Explore the world through its most famous cocktails
One of the best ways to learn about the culture and history of a place is to try the local food. We recommend going on a food tour with a local guide like we did in Budapest, Prague, Chicago, and Washington D.C. However, it is not always about local food. We also love trying local drinks, including cocktails, wines, and beers.
I love recreating the cocktails when we get home as it helps me remember our amazing experiences. Below are some of our favorite cocktails that we recreate at home.
Mexico: Margarita
Margaritas are a common drink in Texas but they originated in Mexico. They are traditionally made with tequila, lime juice, and Cointreau or triple sec. They are perfect for drinking with Mexican or Tex-Mex food, or just enjoying on the beach. We had these Margaritas at Esperanza in Los Cabos, Mexico.
Hawaii: Mai Tai
The Mai Tai was actually first made in Oakland, California but this tropical drink is now associated with tiki culture (south Pacific region). We had this Mai Tai in the iconic restaurant House Without a Key in Waikiki. The cocktail consists of orgeat syrup, orange curacao, rock candy syrup, fresh lime juice, gold rum, rum, and lemon hart rum.
Puerto Rico: Pina Colada
The Pina Colada was created in 1954 at the Caribe Hilton in San Juan. This is my husband’s favorite beach drink. It consists of rum, coconut cream, and pineapple. We are enjoying this delicious, cold, frothy drink on the beach at Park Hyatt St. Kitts.
Spain: Sangria
Sangria consists of wine, seasonal fruits, and a splash of brandy. It dates back to the middle ages. We enjoyed sangria on our trip to Barcelona. Unfortunately, I didn’t take a photo, so the photo below is from our local tapas restaurant, which always reminds us of our trip.
Cuba: Mojito
Mojitos originated from Havana, Cuba. It was said to be Ernest Hemingway’s favorite drink while staying in Cuba during Prohibition. We tried a mojito at the famous La Bodeguita del Medio. The cocktail consists of rum, fresh mint, sugar, lime juice, and soda water.
England: Gin & Tonic
The Gin & Tonic was created by the British in India. Quinine was a traditional cure for malaria, so the British military officers used to drink quinine in tonic water. However, they didn’t like the taste so they mixed it with gin and sometimes lime juice. I am from England, so it is a good reminder of my home country. Also, it is my husband’s go-to drink.
Caribbean Islands: Rum cocktails
Rum is made by fermenting and distilling sugarcane molasses. It is primarily produced in the Caribbean. There are many fruity rum cocktails in the Caribbean such as the Cruzan Confusion in St. Croix, Painkiller in St. John’s, Bushwacker in St. Thomas, Killer Bees in Nevis, Bahama Mama, and on any island, rum punch.
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