15 Exotic Cocktails from Unusual Places

Buckle up, cocktail connoisseurs. From living in Malta, you might know the best cocktail bars there; however, let’s venture further afield. I am embarking on a comprehensive exploration of the world’s most surprising cocktail destinations.

From the heart of the Amazon rainforest to the icy tundra of Alaska, get ready to savour the extraordinary flavours of exotic cocktails you’d never believed existed.

Jungle Caipirinha (Amazon Rainforest)

Step into the lush, green heart of the Amazon Rainforest and discover a cocktail as wild as the jungle — the Jungle Caipirinha!

This exotic concoction captures the spirit of adventure with every sip. Made from cachaça, a Brazilian spirit distilled from sugarcane, and infused with the zesty kick of fresh lime and a touch of brown sugar, it’s a taste of the tropics you won’t forget.

Oasis Mirage (Sahara Desert)

Picture yourself amidst the endless dunes of the Sahara Desert, seeking refuge from the scorching sun.

It would be best to have an Oasis mirage—a refreshing blend of hibiscus-infused vodka, elderflower liqueur, and the exotic flavours of prickly pear juice. This cocktail is a mirage turned reality, a sip of coolness in a desert of heat.

Northern Lights Martini (Alaskan Tundra)

Venture into the Alaskan tundra, where the Northern Lights dance across the sky in a breathtaking display of colours.

Now, imagine capturing that magic in a glass. The Northern Lights Martini does just that with Alaskan blueberry vodka, blue curaçao, and a burst of lemon juice. Get ready for a celestial cocktail experience!

Glacial Elixir (Icelandic Fjords)

Introduction: From the icy fjords of Iceland comes a cocktail as pure and refreshing as the land itself. The Glacial Elixir combines Icelandic aquavit, birch sap, and honey to create a drink that’s as crisp as a winter morning and as soothing as a hot spring soak. It’s a taste of the Arctic in a glass.

Nomadic Nectar (Mongolian Steppe)

In the vast expanse of the Mongolian Steppe, nomads have crafted a libation that reflects the spirit of their journey.

The Nomadic Nectar blends airag (fermented mare’s milk) with Mongolian vodka, creating a harmonious and slightly tangy concoction. Rimmed with honey, this drink tastes of Mongolia’s nomadic traditions.

Lava Flow (Hawaiian Volcano)

Transport yourself to the Hawaiian Islands, where the fiery eruptions of volcanoes meet the cool breezes of the Pacific. The Lava Flow cocktail combines light rum, coconut cream, pineapple juice, and a burst of strawberry purée, creating a tropical masterpiece as beautiful as it is delicious.

Heathered Highland Hike (Scottish Highlands)

From the rugged Scottish Highlands comes a cocktail embodying the heather-covered landscapes’ essence.

The Heathered Highland Hike combines Scotch whisky with heather honey and a touch of Drambuie, garnished with a sprig of fresh thyme. It’s a taste of Scotland’s untamed beauty.

Alpine Glacier Punch (Swiss Alps)

The Alpine Glacier Punch combines Swiss absinthe, elderflower syrup, and zesty lemon juice with sparkling water. It’s a refreshing and mountainous delight that captures the essence of the Swiss landscape.

Pharaoh’s Fizz (Egyptian Pyramids)

Travel back to the land of pharaohs and pyramids with the Pharaoh’s Fizz. This exotic cocktail marries anise-based liquor, fresh lemon juice, and fragrant rosewater, creating a drink fit for royalty. It’s a sip of ancient Egypt’s mystique.

Kiwi Crush (New Zealand)

Venture to the lush landscapes of New Zealand with the Kiwi Crush cocktail. This vibrant concoction combines kiwi liqueur, fresh kiwi purée, and a hint of lime juice, all topped with sparkling soda. It’s a taste of Kiwi paradise in a glass.

Prickly Pear Margarita (Arizona Desert)

In the arid landscapes of the Arizona Desert, the Prickly Pear Margarita blooms with flavour.

This cocktail features tequila, triple sec, and the exotic touch of prickly pear juice, garnished with a refreshing lime wedge. It’s a taste of the Southwest’s natural beauty.

Andean Avalanche (Patagonian Andes)

From the heights of the Patagonian Andes comes the Andean Avalanche, a cocktail that captures the rugged beauty of the mountains.

This drink combines Pisco, elderflower liqueur, lemon juice, and a frothy egg white, delivering a taste of South American adventure.

Outback Sunset (Australian Outback)

Step into the vast Australian Outback and witness the spectacle of an Outback sunset.

This cocktail features outback-themed spiced rum, orange juice, and a drizzle of grenadine syrup, creating a sip of the fiery and serene outback horizon.

Northern Lights Hot Toddy (Arctic Circle)

In the Arctic Circle, where the Northern Lights paint the sky, there’s a cocktail to keep you warm — the Northern Lights Hot Toddy.

This comforting drink combines Arctic cloudberry liqueur, Arctic honey, hot water, and a touch of cinnamon. It’s a cosy sip of Arctic magic.

Rocky Mountain Sazerac (Colorado Rockies)

From the towering peaks of the Colorado Rockies comes the Rocky Mountain Sazerac, a cocktail as bold as the mountains themselves.

This drink features Colorado rye whisky, a hint of absinthe, a sugar cube, and dashes of Peychaud’s bitters. It’s a taste of the rugged American West.

Enjoy these unique and exotic cocktails, each with its own intriguing backstory and flavours that transport you to far-off destinations. What’s your favourite?