Celebrate World Cocktail Day With Recipes From Around the Globe

Cocktails from around the Globe

Celebrate World Cocktail Day with some of our favourite sippers from around the globe. Photo: Rawpixel / GettyImages

From Canada to Champagne to the Caribbean, we’re going around the world in five cocktails. Just in time, as May 13 is World Cocktail Day. And many of us are waiting patiently for when we can safely fly again. 

And although we’re not travelling quite yet, these libations will be sure to help fuel your wanderlust plans. Mix one up, sit back and dream about where you want to go next. Italy? Ciao! France? Mais oui! We’ve got inspiring recipes for both — and beyond.

 

Italy: Aperol Spritz 

Aperol Spritz
Photo: Courtesy of Aperol

 

In many parts of Italy, particularly the north, you’ll see locals head out to bars for “Apero Hour.” It’s that time between after work and before dinner, a happy hour of sorts for a light drink and nibbles, such as antipasto and charcuterie. This fruity and refreshing favourite is made with prosecco, Aperol Aperitivo, a bitter liquor created in Padua, not far from Venice, and a splash of soda. Just like they do in Italy. Happy hour, indeed.   

Ingredients:  

3 oz  prosecco
2 oz  Aperol
1 oz  soda
Ice cubes
Orange slice garnish 

Directions:  

Fill a white wine glass with ice. Pour 3 oz of prosecco followed by 2 oz of Aperol. Add 1 oz splash of soda. Stir to combine and garnish with an orange slice.  

 

Jamaica: The Estate Daiquiri  

Estate Daquiri
Photo: Courtesy of Appleton Estate

 

This is a nod to the real Daiquiri, which many believe has its origins in neighbouring Cuba. Historians say that the drink dates back to the 1800s. This version highlights Appleton Estate 8-Year-Old Reserve’s smooth versatility. 

Ingredients:  

1.5 oz Appleton 8-Year-Old Reserve Jamaica Rum
1 oz fresh lime juice
½ oz simple syrup
Orange peel garnish  

Directions: 

Shake all ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice and strain into a chilled coupette glass.  

  

Mexico: The Espaloma 

Espaloma
Photo: Courtesy of Espalon

 

All things tequila originate in Mexico, specifically in the state of Jalisco, where the blue agave from which tequila is made, grows. This recipe is a nod to the popular Paloma, made with Espolòn Tequila. If you enjoy a fresh citrus taste, this highball is perfect for summer sipping.   

Ingredients:  

2oz Espolòn Tequila
0.5oz lime juice
4 oz grapefruit soda 

Directions:  

Combine and stir in a highball glass with ice and a salted rim. Garnish with lime. Enjoy! 

 

France: Grand 75  

Grand 75
Photo: Courtesy of Grand Marnier

We like this fresh twist on the classic French 75, where instead of gin, Grand Marnier and its slight bitter orange flavours play with Champagne. 

Ingredients:  

1.5oz  Grand Marnier
0.5oz fresh lemon juice
2-3oz Champagne 

Directions:  

1. Pour Grand Marnier followed by lemon juice into a Champagne flute
2. Top with chilled Champagne
3. Gentle stir to combine
4. Garnish with lemon zest  

  

Canada: Forager & Tonic   

Photo: Courtesy of Forty Creek

 

For the mixologist or whisky enthusiast looking to craft an elevated G and T cocktail, try this refreshing take on the traditional gin and tonic. It uses Canada’s first botanical-infused whisky, made in Niagara by Forty Creek Distillery. All the botanicals are wild and sourced from across our country, and include juniper berries (like gin), as well as spruce tips, mugwort, Labrador tea and sweet fern, giving it a versatility closer to gin.  


Ingredients: 

1oz The Forager Botanical Whisky
3oz tonic
Lemon garnish  

Directions:  

Build in a tall glass, over ice and garnish with a slice of lemon  

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