The best beach cocktails

 

Mohito, Cuba

White rum, sugar, lime juice, sparkling water and mint are combined to make this refreshing highball drink. This beverage was a favorite drink of Ernest Hemmingway; sample one in his local in Havana, La Bodeguita del Medio.

Caipirinha, Brazil

Made with sugar, lime, and cachaça (a spirit fermented from sugarcane juice), and lots of crushed ice. Be warned, the sour bitters of the crushed whole limes, followed by the delicious sedimented layer of sugar left at the bottom, as you suck the last remains from the bottom you cannot quite believe how easily it slipped down and which as a result has you dancing in the street parties of Lapa in Rio de Janeiro all night long! For a more cilled out experience, test out your own recipe in the privacy of the beautiful colonial house Casarao Amarelo, located in the historical centre of Paraty.

Mai-Tai, Polynesia

The name of this cocktail of rum, orange curaçao, orgeat syrup (made from almonds), and lime was accidentally coined by a Tahitian guest who remarked upon tasting the drink at a lounge in California, in 1944, “maita'i ro'a 'ae,” meaning “out of this world.” Hence the name mai-tai, or so the story goes. The Four Seasons Resort at Bora Bora, boasts a stunning sun set bar, a perfectly sleek setting to enjoy this drink.

Red Stripe Beer, Jamaica

Red Stripe has clung onto its Jamaican roots enforcing the ‘no worries’ vibe of this country - it is there to be enjoyed. Therefore, it is appreciated at its best, whilst chilling out, in great company on the beach, with the beats of reggae pulsing through the warm air and the sizzling smells of jerk chicken working up your appetite. Enjoy this chilled out vibe in the relaxed and funky coastal boutiques of The Caves and Jakes. ‘Irie’.

Margarita, Mexico

There are many stories concerning the origin of this drink, was it a Texas socialite in Acapulco who was looking for something to refresh her party guests on a hot afternoon or a bartender in Tijuana hoping to impress Rita Hayworth with a drink in her honor? Putting this confusion aside, Margaritas in Mexico are one of a kind. They are made with Mexican limes giving a more tart and an often bitter flavor. This sleek and stylish drink has become synonymous with Mexico. Las Alamadas or the artistic and stylist retreat of La Casa Canta are wonderful settings to enjoy this drink.

Limoncello, Southern Italy

Farmers soaked the peels of lemons in grain alcohol and added sugar to invent this delicious sweet-tart digestive. This liquor is fast becoming a popular base for a refreshing cocktail; try it topped up with ice, soda and a slice of lemon. It is enjoyed at its best, while taking in the stunning seaside vistas of the Amalfi Coast in the luxury boutiques of Ceaser Augustus Hotel or Hotel Caruso.

Rosé, Côte d'Azur, France

A glass of chilled dry rosé is the ideal beachside quaff in the seaside cafés of France’s Côte d'Azur, alongside fish soup and langoustines. Base yourself in the beautiful spa hotel of Le Mas Candille near Cannes, or in the heart of Monaco at The Hotel Metropole, and take your day trips to the coast from here.

Gin and Tonic, India

This cocktail was introduced by the army of British East India Company in India. The tonic was introduced to the gin to prevent malaria due to its high content of quinine. However the bitters of the tonic were offset by the gin which took the fancy of the Brits. This is a refreshing, long, cool drink and is appreciated at its best in India’s hot climate. With the palms swaying in the cool breeze coming off the Keralan coast, the Neeleshwar Hermitage hotel, located in a quiet, unspoilt corner of Northern Kerala, provides an ideal setting.

Pisco Sour, Peru

If you've never had this drink you can't imagine how refreshing yet deceptively potent it is, containing Pisco, lemon or lime juice, egg whites, syrup and bitters. Pisco is a clear brandy or spirit made from grapes; it dates back to the 16 century when the Spaniards brought the grape to the Peruvian region from Europe. Since the King of Spain banned wine in the 17th century, the locals, not wanting to go thirsty, created a different kind of alcohol from the grape – and thus Pisco was born. Try this cocktail in the bustle of colonial Lima on the Desert Coast.