This story originally appeared in the Elite Traveler Luxury Escapes Edition 2017/2018.
Whether lazing on the beach listening to lapping waves or tucked away by the fireplace, the right cocktail can turn a great moment into a perfect one. When the flavors evoke the destination itself and the mixologist uses local ingredients, it adds to the sense of place and creates a lasting memory.
Adare Manor, Ireland
Limerick Bijou
Is there a more regal way to enjoy a whiskey cocktail than inside a historic stone castle? Encircled by lush gardens, the newly reopened Adare Manor sits on sprawling 840 acres in Limerick,where the grass really is greener. The hotel’s refreshing signature cocktail features Redbreast 12 Year Old as well as vermouth, green chartreuse and lavender bitters to balance out the sweetness in the single pot still Irish whiskey. Cozy up in a sumptuous tufted chair with a Limerick Bijou at the medieval estate after a day spent horseback riding in Ireland’s Golden Vale or practicing your aim with an on-site archery lesson. In the cellar, the Tack Room is an ideal hideaway for toasting sláinte while a live band plays favorite Irish tunes.
Sugar Beach, A Viceroy Resort, St Lucia
Traditional Rum Punch
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Just the words ‘rum punch’ conjure an image of sun, sand and sparkling ocean. The fruity cocktail is meant to be sipped in a breezy tropical setting, which Viceroy at Sugar Beach embodies to a T. Beautifully designed to reflect its heritage as a former sugar plantation, the resort is set on a white-sand beach next to the warm waters of the Caribbean Sea. Relax in a beachside lounger with a traditional rum punch in hand (mixed from fresh orange and pineapple juices and local St Lucia Distillers rum) and look out over the Unesco-listed Pitons. Then, become even more spirit-savvy with a guided tasting by the house ‘rummelier’ at the Cane Bar.
Mandapa, A Ritz-Carlton Reserve, Bali
Wedang by Oka
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Beside the Ayung River in Ubud, the stunning sanctuary that is Mandapa is deeply rooted in Balinese culture. Its dedication to the island’s ancient traditions extends to the cocktail program, which centers on arak sandhikala, the practice of gathering friends to share the native anise-flavored spirit arak. Days are spent in a state of zen, from peaceful yoga to holistic spa treatments, but at sunset, The Library bar invites guests to its own Mandapa Arak Sandhikala, featuring special arak cocktails infused with local herbs. Wedang by Oka affords a delicious break from the wellness focus, infused with chocolate, coconut and coffee. Indulge with the dessert drink before tomorrow’s early-morning hike up Mount Batur.
One&Only Palmilla, Mexico
Avocado Margarita
Margaritas and Mexico. The tequila cocktail is synonymous with the country, and at One&Only Palmilla in Los Cabos it has been perfected with the addition of fresh avocado.With a basil garnish from the resort’s herb garden, the avocado margarita complements authentic Mexican farm-to-table cuisine served alfresco at Agua by Larbi. End the evening with a mixologist-led tequila tasting, but not before taking advantage of the resort’s prime location on the Baja Peninsula—facing the Sea of Cortez, the property boasts one of the few swimmable beaches in the region. Reserve a cabana in one of the private beach coves and leave the margaritas to your personal butler as you lounge in a floating bed above the sand.
