In case you’ve never given it a second thought, every day, somewhere it’s 5 o’clock. Sure, we know you’d rather be enjoying Happy Hour relaxing poolside with a cocktail in hand. Or maybe at a rooftop bar in New York City with friends. Sadly, we know that’s not possible right now. But there’s nothing stopping you from recreating fabulous cocktails at home. And when you do, invite your friends to your “Virtual” Happy Hour. The experience may be simulated, but the drinks will be real. Cheers to that!
The TravelSquire’s own Virtual Happy Hour Series gives a nod to an assortment of select hotel bars around the world. We’ve rounded up of some the finest wanderlust-inducing cocktails from these luxury properties to transport your taste buds to their far-flung destinations – the fragrant gardens of a Parisian Palace, the glamorous 1920s in the Scottish Highlands, and the powder-soft sands of Mexico’s Caribbean coast.
With Virtual Happy Hour on apps such as FaceTime, Zoom and House Party trending more than ever, our suggested cocktails aim to keep friends entertained virtually while in self-isolation.
So, grab your shaker, pound some ice and get ready to have a little fun creating … then sipping!
THE DESTINATION: ST. BARTHS
A little slice of France in the Caribbean, the island of St. Barth is and always will be the ultimate jet-set island destination. A mere 10 square miles around, you can jump in a “mini-moke”, the island’s preferred means of transportation, and drive clear across it in less than two hours. Its magnificent sugar sand beaches and crystal clear surf make even diehard beach freaks weak at the knees and an over the top culinary scene paired with outrageously chic island boutiques mean one thing – take buckets of money. It’s common knowledge that St. Barths is one of the Caribbean’s most expensive vacation spots.
THE HOTEL: THE EDEN ROCK
THE COCKTAIL: The Eden Colada
Served in the Eden Rock’s brand-new Rémy Bar – named after the hotel’s original owner, Rémy de Haenen – the signature cocktail, the Eden Colada honors both his fabulously wild pioneering spirit and the birthplace of the drink’s main ingredient: rum. With a centuries-old tradition of rum distillation, cocktail lovers should look to the sun-soaked Caribbean with its plethora of distilleries for mixology inspiration. The Eden Colada mixes two rums including Plantation’s 3 Stars, a tribute to historic rums with a suave blend of the region’s three primary terroirs: Barbados, Jamaica and Trinidad. Barbados delivers richness and a balanced palate, Trinidad adds finesse, and Jamaica provides an emphatic structure. The deeply glamorous Eden Rock – St Barths’ cocktail list is all about a sense of place, taking drinkers on a journey for the senses sipping divine elixirs that transport them to the island that perfectly blends the sophistication of St. Tropez with a laissez-fare Caribbean lifestyle.
THE RECIPE:
- 25 ml Clement Blanc rum
- 25 ml Plantation 2 Stars rum
- 30 ml Moët & Chandon Champagne
- 30 ml fresh pineapple juice
- 30 ml pineapple syrup
- One scoop of coconut sorbet
THE PREPARATION:
- Blend all ingredients together in a blender
- Serve in a Tiki Glass
- Add a drop of vanilla essence for drama
HOW TO DO IT AT HOME: oetkercollection.com/hotels/eden-rock-st-barths/restaurant-bar/bars/remy-bar
*When virtual happy hours are a thing of the past, consider a stay at the luxurious Eden Rock and savor The Eden Colada in the Rémy Bar.
For venturing afar, stroll beautiful Anse St.-Jean to Nikki Beach Saint Barth. Known as the playground of choice for top celebrities, this ultra-chic beach club includes plush sun beds, trademark teepees and sophistication at every turn. Order a beachside cocktail like the Nikki Beach Classic Mojito.
Visitors to this tiny island will be spoiled for choice when it comes to the beaches and outdoor excursions. One of St. Barth’s’ hidden treasures—the magical saltwater pools—are accessible via a short walk along the pathway from Anse Petit-cul-de-Sac. For underwater action, snorkeling in the clear waters at Anse Gouverneur is ideal. Paddleboarders and kite surfers will swoon for the lagoon at Anse Grand-Cul-de-Sac where the water is calm.
Home to world-class tax-free designer shops, the colorful town of Gustavia, the island’s charming capital, provides the ideal place for a bit of retail therapy. Linger long enough late day to watch the sun set into the clear turquoise water.
Of course, you’ll need a nightcap once you return!