By: Frayed Passport
Vacations are the perfect time to relax, take in beautiful sights, and enjoy the very best in life. And what better way to do that than with a refreshing sundowner cocktail?
With the sun sinking below the horizon, a well-made cocktail in hand will only add to the moment’s glory and give you a wonderful way to unwind from a day full of exploration.
We introduced you to sundowners in this short guide, and now we’d like to give you some inspiration for brilliant drinks that’ll make your holiday evenings even more special!
The Classic Margarita
The margarita is a timeless classic for sundowners. This refreshing beverage tastes as delicious as it smells, thanks to a perfect blend of tangy lime juice, sweet triple sec, and mellow tequila. Serve it on the rocks with a salt-rimmed glass for an extra kick. If you prefer a more tropical flavor, try splashing fresh mango or pineapple juice. Margaritas are customizable and versatile, making them the ideal vacation drink for the end of a long day.
Tropical Piña Colada
Take yourself to the tropics with a classic piña colada! This cocktail is an icy, fun mix of rum with coconut cream and pineapple juice, and is a favorite for travelers with more of a sweet tooth. Garnish with a pineapple slice and a maraschino cherry for a colorful touch. Piña coladas have all the flavors you need for a moment of relaxation during a breathtaking sunset.
One Night in Bangkok
The One Night in Bangkok cocktail combines vodka (or gin or rum, depending on your preference), lime juice, simple syrup, and a hint of spicy chili into a bold and exotic grouping of Thai-inspired flavors. This fun drink harkens to everything vibrant, diverse, and exciting by night in Bangkok by being a balancing act of sweet, sour, and spicy. (You may even consider enjoying it on the balcony or in the superior lounge of the Hotel Sukhumvit if you want a truly memorable experience in Bangkok!)
The Elegant Aperol Spritz
Let’s head to the Mediterranean with a laid-back Aperol spritz—a gorgeous drink to sip in the glow of the sunset. It originated in Italy with a mix of Aperol, prosecco, and soda water for a slightly sharp flavor. Beeline safely into a large wine glass with lots of ice, and don’t skimp on the orange twist! A simple yet sophisticated toast to a leisurely evening brings a taste of elegance to this lovely vacation cocktail.
Exotic Mai Tai
The Mai Tai is a must-have beach drink famous for blending Caribbean flavors to highlight the tastes of the tropics. This combination of light and dark rums, lime juice, orgeat syrup, orange curaçao, and simple syrup makes for a smoky, sweet drink you’ll love at the end of the day. Make sure to garnish this drink with a mint sprig, lime wheel, or cherry on top of some crushed ice. Mai Tais are vibrant, flavorful, and rounded, offering a standout experience for those who like to toast the sunset from the most scenic viewpoints.
Your ultimate tropical experience can be enhanced with the right sundowner cocktail filled with memories and relaxation—take your time, unwind, and absorb the beautiful scenery with a delicious drink!
Want some more cocktail inspiration? Check out these guides on Frayed Passport:
- A Short History of the Pisco Sour: Peru’s Signature Drink
- History of the Mojito: Cuba’s Signature Drink
- All foodie travel guides and stories
Featured image by Louis Hansel on Unsplash
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