Going on vacation is the perfect opportunity to unwind and indulge in a little luxury, and what better way to do so than by sipping on your favorite cocktail? Whether you're lounging by the pool, exploring a new city, or simply soaking up the sun, a well-crafted cocktail can enhance the resort experience. In this blog, we'll walk you through the very best cocktails to order at the bar, and what to wear while sipping them. So sit back, relax, and start envisioning your next getaway.
Mai Tai
First up, the mai tai. The mai tai is a classic cocktail that’s typically associated with tropical destinations. With its refreshing taste and all-day drinkability, it’s the ideal choice to enjoy while embracing the spirit of island living. Here’s why we ranked it number one.
Flavor: Mai tais are typically made with a combination of light and dark rum, orange liqueur, fresh lime juice, and sweet syrup, which creates a complex and delicious flavor profile that is perfect on a warm, sunny day.
Tradition: Mai tais have a long and storied history, and are often considered a symbol of Hawai‘i. By ordering a mai tai, you can embrace the tradition of these classic cocktails and experience a piece of cocktail history for yourself.
Experience: Part of the appeal of a vacation is trying new things, and a mai tai is a great way to experience a new drink. By ordering a mai tai, you can add a new experience to your vacation and have a new memory to take home with you.
P.S. If you want to add a personal spin to your order, ask the cocktail bar staff if they have any unique fruit juices or syrups.
Mojito
If you're looking for something that feels as refreshing as the cool ocean breeze, then look no further than a mojito. This classic cocktail is the perfect cocktail for a sunny day at the resort.
With its combination of fresh mint, zesty lime juice, and sweet sugar, the mojito is easy to love. Its popularity spans decades, making it a timeless drink that never goes out of style. And with the option to customize the alcohol, you can tailor your mojito to your own personal taste.
So why not take a break from the hustle and bustle of your day and savor the simple joys of island life with a mojito? Sipping on this classic cocktail is an effortless way to relax and unwind. And, with its roots in Cuba, a mojito is not only delicious but also a cultural experience, providing a glimpse into the rich history and traditions of island living.
Piña Colada
Of course, no vacation cocktail list is complete without the iconic and nostalgic piña colada. If a sweet, fruity cocktail blended into creamy perfection sounds like a dream come true, then this should be your go-to beach resort order. Crafted with rum, coconut cream, and juicy pineapple juice, every sip will transport you to a place of peace and relaxation. Typically associated with tropical vacations, piña coladas are ideal for lounging poolside or oceanside.
Beyond tasting delicious, piña coladas are also versatile and easy to make. If you’re at the resort bar, you can choose between ordering your drink frozen or on the rocks. You could also ask your bartender to blend in different flavors to suit your taste, such as strawberries or mango. If you rented a house, making a piña colada in your own kitchen is an absolute breeze. Just combine light rum, coconut cream, heavy cream, pineapple juice, and crushed ice in a blender or shake and serve over ice. We like to add a little cherry or pineapple wedge as a garnish.
Now that you’ve got your cocktail orders sorted, let’s make sure you’re dressed to impress on and off the resort.
How to Dress for the Resort
Typically worn at upscale or luxury resort events, resort cocktail attire is a more dressed-up version of casual wear, but not nearly as formal as black-tie attire. Of course, you should always take into account the time of day that you’re dressing for. If the itinerary is more cabana cocktails than evening events, it’s okay to embrace a more casual look.
For wāhine (women), resort cocktail attire usually consists of a knee-length or midi-length dress, skirt, or a flowy set that’s both elegant and breathable. Dressy sandals or mules and statement jewelry are often worn to complete the look. For day-to-night footwear, we’d recommend our buttery soft leather Waiau sandal or Mi‘i mule. For poolside attire, keep things lowkey with a beach coverup and our water-friendly Hila or Puawe sandals.
For the kāne (men), resort attire typically includes dress pants, a collared shirt, dress sandals, and an optional jacket or blazer—no tie necessary. We’d also recommend a classic aloha shirt and board shorts for daytime relaxation. If you’re dressing for dinner or a night out, try our ultra-premium ‘Ilikai sandal. For an easy beach-to-town transition look, our Tuahine sandal is crafted with waterproof leather. More concerned with how your sandals can perform on or around the pool and ocean? Ulele and Maha ‘Olu are the water-friendly styles you need.
