The world’s best beach cocktails and how to make them

There’s one thing that perfectly completes a beach holiday in the sun and that’s the cool taste of a refreshing cocktail - everything immediately feels more tropical with a class of multi-coloured liquid in your hand with a small umbrella sticking out the side. So why not have a go at creating some of your own classic beach cocktails this summer, so you can feel like you’re on a tropical holiday in the sun all summer long.

Piña Colada - When you picture of yourself lying on a sun lounger looking out across the twinkling blue sea and with a cool cocktail in your hand, you’re probably imagining something like a piña colada - complete with beach umbrella and slice of tropical pineapple. The piña colada was actually invented in Puerto Rico and is now the country’s official drink - although it has become popular throughout the Caribbean.
Recipe: 2 parts light rum, 1 part coconut cream, 1 part single cream and top up with pineapple juice.

Mojito - Synonymous with Cuba, but found now all over the world. Not long ago they were almost unheard of in the UK and now mojitos have fast become one of the most popular summer cocktails. A favourite of Ernest Hemingway and thought to have been created by the African slaves brought over to Cuba, the refreshing, zingy, minty taste is a perfect combination for a sizzling hot beach.
Recipe: 1tsp of sugar, fresh juice from ½ a lime, some mint sprigs gently crushed, 1 part white rum, crushed ice and top up with 2 parts of soda water.

Sex on the Beach - The ultimate beach cocktail - the Sex on the Beach invokes notions of a passionate beach holiday, and with its fruity mix it’s tropical too. Originating in the eternal land of sun and beaches - Florida, this cocktail dates back to the late 80s.
Recipe: 2 parts vodka, 1 part peach schnapps, 2 parts orange juice and 2 parts cranberry juice. Serve in a tall highball glass.

Rum Punch - Most beach cocktails make you think of the Caribbean and especially the islands of Barbados and Jamaica, so one beach cocktail that we definitely couldn’t leave off the list is the Rum Punch. There are many varieties of Rum Punch, from Planter’s Punch, to Bajan Rum Punch, but they all of course contain rum and a mix of fruit juices, usually orange and pineapple. There are many theories as to its origin; one is that it was created by a Jamaican planter’s wife to created it to cool down the farm workers.
Recipe: 2 parts white rum, 1 part golden rum, 1 part lime juice, sugar syrup, a dash of bitters and top up with pineapple and orange juice. Some people also add cayenne pepper or nutmeg to sprinkle on the top.

Sea Breeze - The Sea Breeze, also known as the Hawaiian Sea Breeze is a perfect revitalizing cocktail for those hot summer months, being both tangy and sweet. Originating in America in the 1920s, the Sea Breeze was originally made with gin, grenadine and apricot brandy, but when cranberry juice became popular in the 1930s this was used as a mixer instead. First it was made with gin, but later with vodka. By the 60s and 70s this was one of the most popular drinks on the cocktail menu and grapefruit juice had been added to the mix. Today, although not so popular it’s still a classic beachside drink.
Recipe: 2 parts vodka, 3 parts cranberry juice, 3 parts grapefruit juice, add crushed ice and garnish with a lime wedge. Serve in a tall glass.
 

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• barbados
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• beach holidays
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• caribbean
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• cuba
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• feature
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• florida
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• food and drink holidays
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• jamaica
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• puerto rico
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• usa