International Drink Recipes: Around the World in 8 Cocktails

Netherlands

Rose Gimlet

photo courtesy: themanual.com

Raise your hand high if you rather be gifted a trip abroad over flowers, well I’m with you but chances are not looking good this weekend. However, rather than toss aside that pretty bouquet, use the petals to garnish this Netherlands cocktail called a Rose Gimlet.

Ingredients:

Instructions:

  • Combine ingredients into a cocktail shaker then shake whatcha momma gave you (swear these are the official instructions)
  • Strain into a martini glass
  • Garnish with rose petals

Kenya

Kenyan Dawa

photo courtesy: kenyabars.com

In Swahili, the word “Dawa” means medicine, so no matter if you catch the flu, get fired, or your bf/gf cheats on you, legend has it that this African craft cocktail can heal it all.

Ingredients:

  • 2 oz. Vodka
  • 2 lime slices
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 wooden stirring stick
  • Crushed Ice

Instructions:

  • Fill a glass with vodka and ice
  • Add limes and sugar
  • Pour 2 tablespoons into the glass
  • Dip a wooden stirring stick into the honey and mix well into the drink

France

Chambord Kir Royale

photo courtesy: tablespoon.com

This sophisticated cocktail is made with Chambord, a French blackberry liqueur, and Champagne. Simple and chic, making it the perfect bougie brunch cocktail.

Ingredients:

Instructions:

  • Pour the Chambord into a flute
  • Top with Champagne

Japan

Sparkling Umeshu

photo courtesy: japancentre.com

Umeshu is normally made using Japanese green ume plums, sugar, and vodka. This plum wine is fine living without the works so you can save on ingredients. The recipe only suggests the addition of lemon soda water and ice, or you can try it with tonic. Enjoy!

Ingredients:

Instructions:

  • Combine the Umeshu and lemon soda water
  • Pour over crushed ice

Bermuda

Rum Swizzle 

photo courtesy: gotobermuda.com

Wouldn’t feel right if I didn’t throw in a drink from my favorite island on earth. The best place to snag one of these is Swizzle Inn restaurant, and I definitely recommend it frozen. I’m legit drooling over my laptop keys just thinking about a taste (apologies for the visual). However, if you can’t book a flight to the islands today, this is a fun recipe to try at home. Plus if you close your eyes tight enough, you’re only one sip away from lying on a pink-sand beach and listening to the waves.

Ingredients:

Instructions:

  • Pour in the Gosling’s Gold Bermuda Rum
  • Add in the juices, bitters and grenadine then mix
  • Add ice
  • Top with Gosling’s Black Seal Rum

Brazil

Caipirinha

photo courtesy: epicurious.com

Time to simply sweeten the deal with this Brazilian favorite. Caipirinha is comprised of a Brazilian liquor made from fermented sugar cane juice called cachaça. To keep the cocktail classic, you will only need to add sugar, limes and ice.

Ingredients:

  • 2 oz. Caipirinha
  • 1-2 tablespoons of sugar
  • 2 lime wedges
  • Crushed ice

Instructions:

  • Squeeze the limes and combine with sugar into your glass
  • Add the Caipirinha and ice then stir well
  • Garnish with lime wedge

Mexico

Paloma

photo courtesy: tastecocktails.com

With tequila being my one and only alcoholic love, of course I had to add some Mexican flavor to the list. Margaritas can get a bit old after awhile, so when you want to switch things up try a delicious Paloma. I mean look at that photo, I can already picture an endless summer while sip sippin’ my troubles away.

Ingredients:

  • 1/4 cup tequila
  • 1/4 cup club soda
  • 1/4 cup fresh grapefruit juice
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • Salt

Instructions:

  • Rub half the rim of your glass with a grapefruit wedge and dip in salt
  • Combine the grapefruit and lime juice
  • Add sugar and stir until dissolved
  • Mix in tequila and ice
  • Top with club soda
  • Garnish with grapefruit wedge

Greece

Skinos Mastiha liqueur

photo courtesy: amathusdrinks.com

The first time I tried Mastiha in Greece, it was served only as a shot. I recommend trying it that way first to soak in its pine tree smell and tasty flavor. Once it’s time to get a little fancy, be sure to follow the recipe below!

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 oz. Mastiha liqueur
  • 3 oz. champagne
  • 1/2 oz. rum
  • 5-6 pieces of fresh mint
  • 1/2 oz. simple syrup
  • 1/2 lime wedge

Instructions:

  • Muddle mint, simple syrup, and lime in glass
  • Combine the Mastiha, champagne, rum, and ice
  • Shake well
  • Garnish with a lime wedge

What’s your go-to cocktail? Share below!

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