Four Unforgettable Cocktail Experiences

Cocktails are a beloved way to unwind, and they don’t have to be limited to hard liquor.

There are plenty of delicious nonalcoholic cocktails that will give you the party spirit without the alcohol. These drinks are so good, they’ll have you wondering why you never tried them before!

Bartenders define a cocktail as an alcoholic drink that requires more than just adding flavors. It’s also about preparing the drink with care and presenting it with flair.

The Zombie

The Zombie is one of the most celebrated drinks in tiki history. It is a complex drink, combining a number of different rums to create a cocktail that is both strong and full of flavor.

It was crafted by Donn Beach, the founding father of Tiki, in 1934 and is often credited with being the first drink to popularize the technique of blending a number of rums in one drink. This was a radical shift from the pre-Prohibition days when bartenders in New Orleans were only allowed to blend a single spirit, like rum, in their drinks.

In addition to the rum, Beach added an array of flavored syrups and other ingredients that would become staples in tiki cocktails. Among these were falernum, a liqueur made from ginger, lime, clove and almond.

Donn had a number of rum-based drinks on his menu, but the Zombie was his signature creation and one that helped put him on the map as the original ‘Tiki King’. It became so popular at Donn’s Hollywood tiki bar that he was only allowed to sling two of them per customer.

He kept his secret recipe safe by using a code system, only disclosing the ingredients to his most trusted staff. When the cocktail was featured on the Hurricane Bar’s menu at the 1939 New York World’s Fair, it was suddenly an international sensation.

But there was a problem: Everyone wanted to get their hands on Donn’s Zombie recipe, so bartenders began making their own versions of the drink. They used a mixture of Jamaican, Puerto Rican and 151-proof rums, along with fruity syrups, juices and even some anise-flavored liqueur.

When the ‘Tiki King’ died in 1956, his son Donn made a version of the Zombie that was less complex and more accessible for home bars. He called it the ‘Spievak Zombie’.

The drink is still served at UnderTow, and beverage director Mitch Lyons says that it’s a regular on the menu and ranks high in terms of popularity year round. He doesn’t have a strong uptick of zombie sales around Halloween, but it is consistently in the top five drinks ordered on the menu.

The Cosmopolitan

One of the most recognizable drinks around, the Cosmopolitan is a fruity, refreshing cocktail that’s easy to make at home. You’ll only need four ingredients, including vodka and juices that include lime and cranberry, to whip up this pink drink in less than 10 minutes.

The classic recipe is made with citrus vodka, triple sec, lime juice and cranberry juice, but you can also use Cointreau instead of triple sec to add a deeper flavor to your drink. This recipe is dry and not as sweet as a traditional martini, but it is still very enjoyable to drink.

Some bars have different versions of the Cosmopolitan on their menu, with some using other citrus liqueurs and others changing up the flavors and garnishes. This can be fun to experiment with and can give you a new take on a traditional Cosmopolitan that will satisfy your guests’ tastes.

While the Cosmopolitan was first made in New York City, it gained worldwide popularity after a popular television show, Sex and the City, brought the drink to the attention of many people. While the drink may not be as popular today, it’s still an important part of the cocktail culture.

For a fresh twist on the classic, try the Pomegranate White Cosmopolitan. This drink is infused with white cranberry juice, elderflower liqueur and pomegranate. This makes the drink light, refreshing and delicious for a summertime libation.

The property’s bartender Andrew Pollard has created a slew of delicious new cocktails at various locations within the casino, and it’s worth a trip to get your hands on them. We’ve picked out a few of our favorites to share with you below, so make sure you check them out when you visit Las Vegas!

In addition to the tasty beverages, you can enjoy a beautiful view of the Strip from the lounge’s terrace. It’s a great place to take in the sights and sounds of the action, or to have an intimate date night with someone special. The cocktail list is full of familiar beverages with a twist, so you’ll be able to find something that’s perfect for any occasion.

