HAL specialty drinks

[nycdeb]

Good evening, all! I'm looking for details on making the most delicious of HAL specialty drinks - the 'South Seas Aviator'. Oh, the glorious evenings on the Noordam, sitting in the Ocean Bar with one of these in hand. I'm sure it was the Aviators that were to blame for:

drunken ping pong ("Come on, Doris - just one round. One little round. No, security won't care. We'll speak to them."),
giggling in the Photo Gallery ("No, that isn't a picture of Reba McEntire! Elvir, you don't even know who Reba McEntire is!")
our abysmal performance at that last round of team trivia ("I don't care what Drew says. Canadians didn't invent baseball.")Anyway - I wrote down the details of this nectar of the gods so I could recreate them at home and of course now, I cannot find the piece of paper. Anyone out there recall from Mixology class or memory? Thanks muchly! - Deb :)

[NoNoNanette]

MAN, you guys sound like FUN! :D

(I rarely post that!!!!)

Wish I could help you with your drink.... I became hooked on Pink Grapefruit Cosmos on the Amsterdam! ;)

[nycdeb]

MAN, you guys sound like FUN! :D

(I rarely post that!!!!)

Awwww, thanks. We have our moments - or at least we find the fun where we can. Like when I "sensed" the Starbucks in Old San Juan. God, I was so happy to get my frappaccino fix after over a week I burst into spontaneous dance (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZbXWCO9FHyY).:D

Wish I could help you with your drink.... I became hooked on Pink Grapefruit Cosmos on the Amsterdam! ;)

well, maybe someone else has discovered the Joys of the aviator. if someone on one of the tips now could check - I'm sure they all have the same specialty drinks, right? I got my "fix" from Cesar in the Ocean Bar - Caroline, if you're reading, tell him Deborah DESPERATELY needs the details.

[fuzzywuzzy]

I LOVED the Bahama Mama's. Yummmmmm.

[O2B@C]

Mango mojito and cosmo cubana are my libations of choice. Sorry I can't help with the Aviator recipe - hope someone can, as I'm curious - sounds lovely, just from the name.

Maybe if you email HAL they'll send you the recipe? If you do, and they do, please post it here!

[nycdeb]

Maybe if you email HAL they'll send you the recipe? If you do, and they do, please post it here!

Ohhhh. Excellent idea. I'll give it a shot. Hmmm . . . No pun intended.

[AerynSun_JohnCrighton]

I'll have to try it when we go.

[Krazy Kruizers]

On our recent Veendam, we heard a lot of passengers complaining about the specialty drinks -- tons of fruit juices and only a drop of alcohol -- expensive drinks for just fruit juice.

[AerynSun_JohnCrighton]

On our recent Veendam, we heard a lot of passengers complaining about the specialty drinks -- tons of fruit juices and only a drop of alcohol -- expensive drinks for just fruit juice.

really? I've always found it to the opposite...unless it's the free drinks at the welcome back party.

[nycdeb]

On our recent Veendam, we heard a lot of passengers complaining about the specialty drinks -- tons of fruit juices and only a drop of alcohol -- expensive drinks for just fruit juice.

well, I can't speak to the experience of others but I can assure everyone that there was plenty of alcohol in mine. :D

I indulged in South Seas Aviators (which can be made with gin or vodka -- I had mine with vodka) at the Sports Bar and the Ocean Bar regularly and I can't say I found them lacking in any way. The Cosmos (another favorite) were also very well lubricated.
Note to self - do NOT go pick out photos after or during a Cosmos marathon. Everyone looks good in pictures through the end of a martini glass. I was ready to purchase pictures of everyone I'd ever seen or spoken to on the ship. Luckily, Our Illustrious Photographer and our other Photo Gallery favorite, The Boy Wonder steered me back to the pictures of me and my friends.
The one time I felt a drink might be a little light on the liquor was the raspberry daiquiri from the Crow's Nest. I only ever had them in the Crow's Nest so I don't know if this would have been the case at the Sports Bar or the Ocean Bar - but I had them a couple of times up top and this was the case both times so perhaps it was a Crow's Nest issue.

[AerynSun_JohnCrighton]

I like to try new stuff...so I need to make a list and write some of these down.

[Krazy Kruizers]

really? I've always found it to the opposite...unless it's the free drinks at the welcome back party.

Welcome Back Party???

Do you mean the Mariner's party? That is all changed.

[Krazy Kruizers]

We talked to several people on the Veendam and they complained to the bar staff about the specialty drinks being weak -- they were informed that many of the specialty drinks are mostly juice and shaken with just a tad of alcohol.

[AerynSun_JohnCrighton]

Welcome Back Party???

Do you mean the Mariner's party? That is all changed.


How?

I ment that, or the Captain's Welcome aboard...both.

