana Club Rum and fresh mint leaves – the original recipe of this refreshing Cuban treasure is underpinned by tangy lime juice and sparkling water, although modern versions use lemonade and in some cases, strawberry syrup and fresh strawberries. Bellini, Italy Uniquely pink in colour, the Bellini is traditionally comprised of Prosecco combined with peach puree served in a champagne flute and originates from Venice where it is still served to this day. A popular, quaffable drink often served at weddings and dinner parties. Kir Royale, France Kir is a French cocktail crafted with crème de cassis and white wine, becoming a Kir Royale when wine is substituted for champagne. Popular as a first drink at gala dinners and restaurants and named after the French mayor who pioneered the town twinning movement after the Second World War. Caipirinha, Brazil Brazil’s national cocktail is made with Cachaca which is a variation of sugar cane rum, blended with powdered sugar or honey and fresh limes and served over crushed ice. In the UK it is often served with fruit juices or blended with kiwi. Enjoy this everywhere, but especially in Rio de Janeiro. Pint of Guinness, Dublin The Irish cocktail of choice! Ok, so it’s a wild card. There’s something about tasting Guinness in Dublin that just fits. Maybe it’s the water, or the history of the Guinness family of brewers – but it just tastes better over there. A pint of the black stuff must be enjoyed in Dublin and the Guinness factory is well worth a visit even if you’re not a fan of stout. Carole Booth is Commercial Director at Destinology. If you would like to be a guest blogger on A Luxury Travel Blog in order to raise your profile, please contact us.