The Fairytale

The Fairytale Cocktail Experience is a spellbinding adventure beneath the waves where magic, desire and cocktails combine for an unforgettable experience. Already launched in Chicago, Miami and London, this enchanted cocktail bar brings you an immersive journey that you’ll never forget.

Based on Hans Christian Andersen’s timeless tale, you will witness the human world collide with ocean life while surrounded by stunning decor, talented actors and secrets to be uncovered! Will our heroine fall in love with her prince to remain on land or will she return to her life as a mermaid?

During the 90-minute interactive experience, guests are encouraged to dress up in period costumes. They’ll be transported to a castle, and will be given two bespoke-themed cocktails and a chance to solve riddles and challenges to lift the curse of the beast.

This isn’t the first time an immersive cocktail experience has been based on a fairytale. The Alice in Wonderland Cocktail Experience was hosted at Wanderlust last year, and a similar Beauty & The Beast Cocktail Experience is set to open in Calgary this March.

But this one takes a different approach to the story. Rather than just a cocktail activation, the “Victorian cocktail party” is actually part of the elaborate Castle that Belle and the beast inhabit in Jeanne-Marie Leprince de Beaumont’s original fairytale.

It’s brought to you by the same team who brought New York’s Mad Hatter’s Gin & Tea Party, which is a similar experience in that it’s an alternate reality in which guests make bespoke-themed cocktails and solve riddles and challenges to break the curse of the castle.

The Castle’s finest delights await you (of the alcoholic and edible variety), but be careful not to overstay your welcome or you may not get home at all!

In a promotional video for the cocktail experience, the teaser suggests this isn’t just a fun night out, but an “immersive cocktail adventure.” The experience leans more on the castle fantasy than previous cocktail activations and promises theater along with a chance to create two bespoke-themed cocktails.

It’s a 90-minute experience, and ticket prices begin at $59, but you must be 21 years of age to attend. Tickets will be on sale starting Thursday, March 24, according to a news release from Fever, the global entertainment company that runs the event.

The Underwater Kingdom

This immersive cocktail experience brings Hans Christian Andersen’s iconic fairy tale to life beneath the waves. With stunning decor and captivating performances, you’ll enter a magical world of fantasy that has never been seen before. Get your tickets now to dive into a world of underwater mystery and wonder.

This enchanting event brings together ocean life and earthly reality to depict a timeless tale of love and loss. Amongst stormy seas and glimmering pearls, you’ll be transported to a secret world where you’ll sip on delightful crafted cocktails and uncover the mysteries of dark underwater caves.

The magical enchantment of this submersive adventure is accompanied by stunning decor and a bespoke themed cocktail, which is sure to delight. You’ll also have the chance to dress up in a mermaid-inspired outfit.

A new addition to the dazzling Hendrick’s gin portfolio, Neptunia Pubmarine is a one-of-a-kind experience that brings adventurous travelers and spirited drinkers to an enchanting marine ecosystem. The first-ever scuba-equipped underwater bar in the world, it combines Hendrick’s newest gin with mystical sea creatures and picturesque marine ecosystems to create an extraordinary cocktail experience.

Hendrick’s partnered with Atlantis Resort in the Bahamas to create this unique bar. Guests are served an exclusive limited edition Hendrick’s Gin cocktail called Neptunia and can enjoy a beautiful view of the sea from the bar’s specially designed scuba tanks.

You’ll be able to experience this adventure during London Cocktail Week, so you’ll want to reserve your spot in advance. As with all upcoming events, there are a limited number of tickets available, so don’t miss out on your opportunity to explore the depths of this magical scuba-equipped bar!

Ithaa, the world’s first all-glass underwater restaurant, is located 16 feet below the surface at Conrad Maldives Rangali Island. This super-specialty eatery offers an extensive seafood menu and breathtaking panoramic views of the sea below, making it a must-visit while in the Maldives.

With anemone-shaped seats and a dramatic entry, this underwater restaurant offers a truly unique dining experience under the water. With lunch and dinner options, diners are able to savor the richness of Maldivian lobster along with a variety of other mouthwatering dishes.