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Cruise drinks as just as important as the drinks in any restaurant. They add value and can elevate the customer experience like nothing else. That’s why building an excellent beverage program, and keeping the beverage inventory in check, is crucial for any business in the hospitality industry.
If you are responsible for planning the cruise cocktails and mocktails, as well as cruise ship wine for a certain cruise line, you have a lot of work to do. There are many great cocktails and non-alcoholic drinks that you need to consider before making the final decision on all the cruise beverages.
To make the curation process easier for you, we’ve decided to list cruise mocktails and cocktails passengers will love. We will discuss the importance of signature cocktails, too. Let’s get right into it!
Classic Cocktails to Drink on a Cruise Ship
Creating a memorable experience for customers doesn’t always require serving drinks they’ve never heard of. Lots of people know and love specific cocktail drinks and will be happy to see them on the menu. For example, prosecco cocktails with your delicious brunch menu. If they buy an all-inclusive drinks package, they will want to have some of the popular cocktail options and basic bar drinks, too.
For this part of your customer base, make sure the cruise beverage inventory is on point and that the bartenders can make a killer Margarita or any of the other tasty drinks you will see below!
Key Takeaway: There’s a list of true classics you need to add to your cruise cocktails and mocktails list. However, creating unique drinks is always a good idea if you want to please customers.
Piña Colada
The Piña Colada is an all-time favorite cocktail for anyone looking for a refreshing drink with a tropical feel. This true classic should always be made with high-quality rum, coconut cream, and pineapple juice. You can play around with the garnish, but a wedge of a nice fresh pineapple would do great, too.
Margarita
Another true classic, loved by many is the Margarita. Research the best tequila for Margaritas when stocking up on base liquor. Other than that, you need triple sec, lime juice, and simple syrup. A salty rim is the way to finish this cocktail so if you want to make it look unique, choose to serve it in beautiful glassware.
Mojito
There are many great rum drinks and Mojito is one of them. White rum, fresh mint, simple syrup, as well as lime juice, and soda water, are the ingredients you need to make it. It will surely be one of the best cruise cocktails you can serve around the pool.
Mai Tai
For this cocktail, you will need dark rum, orange curaçao, orgeat syrup, as well as lime juice. Garnish with a cherry and a slice of lime or experiment with something unique. Again, don’t forget how much glassware can change the look of the drink and choose something unique and stylish.
Martini
The Martini is a timeless classic that’s considered one of the most well-loved cocktails worldwide. The Martini recipe can be made with gin or can be a vodka cocktail. Either way, the base alcohol is mixed with dry vermouth. It can be made according to customer preferences but always garnish with an olive or a twist of lemon. This sophisticated drink's simple ingredients and style are making it so irresistible.
Strawberry Daiquiri
Probably one of the most refreshing cruise cocktails you can have while chilling in the sun is a Strawberry Daiquiri. This icy cocktail is a mix of rum, strawberries, simple syrup, and lime juice.
Cosmopolitan
The classic Cosmopolitan recipe became very popular thanks to the TV series “Sex and the City.” Now, (mostly) women from all over the world enjoy the drink with their dinner or on its own. It’s made of vodka, triple sec, cranberry, and lime juice.
Long Island Iced Tea
Be ready for people to order a lot of Long Island Iced Teas when vacationing on your cruise ship! This refreshing, yet alcohol-intense drink includes vodka, rum, tequila, gin, triple sec, simple syrup, and cola.
Old Fashioned
A cocktail that will never go out of style you need to any type of menu is Old Fashioned. It’s a delicious combination of bourbon, bitters, sugar, and an orange twist.
Blue Lagoon
This vibrant blue cocktail is a great cruise cocktail drink to have while enjoying the sea views. It combined vodka, blue curaçao, and lemonade.
Great Mocktails to Serve on Your Cruise Ship
There are many great drinks people who can’t or don’t want to drink alcohol can enjoy. From non-alcoholic wines and non-alcoholic beers to infused waters, matcha drinks, specialty coffee, etc. However, there’s something special about drinking beautiful and delicious mocktails. Especially on a luxurious cruise ship vacation!
Let’s see which popular recipes you should consider making part of your cruise mocktails menu!
Virgin Piña Colada
A non-alcoholic version of the Piña Colada will be a hit with nondrinkers. It’s such a creamy and tropical treat, made with just coconut cream, pineapple juice and crushed ice.
Virgin Mojito
It’s a mocktail with soda water, muddled fresh mint leaves, simple syrup, and of course, lime juice. The perfect way to stay cool around the pool!
Virgin Bloody Mary
The alcohol-free version of the popular cocktail Bloody Mary is made with tomato and lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, and spices. It’s great combined with different dishes.
Shirley Temple
A mocktail that has become a try classic! It’s made with ginger ale or lemon-lime soda, and grenadine, and garnished with a maraschino cherry.
Virgin Daiquiri
There are many Daiquiri recipes and they are all worth a try. For a non-alcoholic version, choose a fruit to blend with simple syrup, lime juice, and crushed ice and it’s good to go - tasty and refreshing!
Mango Tango
Another great tropical mocktail that features mango puree, orange juice, and a splash of lime or lemon juice. It’s a sweet no-alcohol drink that many people will love!
Cucumber Cooler
This is a unique, yet really refreshing option to try - cucumber slices with fresh mint, mixed with lime juice and soda water. It’s not sweet as some of the other options we’ve mentioned but it’s refreshing and makes for great drink and food pairings.
Virgin Margarita
A very simple, yet refreshing option to serve is a Virgin Margarita. It’s made with lime juice and simple syrup, of course, served with a salted rim.
Tropical Sunrise
A vibrant and fruity mocktail to serve is also Tropical Sunrise. It’s made with orange juice, as well as pineapple juice and grenadine.
Make Your Own Special Cruise Cocktails and Mocktails
Don’t limit yourself to the lists we’ve shared and other popular drinks. Experiment with different ingredients to create unique cocktails and mocktails for your cruise ship. Mixologists or cocktail experts can make special offers just for your menu.
Include vegan drinks like cocktails and coffee beverages with plant-based milk instead of regular cow’s milk. Gluten-free beverages are also great to have for all the people experiencing intolerance, allergies, or struggling with celiac disease.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cruise Cocktails and Mocktails
Want to know more? Let’s see what people commonly ask about cruise cocktails and mocktails and the answer they are looking for!
Are Cocktails and Mocktails Included in the Cruise Fare?
Cruise cocktails and mocktails are usually not included in the cruise fare. Some cruise lines, however, can include some non-alcoholic drinks in their fare.
Can I Bring My Own Ingredients to Make Cocktails?
Cruise lines discourage passengers from bringing their own drinks on board. They have a lot of cruise bars and lounges, as well as restaurants where you can order any cruise cocktails or mocktails you want, including some options for a gin and tonic recipe.
Can I Have a Customized Drink Made on a Cruise Ship?
The experienced bartenders on a cruise ship can create any cocktail or mocktail you would like. Make sure to ask them or explain which ingredients you want them to mix for you.