Raise a glass to summer
There’s nothing like a cocktail to bring back happy holiday memories: if you hear somebody order a Bantha Milk Alexandra, you can bet they’re reliving a week in Mallorca. Here are five of Europe’s iconic summer cocktails.
Platja d’en Bossa, Ibiza
The cocktail Casamigos Margarita (Casamigos Blanco, Triple Sec, Lime Juice, Orange Juice and Monin Agave Syrup).
Where to drink it George Clooney launched his own brand of ultra-premium tequila, Casamigos, at Ushuaïa Ibiza Beach Hotel (above) last summer, so it’s little surprise that it’s a popular cocktail ingredient here. The Casamigos Margarita is a twist on the traditional cocktail, with added orange juice and Monin Agave Syrup. One night at Ushuaïa Ibiza Beach Hotel from £84. Further information from Ibiza Tourism.
Alternative cocktail Mojito Chilli and Mango (White Rum, Lime, Mango Puree, Brown Sugar, Chilli Pepper and Mint).
Where to drink it We’re not convinced about this mango spin on the traditional mojito but it was what everyone was drinking at the five-star Hard Rock Hotel Ibiza this summer. One night’s b&b at Hard Rock Hotel Ibiza from £125.
Athens, Greece
The cocktail Blitz-Art (Gin, Lychee and Vanilla served with dry ice).
Where to drink it Blitz-Art was this summer’s best seller at MoMix, a leading light in Athens’ recent bar renaissance. This sweet and sour cocktail is brought to life with moving, floating lychee and dry ice, making it a drink you’re unlikely to forget. One night’s b&b at nearby AthensWas from £159. Further information from Visit Greece. 
Palma, Mallorca
The cocktail Bantha Milk Alexandra (Wint Citrus Vodka, Amaretto, Cocoa, Coco Real, Dry Curacao and Cream).
Where to drink it Brassclub is owned by the award-winning mixologist Rafa Martin and is quickly becoming known as the finest cocktail bar in Palma. His Bantha Milk Alexandra is a Star Wars-inspired cocktail based on the ‘bantha blue milk’ drink that appears in the original 1977 film. Created especially for the release of last year’s blockbuster, the cocktail has a citrus Mediterranean twist, a dry-ice finish and is served in a fluffy mug, replicating the fictional hairy bantha creatures that live on the planet Tatooine. One night’s b&b at nearby Nakar Hotel from £86. Further information from Palma de Mallorca.
St Peter Port, Guernsey
The cocktail Cloud Nine (Prosecco, Gin, Cointreau, Maraschino and Lemon).
Where to drink it The Moroccan-themed Ziggurat is a popular new addition to Guernsey’s bar scene with a Middle Eastern-themed drinks and spectacular sea views. Cloud Nine is its signature cocktail: a beautifully fresh and light Prosecco drink. One night’s b&b at Hotel Ziggurat from £90. Further information from Visit Guernsey.
Fuerteventura, Canary Islands
The cocktail Mermaid’s Pot (Bourbon, Sugar, Fresh Mint, Champagne and Apple Liqueur Ice Ball).
Where to drink it The Mirador Bar at the Gran Hotel Atlantis Bahia Real was voted Best Mixology Bar in the Canary Islands in 2016 and The Mermaid’s Pot is a distinctive and innovative cocktail served in a seashell (so you might have to settle for a plain old cocktail glass at home). One night’s b&b at Gran Hotel Atlantis Bahia Real from £177. Further information from Canary Islands.
BY MAGGIE O’SULLIVAN
