Travel Thirst » Holiday Extras

Costa Rica Invitational

admin — Thu, 22 Apr 2010 01:35:56 +0000

Costa Rica Invitational is a great option if you love poker and just can’t get enough of the tropical paradise that is Costa Rica. The tournament is arranged by Point Poker en espanol. The tourney itself is a mix if invited European players, Costa Rican pros and Online Players from Point Poker. It’s an annual event held in luxurious Hilton in Puntarenas, Costa Rica. We’ll see you there.

South Africa: The Springbok

admin — Fri, 22 May 2009 11:46:53 +0000

More of a shot than a cocktail, the Springbok is a drink widely consumed in South Africa where Amarula is made. Very simple, it combines Creme de Menthe poured into a shot glass up to one third full, topped off with Amarula which sits as a creamy layer on top. This shot is to be downed in one and tastes deliciously like a mint Aero chocolate bar. Watch out as you won’t realise how alcoholic it is before it’s too late!

Belgium: Hoegaarden

admin — Fri, 22 May 2009 11:34:44 +0000

Not really a cocktail but this one has to be on the list of summer classics. Hoegaarden, a white Belgian beer is popular in pub gardens across Europe. The bespoke brewing process, with additions of wheat, coriander and Curacao orange peel, gives Hoegaarden a distinct flavour and slightly cloudy appearance. More flavoursome than a normal pint of lager and lighter than beer (though not in alcohol content!), this drink epitomises the European summer.

Greece: Ouzo

admin — Fri, 22 May 2009 11:30:47 +0000

You wouldn’t necessarily see Ouzo as a long drink given that it is better known as a shot. However, Ouzo, mixed with water and a good smattering of ice, is a typical Greek tipple that is surprisingly refreshing on a hot summer’s day. Invented by monks in the 14th Century, the aniseed taste tingles on the tongue while the vivid aroma hangs on the air to give a true flavour of hot Grecian evenings.

Italy: The Bellini

admin — Fri, 22 May 2009 11:29:59 +0000

This drink is said to have been originated in Venice by barman Giuseppe Cipriani who experimented with a blend of local fizzy wine, Prosecco, and pureed peach flesh. The pink colour reminded him of a painting by Giovanni Bellini in which a painted saint wore a toga matching the colour of Giuseppe’s creation. For this reason he named it the Bellini. This is a perfect drink for summer parties or as an aperitif outside your favourite restaurant.

Brazil: The Caipirinha

admin — Fri, 22 May 2009 11:29:00 +0000

The Caipirinha is Brazil’s trademark cocktail made from their most commonly distilled alcoholic drink, Cachaça which is similar to rum and made from fermented sugar cane juice. Cachaça is combined with plenty of ice, sugar and lime to create a simple but punchy drink. It is similar in principle to the Mojito, but a shorter drink differentiated by its native ingredients.

Mexico: The Margarita

admin — Fri, 22 May 2009 11:27:57 +0000

Another national classic, the Margarita has become world-famous since the key ingredient, Tequila’s humble beginnings in Aztec Mexico. Using a cactus plant called the blue agave, the town of Tequila in the Mexican state of Jalisco is now said to harvest more that 300 million plants every year to create the spirit, Tequila, so named after the region of its commercialisation. The Margarita successfully blends this highly alcoholic spirit with triple sec, lime juice, a dusting of salt and sometimes sugar or additional orange liqueur, to make a perfect holiday cocktail for those evenings round the beach bar. Well, it would be rude not to!

England: Pimms and Lemonade

admin — Fri, 22 May 2009 11:26:20 +0000

Quintessentially English, the Pimms and Lemonade is the perfect summer drink for those lazy afternoons with a picnic in the park or in the countryside. It is a long, cooling beverage with refreshing fruits, cucumber and mint. The lower alcohol content means you can sit back and sup this thirst-quencher all afternoon without getting into too much trouble, although there are variations of the recipe that add gin, vodka or Cointreau for that extra kick.

Malta: Bajtra with Kinnie

admin — Fri, 22 May 2009 11:24:40 +0000

A less well known cocktail but a delightful summer drink, none-the-less. The national Maltese liqueur, Bajtra, is made from prickly pears which are the fruit of cactus commonly found all across Malta. Bajtra is a sweet, short drink but when mixed with Kinnie, a Maltese bitter fizzy drink, it becomes a complex but refreshing aperitif. Great for enjoying on the balcony before heading out for the night.

Cuba: The Mojito

admin — Fri, 22 May 2009 11:21:54 +0000

One of the most refreshing summer drinks you can sup on. The zingy flavours of lime and mint combine with softer tones of rum and sugar to create the perfect addition to the beach and a good book. The Mojito is a nice, long drink served with plenty of ice to cool you down when all that sun-bathing gets too much!