Must-Try Cocktails Around the World

Tucked away within Anantara Siam Bangkok Hotel, Aquabar is one of the city’s best-kept secrets. An elegant bar where the energy of live music meets refined, modern cocktail craftsmanship. Recognised as one of Thailand’s 20 best bars, Aquabar is led by head mixologist Ryan Germino, whose approach goes beyond the glass, transforming each drink into a thoughtfully curated experience.

At Aquabar, the signature menu unfolds through the story of Quill, a dapper duck dressed in a lotus-leaf vest. With a twinkle in his eye, a shaker in his wing, and striking tattoos to match his bold personality, Quill is no ordinary bartender. His signature drinks are inspired by the surrounding forest, inviting guests to follow him into a secret garden where nature, imagination, and flavour intertwine.

This is Moonlit Butterflies, one of Quill’s most whimsical creations, a cocktail that captures a quiet, reflective moment in his story. Made with butterfly-pea-infused gin, violet liqueur, and a swirl of velvety cream, then crowned with a delicate rice-paper disc, the drink feels like sipping starlight through blooming petals. Not too strong, with just a gentle hint of alcohol, it offers a rare moment of calm in the heart of Bangkok, a must-try for anyone in the city.

Theo, the visionary behind the Anantara Palais Hansen Vienna Hotel, is the soul of the bar’s story. An architect whose legacy unfolds through every sip, Theophil Hansen designed the Palais Hansen in 1873 for the World Exhibition. Today, his influence lives on through a unique and modern cocktail menu that reimagines architecture in a glass.

Each drink on the menu is named after one of Hansen’s iconic buildings, celebrating form, structure, and timeless design. Guided by a low-waste philosophy, the mixologist crafts innovative cocktails using local, seasonal ingredients, seamlessly blending Vienna’s heritage with modern sophistication. From refreshing, zesty creations to rich, chocolatey indulgences, the menu offers a flavour for every mood.

Among the standouts is the White Glory cocktail: a balanced, floral, and refreshing white Negroni. Crafted with coconut-infused gin, vermouth, bitter bianco, and a touch of rhubarb vinegar, it is bright, elegantly layered, and impeccably refined. A must-try signature that reflects the modern elegance of the Palais itself: subtle, luxurious, and timeless.

At Anantara Convento di Amalfi Grand Hotel, cocktails are deeply rooted in heritage and place. Served at Bar Dei Cappuccini, each creation draws inspiration from the hotel’s historic convent setting and the bright, sun-drenched flavours of the Amalfi Coast, where citrus groves spill down dramatic cliffs and lemon-scented air defines the landscape.

The standout on the menu is the Golden Negroni - a refined expression of the region’s prized Sfusato Amalfitano lemon, often known as the gold of Amalfi. This elegant interpretation of the classic Negroni balances vibrant citrus with delicate botanicals, resulting in a drink that feels both fresh and timeless.

Crafted with the exclusive Gin del Convento, amber vermouth, and bergamot liqueur, the Golden Negroni reveals a smooth, aromatic profile and a warm golden hue that captures the spirit of Amalfi in a single sip. Alongside this signature serve, the bar presents a thoughtfully curated cocktail collection, featuring creations found nowhere else.

At Anantara Mina Al Arab Ras Al Khaimah Resort, the cocktail program has been thoughtfully refreshed following a visit from a renowned cocktail professor, introducing new perspective and refined technique behind the bar. Served in the elegant Lobby Lounge, the menu draws inspiration from local teas, aromatic coffees, and the rugged mountain landscapes of Ras Al Khaimah, resulting in a collection that feels both polished and deeply rooted in place.

Each cocktail balances classic foundations with regional flavour, finished with a subtle Middle Eastern touch. Across the resort’s various bars, guests can choose from a range of serves to suit their mood. Standout creations include the refreshing Arabian Julep and the smooth, aromatic, and balanced Za’atar-Pressed. Together, the collection offers a refined taste of the destination, one thoughtfully crafted drink at a time.

At the award-winning restaurant at Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort, the Mekong Signature Cocktails invite guests on a journey shaped by legend and travel. The menu follows the story of Bao Lin, a wandering herbalist who set sail along the Mekong River, travelling from China to Vietnam. Along the way, he encountered new flavours, folklore, and friendships, each captured in a cocktail inspired by moments carried by the river.

From the bold intensity of early creations such as Angry Bird to the refined finale of City of Lights, each drink unfolds a chapter of Bao Lin’s journey. Inspired by Vietnam, City of Lights reflects the moment Bao Lin watched lanterns drift across the water, their glow mirrored on the river’s surface. Crafted as a sparkling fizz with lemongrass and roselle soda layered with tropical fruits, it is light, vibrant, and celebratory.

Together, the collection invites guests to follow Bao Lin’s path through flavour, discovering how each modern cocktail reveals a different moment along the Mekong.

For those who believe in horoscopes, SKY at the Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas offers a playful twist on cocktail storytelling. Its cosmic menu draws inspiration from the zodiac, with bespoke drinks crafted for each sign. Whether you are a bold Aries, a curious Gemini, or an intuitive Cancer, there is a cocktail written in the stars for every guest. Each serve is thoughtfully composed, with ingredients selected to reflect the personality and traits of its sign.

Prefer to keep things grounded? The bar also features the Anantara Signature Cocktail Menu, which includes classic creations. Standout serves include the Anantara Signature Krumbà Fini and Toma’s Special, both expressive of the bar’s creative flair and refined approach to mixology.

At the Anantara Santorini Abu Dhabi Retreat, you will find the Botanical Bar. Here, nature sits at the heart of the cocktail experience. Rooted in sustainability and craftsmanship, the bar works with real produce grown in-house, harvesting herbs and ingredients directly from the retreat’s own grounds. Here, you will find a menu that feels authentic and thoughtfully composed, guided by balance, flavour, and storytelling.

Among the signatures, Olympus stands out as a celebration of mythology and mindful mixology. Named after Mount Olympus (the legendary home of the gods in Greek mythology), the cocktail symbolises celebration, power, and joy. Sweet, sour, and herbaceous in profile, it is crafted with sustainability in mind, using open wine gently warmed with honey, dried elderflower, and aromatic spices such as cinnamon, star anise, and peppercorn. The fresh basil, considered a sacred herb in Greek tradition, is harvested directly from the retreat’s greenhouse, adding depth, freshness, and extending the life of the cocktail. Finally, the vodka provides balance and structure, while elderflower lends a soft floral sweetness associated with lightness and gentle healing.

Another standout is Jewel of Jurf, a refreshing signature cocktail rooted in local Emirati heritage. Named after Al Jurf, the area in which the retreat is located, renowned for its date of palm plantations, the cocktail showcases dates harvested from the retreat’s own 450 palm trees. Combined with vodka and tamarind, the result is an earthy, tangy, subtly spiced, and gently sweet serve that reflects both place and season.