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 nods 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: RIVIERA MAYA
There’s a plethora of reasons why throngs of tourists beat a path to the Riviera Maya … serenity, natural beauty, historical treasures and out of this world Mexican food. One look at the dazzling turquoise waters of Cancun and the surrounding powder white sand beaches and you’ll be aching to get your feet in the sand. Don’t miss the archaeological wonders on hand in nearby Tulum and when the shopping bug bites head for the picturesque hamlet of Playa del Carmen for hand-made Mexican novelties, always a special surprise upon your return.
THE HOTEL: HOTEL ESENCIA
THE COCKTAIL: ESENCIA MARGARITA
By Hotel Esencia, Riviera Maya
An Energizing Taste of Mexico’s Vibrant Caribbean Coast
Evoking a refreshing virtual taste of the unspoiled ivory sands of the Riviera Maya’s Xpu Ha Beach – widely considered the most beautiful stretch of beach on Mexico’s Caribbean coast – Hotel Esencia’s Esencia Margarita is a fragrant, dynamic cocktail perfectly suited to spring and summer. The drink’s main ingredient, Casa Dragones Blanco, is hailed as being the best Blanco Tequila. It is a small batch, 100% Pure Blue Agave silver tequila, crafted to deliver the true essence of agave through an innovative process that focuses on purity, for a crisp, smooth taste. While this signature concoction is best enjoyed at the hotel’s super-chic open-air Beach Bar – impeccably positioned for the warm sea breeze and the best views from the hotel – while housebound, it is a particularly fun-loving cocktail best whipped up with friends over Facetime, Zoom or House Party on a Friday night.
THE RECIPE:
- 45 ml Tequila Casa Dragones Blanco
- 15 ml Simple Syrup (NB. traditional simple syrup is made from two-parts water to one-part sugar. White granulated sugar is the standard sweetener, but once you’ve mastered this base, feel free to experiment with other ratios)
- 25 ml Cointreau
- 60 ml freshly squeezed grapefruit juice
- One small rosemary sprig
- 1 tsp of crushed ginger
THE PREPARATION:
- Muddle rosemary, ginger and syrup
- Add the tequila, Cointreau, juice and ice and shake vigorously in a cocktail shaker
- Double strain and serve on the rocks in an Old Fashioned glass
- Garnish with a rosemary sprig and a grapefruit peel twist
HOW: hotelesencia.com
*When virtual happy hours are a thing of the past, consider a stay at the Hotel Esencia.
For Venturing Afar
If you can manage to pull yourself away from the beach, the Mayan ruins of Tulum offer an ideal day trip. Situated on sheer limestone cliffs perched above the turquoise splendor of the crashing Caribbean Sea, the ruins provide a glimpse into the mysterious ancient Mayan world. A natural wonder dating back millions of years, the Rio Secreto houses stunning stalactites and stalagmites. As you hike and swim through this underground cave, you’re transported into another world.
Immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Sian Ka’an, home to thousands of species of flora and fauna. This biosphere reserve and UNESCO World Heritage Site also offers the opportunity to snorkel in the Mesoamerican Reef witnessing a spectacular tapestry of coral that is home to marine turtles, dolphins and up to 500 species of fish.
Meanwhile, back at the hotel, just steps from the beach you’ll discover a reef sanctuary for sea turtles and brilliantly colored exotic fish. When your outdoor adventures conclude, Hotel Esencia will have your Esencia Margarita ready just in time for sunset!