[nycdeb]

We talked to several people on the Veendam and they complained to the bar staff about the specialty drinks being weak -- they were informed that many of the specialty drinks are mostly juice and shaken with just a tad of alcohol.

well, they are very fruity drinks but I watched Cesar make the South Seas Aviators and the Cosmos and found nothing to complain about. In fact, at one point I asked him to dial it down a bit. Not discounting what the folks you spoke to might have experienced - just saying it was not the same for me.

That said - one of our gang did say at some point that she noticed a distinct difference between the level of alcohol in a drink she ordered herself at the bar and one brought to her by wait staff. Possibly that's why. I did most of my ordering myself - unless I was in the Sports Bar and being looked after by the Delightful Doris.:)

[RedmondCruiser]

For a mixology class get on a ship where Randall is the bar manager. He did a fantastic job on the Zaandam. Mixology class was $10 and featured four different types of Martinis. The next class was Margaritas. He also did a premium wine tasting class in the Pinnacle that was also first rate.

As far as drinks you can drink at one of the first class hotel chains where the bar tender asks if you want a double for 50% more. Then he pours to the top of the jigger and thats it. You need to read the small print were it says that prices are for one ounce only.

[nycdeb]

Good evening, all! I'm looking for details on making the most delicious of HAL specialty drinks - the 'South Seas Aviator'. Oh, the glorious evenings on the Noordam, sitting in the Ocean Bar with one of these in hand. I'm sure it was the Aviators that were to blame for:

drunken ping pong ("Come on, Doris - just one round. One little round. No, security won't care. We'll speak to them."),
giggling in the Photo Gallery ("No, that isn't a picture of Reba McEntire! Elvir, you don't even know who Reba McEntire is!")
our abysmal performance at that last round of team trivia ("I don't care what Drew says. Canadians didn't invent baseball.")Anyway - I wrote down the details of this nectar of the gods so I could recreate them at home and of course now, I cannot find the piece of paper. Anyone out there recall from Mixology class or memory? Thanks muchly! - Deb :)

Success! I have the details for the South Seas Aviation once again in hand. And for any and all who wondered, here they are:

South Seas Aviation

2 oz. gin or vodka (I usually went with vodka)
1/2 oz. maraschino liqueur
1/2 oz. lemon sours (or lemon juice, if you must)Shake with ice and strain into a chilled cocktail glass. And of course, top with a cherry.
Such relief just knowing I have these once again. Now I must run out and get me some maraschino liqueur.:)

[O2B@C]

That DOES sound yummy! I'll have to try one on the Veendam in August!

Thanks for posting it, and I'm so glad you were able to get the recipe. Enjoy!

[caribbean girl]

On our recent Veendam, we heard a lot of passengers complaining about the specialty drinks -- tons of fruit juices and only a drop of alcohol -- expensive drinks for just fruit juice.


The cure to the weak drink...make friends with the bartender.;)

My new favorite: Lime Smash...smashing!!:p If anyone has the recipe for this, please to share.

[SakeDad]

Well, I knew these would come in handy one day:rolleyes: I made friends with the head bartenders and party hosts on the Noordam. I attended ALL the mixology classes and then some. Well, my reward at the end of the cruise was a SPECIAL package of ALL of HAL's Mixology Recipes!!!!:p :p :p

South Seas Aviation
In a tall pint glass put 1/8 grapefruit, hand press with muddler. Fill the glass with ice, pour 1.5 oz Tanqueray Gin, .5 oz maraschino liquer, 1.5 oz house made sour (recipe follows). Shake and strain into martini glass, garnish with maraschino cherry.

Super Lime Smash
In a tall pint glass put 2 lime wedges, hand press lime with muddler. Fill glass with ice, pour 1.5 oz gin or vodka, 1.5 oz house made sour (recipe follows), 1 oz Sprite, shake & strin into a martini glass. Garnish w/ lime zest.

Housemade Sweet & Sour
1 part fresh lemon juice, 1 part fresh lime juice, 2 parts simple syrup.

Your welcome!!:D Now you have to invite me to your balconies for cocktails!

[caribbean girl]

Well, I knew these would come in handy one day:rolleyes: I made friends with the head bartenders and party hosts on the Noordam. I attended ALL the mixology classes and then some. Well, my reward at the end of the cruise was a SPECIAL package of ALL of HAL's Mixology Recipes!!!!:p :p :p

South Seas Aviation
In a tall pint glass put 1/8 grapefruit, hand press with muddler. Fill the glass with ice, pour 1.5 oz Tanqueray Gin, .5 oz maraschino liquer, 1.5 oz house made sour (recipe follows). Shake and strain into martini glass, garnish with maraschino cherry.

