Disney fan? Chances are, nostalgia plays a big role in your love for the parks. Maybe you have childhood memories of watching the fireworks pop, sizzle, and glitter over Cinderella’s castle. Perhaps you recall your first Dole whip float, sipped in the courtyard of the Enchanted Tiki Room, while torches flared and fountains sprang to life. Or you’ve never forgotten your first slip down the flume on Pirates of the Caribbean, the excitement of living a pirate’s life, with all of its attendant yo-ho-ho-ing and bottle of rum-ing, not that, at the time, you could do much bottle-of-rum-ing.
The closest you were getting to any sort of adult libation at the park was a lime-and-mint soft drink masquerading as a mint julep, served up in New Orleans Square and topped off with a technicolor cherry. It was a julep in name only, and if you got buzzed, it was due to an almost unavoidable sugar rush, courtesy of juleps, Mickey bars, Dole whips, and churros. Those were the days, right?
You’re an adult now. So what! Being an adult doesn’t mean you have to put aside the childlike joy of the Disney parks. In fact, there’s a great case for revisiting them. It does mean you can enjoy your childhood favorites with an adult beverage. Want a julep in name and fact at Disneyworld? You can have one. better still, do one better, and check out our list of Walt Disneyworld’s best fifteen best cocktails being served right now.
Need pairing ideas? We’ve got you covered right here.
Polynesian Pearl
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Found at Disney’s Grand Polynesian, Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto is the East Coast answer to West Coast favorite, Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar. It’s also the only place you can score a Polynesian Pearl, a luscious libation composed of RumChata, Grand Marnier, tropical fruit juices, and cinnamon. That’s right–you can’t get this drink in Anaheim, which is a genius little nod to an old Disneyland theming tradition: making merchandise specific to the “land” it is found in, and impossible to find anywhere else. Presented to you in a collectable “pearl” mug, you’ll find yourself coming back to this one again and again; not least of all because every 100th cocktail comes in a black pearl.
Nautilus
Looking for a shareable cocktail, in the grand tiki tradition? While you could grab an Uh Oa (and at some point, you should), we highly recommend snagging a Nautilus, another cocktail unique to the Grog Grotto.
Say “ahoy” to Barbancourt Pango Rhum, Appleton Estate Reserve Rum, Combier Crème de Pêche de Vigne Liqueur, tropical juices, and falernum — a limey, spicy syrup favored in tiki cocktails. This too comes in a souvenir tiki mug: a reproduction of the Nautilus from Disney’s classic adaptation of 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea. Drink one of these, and you’ll have a whale of a tale to tell, and then some.
Lapu Lapu
If waiting for a seat to open up in the Grog Grotto has got you down, let Tambu Lounge perk you up with its roster of tiki libations. We’re partial to the Lapu Lapu: Myers’s Original dark rum and tropical juices are served in a fresh pineapple and topped with Goslings 151. The cherry on top of this cocktail? You can order it and a personal serving of ‘Ohana’s famous bread pudding in the same location.
The Conjurita
Come for the drinks, stay for the magic. AbracadaBAR, a recent addition to Disney’s BoardWalk Inn , astounds and amazes with a menu of classic cocktails. Here you’ll get solid drinks; beautifully crafted, strong, and prepared with quality ingredients. We recommend The Conjurita, a color-changing riff on the margarita that delivers on flavor and finesse.
Horchata Margarita
Drinking around the world? There’s no better place to start than the Mexico pavilion in Epcot’s World Showcase. La Cava del Tequila is nestled inside a reproduction Mesoamerican pyramid, (alongside a restaurant, twilight marketplace, boat ride, and art gallery), and home to over 70 types of tequila. Try the Horchata Margarita, made with tequila, Horchata cream rum, Fireball, agua de Horchata, and cinnamon powder.
You can’t go wrong with the Avocado Margarita either. Sounds strange? It’s delicious. Don’t believe us? Ask the margarita goblets.
Sake Mist
Kakigōri for adults! This alcoholic Japanese shaved ice comes in blood orange, chocolate cherry, and coffee flavors. Ask nicely, and you could probably get them to top it with sweet milk too.
