Tropical Cocktails: Best Cocktails To Drink While In Bali
Whenever the word ‘Bali’ is mentioned, we immediately think about pristine beaches, lush jungles, and vibrant nightlife! After all, Bali, the island of Gods, is a tropical paradise for tourists.
But wait… One more thing makes this place an unforgettable destination: its incredible cocktail choices. Whether you’re looking for unique international drinks or want to try tropical cocktails, Bali has something for every taste bud. From lounging by the beach to local cafés and bars, there's a cocktail for every occasion. These Bali drinks will make your trip more enjoyable and memorable. Imagine the sun dipping below the horizon, painting the sky in fiery hues, while you clink glasses with a drink with your partner. Doesn't that sound like the perfect way to enjoy the true essence of this tropical paradise? This blog explains the best Bali cocktails to drink during your trip to this fantastic island.
Let’s dive in.
Let’s start with the traditional Balinese spirit—arak. Distilled from fermented coconut or palm sap, it's a must-try for anyone visiting the island. This simple yet potent cocktail has a 20-50% alcohol content.
Skilled bartenders create this vibrant drink by mixing it with the zing of fresh ginger, lemon juice, honey, or a splash of Coca-Cola. This gives it a refreshing and tangy taste. Sip it slowly and enjoy the unique flavours that define Balinese culture.
Just think of any tropical paradise destination, and coconuts will surely be one of the first things that come to mind. Coconuts are sold everywhere in Bali, from warungs (small family-run shops) and local markets to pop-up beach bars. Here, fresh coconut water replaces the usual club soda, creating a refreshingly light and hydrating base. This unique cocktail combines white rum, fresh mint leaves, lime juice, coconut water, and a splash of soda water.
Bali is quite famous for its exotic locations and fruits – one of them is dragon fruit. This delightful Dragon Fruit Margarita drink combines tequila, triple sec, fresh lime juice, and dragon fruit puree. Later, it is strained over ice into a margarita glass rimmed with pink Himalayan salt and garnished with a slice of dragonfruit for an Instagram-worthy and incredibly delicious drink. Also, don’t forget to capture its pictures because the bright pink hue of the dragon fruit gives the margarita a visually stunning appearance, making it perfect for your Instagram feed.
Another go-to cocktail in Bali is the Kelapa Negroni, which offers a unique Balinese twist on the classic Negroni. It is mixed with classic Negroni, gin, sweet vermouth, Campari, and coconut-infused arak (a traditional Balinese spirit made from rice or palm sap). The drink is garnished with an orange peel to elevate the aroma. Enjoy your Kelapa Negroni drink while soaking in the gorgeous ambience of Bali's bars and lounges.
The next cocktail that you must try on your trip is the ultimate Bali Breeze. People call it ultimate because, as its name says, it perfectly encapsulates the island's tropical and relaxed atmosphere. It combines vodka, blue curaçao, fresh lime juice, pineapple juice, and coconut cream, resulting in a vibrant blue cocktail that resembles the clear waters surrounding Bali. Bali Breeze has a burst of citrus and tropical sweetness, making it visually appealing and delicious.
Lemongrass sounds like an ordinary ingredient, but it is a staple in Balinese cuisine. The Lemongrass Collins is a refreshing twist on the classic Tom Collins, featuring gin, fresh lemongrass, lemon juice, and soda water. This refreshing and aromatic cocktail has gin, fresh lemongrass, lemon juice, and a splash of soda water. It may look like a simple drink, but it is quite light, zesty, and incredibly refreshing.
Have you tried a cocktail with tomato juice? If not, try the Bali Mary! This local take on the classic Bloody Mary features arak, tomato juice, lime, and a blend of spices, giving it a distinct Balinese twist. This bold, spicy, and flavourful drink is perfect for poolside brunch, a late afternoon pick-me-up or a post-surf refreshment.
Celebrate Bali's lush, tropical flora with this Botanical Garden – a gin-based cocktail! It has gin, elderflower liqueur, fresh cucumber juice, a squeeze of lime, and various fresh herbs and botanicals, such as basil, mint, and cucumber. It is finally garnished with a sprig of rosemary and a dehydrated edible flower for a touch of elegance. The Botanical Garden is light and herbaceous, making it an ideal choice for a daytime drink or a refreshing apéritif before dinner.
Bali's cocktail scene is as diverse and vibrant as the island itself. From traditional Balinese ingredients to creative twists on classic cocktails, there's something to suit every taste. Whether you like light and refreshing drinks or want something bold and unique, Bali offers a wide array of cocktails that will delight your taste buds. Add these must-try Bali cocktails mentioned above to enhance your tropical getaway.