TORONTO — Let’s not kid ourselves, one of the best parts of an all-inclusive vacation is the drinks.
From margaritas and mojitos to daiquiris and mai tais, the open-bar concept at all-inclusive resorts is simply too hard to resist. And for some reason, whether it’s the laidback vibe of a resort or the sweetness of local ingredients, a cold, refreshing drink always seems to taste better while on vacation.
But now there’s an easy way for you to recreate your vacay memories at home – all you need is some ice, a few ingredients and a shaker.
In celebration of National Cocktail Day (March 24), Allegro Hotels, Barceló Hotels & Resorts, Occidental Hotels & Resorts, Resorts World Bimini and Royal Hideaway Playacar have all released the recipes of some of their best tropical cocktails. Although they won’t be served poolside by a charming butler or handed to you across a swim-up bar, these tasty concoctions will be the highlight of any party and transport you and your guests back to sunnier times.
ALLEGRO COZUMEL: Cucumber & Jalapeño Martini
Ingredients:
- 1 Cucumber (cut into ¼-inch rounds)
- ¼ Jalapeño Pepper
- .5 oz Simple Syrup
- .5 oz Lime Juice
- 2.25 oz Vodka
- Ice
Instructions:
In a cocktail shaker, add 3 cucumber slices, the jalapeño pepper and simple syrup. Using a muddler, gently crush the cucumber mixture. Fill shaker with ice and add vodka. Strain and pour into a martini glass. Garnish with cucumber slice and serve.
BARCELO BAVARO GRAND RESORT: Sex on Bávaro Beach
Ingredients:
- 1.5 oz Vodka
- 1.7 oz Peach Schnapps
- 1.5 oz Cranberry Juice
- 1.5 oz Orange Juice
- Ice Cubes
- Lemon Slices
Instructions:
Pour the peach schnapps and vodka into the highball glass, followed by the cranberry and ice. Top the cocktail with orange juice.
OCCIDENTAL COZUMEL: Kiss Me Quick
Ingredients:
- 12oz Fresh Raspberries
- 4oz Absolut Raspberry vodka
- 8oz Pineapple Juice
- 1 Cup Granulated Sugar
- 1oz Grenadine
Instructions:
Rim a martini glass with sugar and grenadine. Muddle raspberries and mix in shaker with the rest of ingredients. Pour into the martini glass and serve.
ROYAL HIDEAWAY PLAYACAR: Royal Cucumber Martini
Ingredients:
- 1.5 oz of Bombay Sapphire Gin
- 1.5 oz Fresh Cucumber
- .25 oz of Fresh Lime Juice
- 1 tablespoon of brown sugar
- Ice
Instructions:
Grab a cocktail shaker and fill it with the fresh cucumber, lime juice and brown sugar. Shake well and add the gin and the ice before serving it in a martini glass. Garnish with a shaved cucumber.
RESORTS WORLD WIMINI: Caribbean Queen Daiquiri
Ingredients:
- 3.5 oz ice cubes
- 1 oz sugar syrup 2:1
- 4 oz sour mix
- 3 oz Island Oasis strawberry mix
- 1 oz pomegranate liqueur
1 oz Margaritaville (silver) Tequila
Instructions:
Combine all ingredients into a Boston tin cup. Add fresh ice, pour into a blending cup and mix until smooth. Por mix into a serving glass and
top off with Margaritaville Tequila. Garnish with a fresh slice of tropical fruit or a lime wheel.