There’s something about cocktails on board that just feels extra special. Maybe it’s the setting? The golden hour glows on the aft deck, the gentle breeze on the sun deck, the sound of ice clinking against glass. Or maybe, it’s because cocktails at sea become more than just drinks. They’re little rituals, memory-makers, and often, the cherry on top of a perfect day for our guests.
As stews, we are tasked with bringing that magic to life. It doesn’t matter if you’re shaking up an intricate espresso martini or just serving a beautifully poured gin and tonic, what matters is the experience! Here are a few ways to elevate cocktail culture onboard and make every sip unforgettable.
More than just a drink
Think about cocktails as moments, not recipes. Sundowners are a tradition guests love, a pre-dinner spritz or mojito as the sun dips below the horizon. A chilled martini before a formal meal feels sophisticated, while a digestif after dinner can be a cosy, indulgent treat. Timing and setting are just as important as the drink itself.
Glassware & garnishes
The right glassware instantly transforms a cocktail. A coupe feels elegant, a tiki mug screams fun, and a chunky crystal tumbler adds a timeless edge. Garnishes are your finishing touch, fresh herbs, edible flowers, dehydrated fruit slices, even dry ice if you have the time and space!
A little garnish box ready to go will save you on busy nights and keep service flowing.
Destination-inspired sips
a playful way to make cocktails part of the overall journey is to tie your cocktail of the day to where the yacht is cruising. We all know guests love a theme!
- Caribbean: A rum punch with all the tropical fruit garnishes the chef can spare
- Mediterranean: An Italian Aperol/Hugo/limoncello spritz, Spanish sangria, or a French martini anyone?
- Nordics: Something with aquavit or lingonberry syrup.
Not to mention, many countries have their own national cocktails, Cuba is mostly famous for its Mojito but a Hemingway daiquiri (that contains grapefruit and maraschino liqueur) could be a fun alternative!
Not just about the booze
More and more guests are cutting down on alcohol, so don’t forget the mocktails! Non-alcoholic spirits are becoming really popular, and a well-crafted “zero-proof” cocktail can feel just as glamorous as the real thing.
The yacht’s signature cocktail
One idea many stews embrace is to create a cocktail unique to your yacht. Perhaps work with your chef to develop a recipe using a local ingredient or a nod to the yacht’s name. It becomes a signature “house drink” that guests associate with their time onboard, a brilliant talking point, and something they’ll always remember.
-
The classic – The horizon martini
A sleek, elegant signature for sunset service
- 50ml premium gin (or vodka, if preferred)
- 15ml dry vermouth
- Dash of orange bitters
- Garnish: a twist of grapefruit peel (evoking a horizon line)
Shake or stir over ice, strain into a chilled coupe, and garnish with the grapefruit twist balanced across the rim.
-
The fun – The golden wake
A playful nod to the yacht’s trail at sea
- 40ml white rum
- 20ml passionfruit purée
- 15ml lime juice
- Top with ginger beer
- Garnish: edible gold dust sprinkled lightly over the foam or surface.
Build in a highball glass over ice, top with ginger beer, and add the gold shimmer for a touch of drama.
-
The non-alcoholic – The sea breeze spritz
A refreshing, light option that feels just as special
- 50ml non-alcoholic botanical spirit (Seedlip Grove or similar)
- 20ml elderflower cordial
- 15ml fresh lime juice
- Top with soda water
- Garnish: cucumber ribbon and mint sprig
Serve in a stemmed wine glass with plenty of ice. Fresh, elegant, and completely booze-free.
Service secrets
For charters where service is non-stop, pre-batched cocktails are lifesavers. Keep it chilled in a stylish serving jug or carafe, and serve tableside for a chic but speedy option. If you can, learn a small trick or two, like the classic citrus peel flame to add a dash of theatre.
At the end of the day, cocktail culture at sea is about creating a feeling. Guests aren’t just looking for what’s in the glass; it’s the moment it creates. Whether it’s a crisp martini on a silver tray or a colourful spritz served with a smile, the right cocktail can help guests feel like they’re living their best life… and isn’t that what yachting is all about?
0 Comments