Celebrate World Cocktail Day with Signature Cocktails from Around the Globe

It’s 5 o’clock somewhere, right? In honor of World Cocktail Day on May 13th, we’re sharing some classic cocktails and where they originated from around the globe. With our mission to make it easier for everyone to experience the world, we have hand-picked some of the tastiest cocktails and their idyllic origins for travelers to look forward to trying, when the time is right.

The Dark ‘n Stormy – Bermuda

Dreaming of powder-soft and pink-hued sands, cerulean waters and a laid back island lifestyle? Then look no further than the secret hideaway of Bermuda and sample the island’s signature cocktail The Dark ‘N Stormy. 

Toast at home:

Dark ‘N Stormy

2 parts rum

½ part lime juice

Topped with ginger beer and garnish with lime wedge

Where to stay: The luxurious Hamilton Princess & Beach Club A Fairmont Managed Hotel is perfectly situated overlooking the beautiful Hamilton Harbour with views of floating sun loungers and four first-class dining restaurants.

Piña Colada - San Juan, Puerto Rico

Travelers to San Juan will love the contrasting settings, from the enchanting Isla Verde strip to the cobblestoned Old San Juan, full of Spanish colonial buildings. Sample the country’s signature cocktail Piña Colada and cool down with this sweet drink made with rum, coconut milk and pineapple. 

Toast at home:

Piña Colada 

2 parts rum

1.5 parts cream of coconut

1.5 parts pineapple juice

½ part lime juice

Garnish with pineapple wedge and pineapple leaf

Where to stay: Settle in for an unforgettable stay at the chic 21st century La Concha Renaissance San Juan Resort, just a short walk away from the gorgeous sandy beach of Condado and boasting an outdoor infinity pool.

Negroni – Florence, Italy

Italy’s signature cocktail, the Negroni, is made from gin, vermouth rosso, Campari and garnished with an orange peel. Legend has it that the first Negroni was mixed in Florence, Italy in 1919 at the Cafe Casoni by Count Camillo Negroni who ordered the bartender to strengthen his drink. After the success of the cocktail, the Negroni family founded the Negroni Distillery in Treviso. 

Toast at home:

Negroni

1 part gin

1 part Campari

1 part sweet vermouth

Garnish with orange peel

Where to stay: The charming country house of Marignolle Relais & Charme - Residenza d'Epoca offers an outdoor swimming pool overlooking the luscious rolling hillsides, picturesque rooms and a short drive from the historic centre of Florence.

Black Russian - Brussels, Belgium

From the high fashion scene of Antwerp to the romantic fairy-tale-like town of Bruges and the delightful capital of Brussels, there really is something for all types of travelers in Belgium. Travelers to Belgium must also try the country’s signature cocktail, the Black Russian, which was invented by a Belgian barman in 1949, with a mixture of vodka and coffee liqueur.

Toast at home:

Black Russian

2 parts vodka

1 part Kahlúa

Where to stay: The stylish and characterful Harmon House is full of modern touches and boasts a spa and wellness center, as well as an inviting bar and terrace. Popular tourist attractions such as the Horta Museum and Egmont Palace are found nearby, the perfect base to discover the city’s finest sites.

Singapore Sling - Bukit Batok, Singapore

When visiting Singapore, travelers can soak up the natural beauty and be in awe of the country’s alternating worlds - from ancient temples, to the rows of skyscrapers, luxury penthouses and jungle tree-houses. Make sure you sample the nation’s claim to mixology fame – the Singapore Sling. Sip this impressive cocktail at the Long Bar in Raffles Hotel, which is rumoured to be where the first Singapore Sling was mixed in 1915. 

Toast at home:

Singapore Sling

¾ part gin

¼ part Benedictine

¼ part Grand Marnier

¼ part Heering cherry liqueur

1 part pineapple juice

½ part lime juice

1 dash Angostura bitters

Topped with chilled club soda and garnished with an orange slice and cherry

Where to stay: Housed in a beautifully restored colonial building, the iconic Raffles Hotel provides a relaxing getaway in the heart of the city. This luxurious hotel boasts an array of fine-dining options, with an impressive fourteen restaurants and even a shopping arcade.