EDITOR’S NOTE: This article was written before the opening of Universal Helios Grand Hotel, a Loews Hotel, Universal Stella Nova Resort, and Universal Terra Luna Resort, and is not inclusive of the hotels’ offerings. For details on where to stay at Universal Epic Universe, click here.
If you’ve ever been to Universal Orlando Resort, then you know that there’s plenty of fun to be had and excellent dining to enjoy throughout the theme parks — but are you also aware of the eight different hotels to stay (and drink) at? There’s loads to do at the resorts from the pools and the dining to even bowling at Universal Cabana Bay Beach Resort. There’s a little something for everyone and — dare I say — some of the best drinks in all of Universal Orlando can be found in the hotels.
As the Discover Universal Blog Intern, I knew I would be experiencing some pretty awesome feats during the semester, but I had no idea that would include sampling a cocktail or two from each hotel’s specialty bars and becoming an (un)official Universal Orlando Hotels cocktail connoisseur. Of course I WON’T be gatekeeping these gems and have compiled the ultimate guide to signature cocktails at Universal Orlando Hotels just for you.
Universal Cabana Bay Beach Resort
Swizzle Lounge
Top Pick: Smokey & The Banana
If you’re looking for a fun and unique twist on your traditional margarita, then Smokey & The Banana is a must-try. Made with Mezcal, Ancho Reyes Verde, crème de banana and lime juice, this drink is surely the life of the party. Think: the friend that wears a banana suit for any occasion.
Honorable Mention: Go Lightly
For a refreshing and pretty drink, try Go Lightly. This cocktail is made with Gin, lime juice, cucumber syrup, strawberry purée and a splash of Sprite. It’s perfectly summer-y.
Universal Aventura Hotel
Bar 17 Bistro
Top Pick: Cotton Candy Skies
Order the Cotton Candy Skies if you enjoy a good ol’ vodka and cran because this one offers a fun little twist. The cotton candy syrup and cloud included in this drink provide a well-balanced sweetness to counteract the tartness of the cranberry juice.
Honorable Mention: Butterfly Kisses
This cocktail offers a delightful and subtle flavor with the beautiful butterfly pea tea and packs a little punch with the vodka. The true kicker, though, is the strawberry popping pearls that come with every sip.
Loews Sapphire Falls Resort
Drhum Club Kantine
Top Pick: Island Breeze
Your perfect pool drink can be found at Drhum Club Kantine, and it’s called the Island Breeze. Be transported to the Caribbean with this yummy cocktail made with all the island favorites —Rum, Blue Curaçao, pineapple juice and a float of Blue Swift Cognac.
Strong Water Tavern
Top Pick: Last Typhoon
This cocktail not only tastes absolutely delicious, but it’s also picture perfect. With a typhoon of ingredients, you’ll surely be impressed. It’s tropical and fruity but not too sweet and packs a punch with the dark rums. Made with Mount Gay, Eclipse Rum, pineapple, passion Fruit and Crème de Pamplemousse, it’s ideal for a tropical adventure.
Honorable Mention: Sapphire Sour
If you enjoy a good sour, I highly recommend trying the Sapphire Sour. It’s beautiful blue color will remind you of the ocean and the interesting Aquafaba (chickpea foam) adds to the experience, resembling sea foam. It’s the perfect balance between sweet and sour. The ingredients for this cocktail include: Plantation 3 Stars Rum, Blue Curacao, Lavender Syrup, lemon juice, and Aquafaba.
Loews Royal Pacific Resort
Jake’s American Bar
Top Pick: Strawberry Fields
Step foot in Jake’s American Bar for the pretzel rods and stay for the Strawberry Fields cocktail. If you enjoy ginger beer and a potent ginger flavor, then this is the drink for you, but don’t worry — there’s a touch of sweetness (tastes like summer) with the fresh strawberries. Here’s the ingredient list: Vodka, fresh lime juice, strawberries, simple syrup and ginger beer.
