Destination-Inspired Cocktails to Craft at Home

Crafting Destination-Inspired Cocktails at Home

Spring is right around the corner and March 24th is your official invitation to celebrate the art of mixology with National Cocktail Day! Whether your favorite libation stirs up memories of past adventures, sets the tone for your next getaway, or simply adds a little sparkle to your day, this annual toast to cocktails is all about indulgence. While sipping these creations at a luxurious resort may or may not be on your travel schedule this spring — you don’t need a boarding pass to enjoy them. We’ve curated recipes for three destination-inspired cocktails you can craft at home—bringing the essence of travel straight to your glass. Cheers!

Rum Revival in Key West

In Key West, where rum flows as freely as the salty ocean breeze, Southernmost Beach Resort’s Food & Beverage Director, Justin Simpson, has noticed a growing shift toward this versatile spirit.

“While bourbon has been popular for a long time, many guests we see are changing their tastes to rum,” he shares. “Key West is known for the Rum Runner, but we’re seeing non-frozen daiquiris and simple rum cocktails like the Hemingway making a resurgence.”

For a true taste of island paradise, try their signature Key West Rum Runner at home:

Key West Rum Runner Recipe

Ingredients:
- 1 oz Cruzan Rum
- 1 oz Captain Morgan Rum
- 1 oz blackberry liqueur
- 1 oz banana liqueur
- 2 oz pineapple juice
- 2 oz orange juice
- ½ oz grenadine
- ½ oz Bacardi Black Rum (float)
- Garnish: Citrus slice and cherry
Directions:
1. Combine Cruzan Rum, Captain Morgan Rum, blackberry liqueur, banana liqueur, pineapple juice, orange juice, and grenadine in a shaker filled with ice.
2. Shake well and strain into a hurricane or tall glass filled with ice.
3. Float Bacardi Black Rum on top by pouring it over the back of a spoon.
4. Garnish with a citrus slice and cherry.

Mindful Indulgence in the Bahamas

For those who appreciate lighter, low-alcohol options, the Classic Aperol Spritz is a favorite at Caerula Mar Club in the Bahamas. Stephanie Hinzie, Senior Food & Beverage Supervisor, explains the appeal:

“We see many guests who want to drink less and drink well when they visit, especially at properties known for luxury and wellness,” she says. “Hotel bars that source local, organic ingredients, like Caerula Mar, offer guests cocktails with fewer additives and healthier options, making them easier to pair and enjoy with our ever-changing menu.”

Create your own Classic & Simple Aperol Spritz with this effortless recipe:

Aperol Spritz Recipe

Ingredients:
- 3 oz Prosecco
- 2 oz Aperol
- 1 oz soda water
- Garnish: Orange slice
Directions:
1. Fill a large wine glass with ice.
2. Add Prosecco, then Aperol, and top with soda water.
3. Stir gently and garnish with an orange slice.

Tropical Escapes in Cancun

For an exotic twist, tropical fruits and bold flavors dominate cocktail menus for 2025. Guillermo Canto, Director of Operations at JW Marriott Cancun Resort & Spa, explains, “These flavors make guests feel like they can take their taste buds around the world. Jalapeño, mango, coconut, hibiscus, watermelon—these are staples that evoke a sunny escape for both our guests at the bar and those who want to take home a sip of paradise.”

One standout is their Tropical Kiwi-Rita, an imaginative take on a classic margarita:

Tropical Kiwi-Rita Recipe

Ingredients:
- 1 ripe kiwi, peeled and diced
- 1½ oz Cointreau
- 1 oz fresh lemon juice
- ½ oz simple syrup
- ½ oz Grand Marnier (float)
- Garnish: Kiwi slice and coarse salt or sugar for the rim
Directions:
1. Muddle the diced kiwi in a shaker until thoroughly mashed.
2. Add Cointreau, lemon juice, and simple syrup, then fill with ice.
3. Shake vigorously and strain into a rocks glass with fresh ice, optionally rimmed with coarse salt or sugar.
4. Float Grand Marnier on top by pouring it over the back of a spoon.
5. Garnish with a kiwi slice.