Tropical cocktails offer more than just refreshment - they’re a sensory escape. Vibrant, colourful and often garnished with playful flair, these drinks evoke the feeling of sun-drenched islands, ocean breezes and carefree holiday moments.
Whether it’s the tang of fresh pineapple, the creamy richness of coconut, or the bright zest of lime, each ingredient is carefully layered to transport the drinker to an exotic destination, no passport required.
Sipping a Mai Tai or Piña Colada can summon images of swaying palms and golden beaches, while bold garnishes - think orchids, umbrellas and citrus wheels - add theatrical flair.
Bartenders are embracing this nostalgic escapism, reimagining classics with premium rums, housemade syrups and tropical infusions that blur the line between cocktail and dessert.
As diners seek experiences that ignite the senses and lift the mood, tropical cocktails provide a delicious form of escapism - one that conjures warmth, indulgence and a taste of vacation in every sip.
Here are five cocktail recipes to escape this Winter:
Using Bombay Sapphire gin, passionfruit purée, pineapple, lychee, cucumber and chilli, this cocktail creates a tropical-spicy flavour to represent Soko Rooftop’s rainforest Peruvian/Japanese themed rooftop. Where better to make your culinary escape?
This exotic and tropical fruit-based cocktail brings the flavour of South-east Asia to pair with Mybella Asian’s food offering, creating a refreshing and vibrant drink. The cocktail is inspired by the tropical flavour of Southeast Asia where coconut, mango and lychee are staple ingredients.
This cocktail – from The Botanica Vaucluse - is a quiet pairing of delicate sweetness and soft floral depth. It makes you feel beautiful and confident and is perfect for an afternoon gathering with the girls.
The Mykonos Spritz, by Mykonos Restaurant Bar, is a rare drinking experience - vibrant in colour and taste. The base alcohol Mastika – an ode to the restaurant’s Greek origins and made from the resin of native Mastic trees on the island of Chios - offers sweet notes reminiscent of pine and cedar, paired with the subtle bitterness of Vermouth.
This cocktail gets its name from one of the private dining rooms at Madame V called the ‘Sakura Room’, which is surrounded by thick, luxurious deep green velvet curtains.
It embodies the same sophisticated vibe as dining in the Sakura Room does. The perfect place and perfect drink to sit back, relax with your nearest and dearest, all paired with some delicious Asian dishes.