Bula Bar and Grille
Top Pick: Maui Sunset Colada
One sip of this delicious colada and you’ll be transported straight to the island of Maui. This one’s perfect for hanging out poolside and is super smooth. Pineapple Rum, passion fruit, piña colada mix and strawberry swirl come together for this fruity delight.
Orchid Court Lounge
Top Pick: Kemuri
If you’re looking for something similar to the traditional Old Fashioned, try out the Kemuri, Orchid Court Lounge’s version of this classic drink with a twist. This cocktail is served in a tableside presentation and includes Akashi Blend Whisky, bitters and cherry wood smoke. The cherry wood adds just the right amount of smokiness to balance out the bitters.
Honorable Mention: Purple Samurai
Another whisky moment here but make it purple. This one’s for my whisky fans that not only enjoy whisky but also a pretty purple drink. In this cocktail you’ll find Mars Iwai Whisky, blueberry, rosemary and lemon served in a coupe.
Hard Rock Hotel
Velvet Bar
Top Pick: The Last Resort
This drink won’t be your last resort if you enjoy both vodka AND tequila. Made with Cincoro Reposado Tequila, Vodka, mango and a touch of spice, this cocktail closely resembles a fun twist on the spicy margarita. Order this one for a real fiesta in your glass and be transported to a vacay in Tulum.
Honorable Mention: Topanga Canyon
This fruity cocktail is more of an acquired taste because it includes hibiscus and lychee alongside Ketel One Vodka and grapefruit. However, just because it’s “fruity,” it still has a nice tartness due to the hibiscus and grapefruit combination.
Loews Portofino Bay Hotel
Thirsty Fish
Top Pick: Tre Arance
Tre Arance, which is Italian for three oranges, is a delectable citrusy cocktail that literally contains three different types of orange. These include Grey Goose Orange Vodka, Deep Eddy Orange Vodka, and blood orange purée. The real kicker however, is the Amaro Nonino liqueur that adds a touch of sweetness with vanilla, allspice and caramel notes.
Honorable Mention: Italian Old Fashioned
This drink is not too overbearing and goes down smoothly with its melded vanilla and caramel flavors. It highly resembles your traditional old fashioned with Maker’s Mark Bourbon, Angostura Bitters, Amaretto Disaronno and maple syrup for a touch of sweetness.
PRO TIP: Ask your server for extra Luxardo cherries to snack on between sips, I find it adds an extra oomph factor.
Endless Summer Resort – Surfside Inn & Suites
Sand Bar
Top Pick: Disco H2O
This poolside drink will surely bring a disco to your mouth after the first sip. The White Claw Premium Vodka infused with Skittles syrup is done in-house and tastes exactly like the rainbow (Skittles). The lime and Fever-Tree Soda do well in counterbalancing the sweetness of the Skittles syrup. The real showstopper, however, is the tube of Skittles dunked upside down in the glass for you to pour in, making this a real disco party.
Honorable Mention: Endless Summer Lemonade
I am a total Tito’s and lemonade girl so when I saw that the Endless Summer Resorts had their own self titled “Endless Summer Lemonade,” I knew I had to give it a shot. The twist here is that the vodka is infused with thyme and the cocktail is finished with Fever-Tree Sparkling Lemon Tonic, providing a classier take on the Tito’s and Lemonade combo.
Endless Summer Resort – Dockside Inn & Suites
Sunset Lounge
Top Pick: Red Sky at Night
The category here is “sunset” and this cocktail definitely serves. Think: a tequila sunrise’s cooler cousin. Made with Patron Silver Tequila, lime, orange and grenadine, this drink has the perfect balance of citrus to tequila and hits the bull’s eye for a fun summer drink.
Whether you’re visiting Universal Orlando Resort on vacation, business or just hanging out locally, don’t forget to stop by any of the Universal Orlando Resort Hotels and check out their unique specialty bars and cocktails. Cheers!
Must be 21 years and older with valid identification to purchase or drink alcoholic beverages.
Comment down below if you get the chance to try any of these drinks! Check out this guide for more signature cocktails at Universal Orlando Resort.
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