It’s summertime, which usually means beach cocktails, long weekends at the lake, and even excursions to tropical destinations abroad. Unfortunately, summer travel plans—including tropical fun—seem to be on hold this summer with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Many Americans are choosing to partake in simpler, at-home vacations instead of heading to the surf and sand and dealing with the travel restrictions and quarantines that are sometimes required upon return.
No Beach Vacation Doesn’t Have to Mean No Tropical Drinks
One of the aspects of a beach getaway many of us will miss the most are the exotic, tropical drinks so often found at vacation destinations. Fortunately, they’re also one of the easiest parts of your vacation to recreate right here at home. Check out our list of beach cocktails from some of the most popular tropical destinations and corresponding recipes you can enjoy in your backyard.
Blue Hawaiian
This classic Tiki beach drink from one of the only domestic tropical locations is a must-have for any backyard luau. You’ll need:
- 1 1⁄2 ounces vodka of your choice
- 3⁄4 ounce blue Curaçao
- 2 ounces pineapple juice
- 1⁄2 ounce fresh lime juice
- 1⁄2 ounce simple syrup
- Splash of half-and-half
- Pineapple for garnish
Combine all ingredients except pineapple into a cocktail shaker and shake with ice—strain into a tall glass of crushed ice and top with pineapple.
Bahama Mama
As you’d expect, this tropical drink hails from the Bahamas. This fruity drink is best blended, but some swear by serving it over crushed ice instead. Round up these ingredients:
- 1/2 ounce coconut rum
- 1 ounce pineapple juice
- 1/2 ounce cherry grenadine
- 1/2 ounce white rum
- 1 ounce orange juice
Pour all ingredients into a blender, along with 1 cup crushed ice. Blend until smooth, and serve in a tall glass.
Mojito
Originating in Cuba and the Florida Keys, depending on which type of lime you prefer, this citrusy, minty drink is a refreshing twist on tropical. Gather up these essentials:
- 1 1/2 ounces white rum
- 1/2 ounce fresh key lime or traditional lime juice
- 1/2 ounce simple syrup
- 2 1/2 ounces club soda
- 8 mint leaves
Muddle mint leaves in a shaker, then add 2/3 cup of ice. Shake vigorously before adding club soda and pouring into a tall glass. Garnish with a mint sprig.
Michelada
This classic Mexican drink is a great sipper inside in the AC or the backyard by the pool. You’ll need:
- Mexican lager beer, like Modelo or Tecate
- Clamato juice
- 3 splashes hot sauce, preferably Tapatio
- 2 splashes Worcestershire sauce
- Juice of one lime
- Tajín seasoning
Rub a lime around the edge of the glass and press Tajín seasoning onto the rim. Fill the glass 1/3 full with Clamato, add the hot sauce, Worcestershire, lime juice, and fill the rest with cold lager. Season with Tajín and salt as desired.
Get Your Tropic On at Payless Liquors
While there are a host of other popular tropical drinks out there—from the Sex on the Beach and the Mai Tai to the Pina Colada—we think the four listed above are a great representation of the different styles you’ll find on beaches around the world. For all the best spirits, mixers, and even a recipe suggestion or two, stop into your nearest Payless Liquors location today.