Tempting Tigress
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Next door to our newest favorite restaurant in the World, Tiffins, you’ll find Nomad Lounge offering up small plates and signature cocktails. The theming here is topnotch: think lanterns, earth tones, banners, and an interactive “tag chandelier” that invites you, the traveler, to share why you travel, what you hope to discover, what thrills you, what challenges you, and where you’ll go next. No wonder we love this place, right? Have a seat at the bar, grab a drink, and make some new friends. Our recommendation is the Tempting Tigress: bourbon, St. Elizabeth Allspice Dram, tamarind syrup, and lime juice served on the rocks.
Snow Leopard Salvation
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At Nomad Lounge and more of a vodka person? We’re a little bit in love with this refreshing beverage, which is made with Snow Leopard Vodka, Belle de Brillet pear liqueur, mint, lime juice, and ginger beer. You can feel especially good about this one. Snow Leopard Vodka has partnered with Snow Leopard Trust and proceeds from every bottle sold go to support snow leopard conservation projects and initiatives. To date, the company has raised over $250,000 for the endangered cats.
Pineapple Dole Whip Cup with Coconut Rum
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We have literally been saying for years that they only way Disney’s Dole Whips could be improved was with the addition of coconut rum. Ladies and gentlemen, dreams really do come true. If you’re enjoying a hot day in Disney’s Animal Kingdom, grab one of these on your way to brave Expedition Everest.
Iced Coffee with Amarula Cream Liqueur
Okay, so you have plenty of options for a delightful evening cocktail while touring Disney’s Animal Kingdom. But what if, just maybe, when you get up in the morning, you like to start the day with a little something better than Folgers in your cup? A little something…stronger? We present to you, the Iced Coffee with Amarula, a South African cream liqueur made from the Marula tree. Tasting of caramel and fruit, the liqueur pairs excellently with French Vanilla or mocha iced coffee, and is a nice way to start you day with a buzz.
Orbiting Oreos
This is a real nostalgia kick in every sense of the word. Take a seat in your own car-shaped booth, let the credits roll, and watch clips from old science fiction movies play on the silver screen as you sit beneath the “stars.” Classic American fare is served at this imaginative restaurant, and what could be a more classic dessert than an Oreo milkshake? This one is enlivened with Godiva chocolate liqueur and a souvenir glow cube; don’t pretend you didn’t want one when you saw the kids getting them in their drinks.
Champagne Cocktail
While it’s not on the cocktail menu, we know for a fact that the California Grill makes a gorgeous classic champagne cocktail. We can’t think of a better sparkler to sip while watching sparklers light up over the Magic Kingdom. This is exactly where you want to be to watch the evening’s fireworks if you don’t want to deal with loud crowds, meltdowns, and the inevitable stampede out the gates once the show is over (legit this is probably where they got the idea for the most tragic scene in The Lion King).
If that’s not enough incentive, California Grill’s exceptional service makes a cocktail stop at this lounge a must-do.
Cool-headed Monkey
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Need something to cool your jets after a plate of Lao Che’s Revenge? Pull up a cup of Cool-headed Monkey. An infinitely more appetizing option than its Temple of Doom inspiration, this cocktail combines Starr African rum, Van Der Hum Tangerine Liqueur, fresh lime juice, watermelon, and pineapple juice.
You’re going to want the souvenir mug to remember your adventure.
Mariontini
Fresh on the menu for the holidays, Jock Lindsey’s shares a cocktail inspired by Indy’s leading lady. Hendrick’s gin, simple, hibiscus syrup, lemon juice, and sage leaves equal a cocktail that may be pretty, but packs a punch as well. If gin’s not your style, there’s also the brand new Holly Jolly Kali punch on the menu for your holiday pleasure.
Table Side Caipirinha
This Disney Springs restaurant has an extensive margarita menu, but for our money, nothing beats the table side caipirinha. Available in strawberry, pineapple, kiwi, watermelon, or classic lime, the cocktail is made-to-order while you watch, utilizing fresh ingredients. It’s a great way to unwind after a long day in the parks, and to fortify yourself for any holiday shopping you’ve still got to do in Disney Springs.