Super Lime Smash
In a tall pint glass put 2 lime wedges, hand press lime with muddler. Fill glass with ice, pour 1.5 oz gin or vodka, 1.5 oz house made sour (recipe follows), 1 oz Sprite, shake & strin into a martini glass. Garnish w/ lime zest.

Housemade Sweet & Sour
1 part fresh lemon juice, 1 part fresh lime juice, 2 parts simple syrup.

Your welcome!!:D Now you have to invite me to your balconies for cocktails!

Wow...thanks! One question, though...isn't there supposed to be some cucumber in the Lime Smash? I thought we both saw and tasted it...and the French couple who got us hooked mentioned this as well. Let us know...overall, it's a pretty simple recipe, no?:p

[CRUISNDIVA]

I fell in love with these last month and as soon as we got home I quickly went to work to track down Banana Syrup; it took me 2 days, lots of calling around and sending DH half way across the city but I finally found some.

Recipe courtesy of "big" Edmund in the Crows Nest....

Banana Mojito

2 Wedges of Lime (Pressed)
Handful of Mint Leaves
1.5 oz White Rum
Dash of Sweet/Sour Mix
Splash of Banana Syrup
Ice

Shake it all up top with Sprite and enjoy!!!!

Thanks to Edmund and the Noordam this is my new favorite summer cocktail which I plan on enjoying daily (as soon as the temperature around here goes above zero :eek:) .

Cheers!

:D

[Williebill]

I wish Hal would put a book of there specialty drinks up for sale as Carnival did a few years ago.

Bill

[AerynSun_JohnCrighton]

I need to write down some of these names...

[SakeDad]

Wow...thanks! One question, though...isn't there supposed to be some cucumber in the Lime Smash? I thought we both saw and tasted it...and the French couple who got us hooked mentioned this as well. Let us know...overall, it's a pretty simple recipe, no?:p
Found it!:D That one's called the Cucumber Lime Smash
In a tall pint glass put 2 limes wedges, hand press lime with muddler, add cucumber (doesn't say how much) and fill with ice, pour 1.5 oz gin or vodka, 1.5 oz house made sour, 1 oz Sprite. Shake and strain into martini glass, garnish with a slice of cucumber
ENJOY!

[caribbean girl]

Found it!:D That one's called the Cucumber Lime Smash
In a tall pint glass put 2 limes wedges, hand press lime with muddler, add cucumber (doesn't say how much) and fill with ice, pour 1.5 oz gin or vodka, 1.5 oz house made sour, 1 oz Sprite. Shake and strain into martini glass, garnish with a slice of cucumber
ENJOY!


YUM...and thanks again, Sake Dad!! Where are you getting these recipes? Are they all from your buddy the bartender? If so, lucky you! :D

[SakeDad]

YUM...and thanks again, Sake Dad!! Where are you getting these recipes? Are they all from your buddy the bartender? If so, lucky you! :D
LUCKY LUCKY ME!!!!:D :D :D I was handed 12 pages (3-4 recipes per page) of HAL drink recipes on my last day!!! Worth the price of the cruise right there!:p

[caribbean girl]

LUCKY LUCKY ME!!!!:D :D :D I was handed 12 pages (3-4 recipes per page) of HAL drink recipes on my last day!!! Worth the price of the cruise right there!:p


Did you ask for the recipe list or was it offered to you? I suspect there are quite a few drink recipes which are unique to HAL alone. We seem to try something new and different each time we cruise and it becomes part of our new favorite list. :) I was happy that I picked up a copy of the Bread Pudding recipe on our March trip...not sure how that compares to a cocktail for you. In order to fit into my clothes, I have to keep consumption of both substances to a minimum, I'm afraid. Thank goodness for vacations!

[caribbean girl]

By the way, SD, I was just peeking at your pix from the Alaska cruise on Noordam...wow...you have a great eye! The photos from Seattle, in particular, are lovely. All the colors (flowers, signs, etc) are really amazing! And thanks for the memory of lovely Noordam. Really made me go back in time to our cruise to the Caribbean last February. I remember all the questions you had before you and your Mom went on that trip. It looks like she enjoyed it...how nice for you to do this with your Mom!;) I hope my children reward me with something like this when they are grown!:)

[SakeDad]

By the way, SD, I was just peeking at your pix from the Alaska cruise on Noordam...wow...you have a great eye! The photos from Seattle, in particular, are lovely. All the colors (flowers, signs, etc) are really amazing! And thanks for the memory of lovely Noordam. Really made me go back in time to our cruise to the Caribbean last February. I remember all the questions you had before you and your Mom went on that trip. It looks like she enjoyed it...how nice for you to do this with your Mom!;) I hope my children reward me with something like this when they are grown!:)
Thanks! Seattle is one of my favorite cities as I go there a few times a year on business. The Noordam was wonderful and my Mom and I loved the trip, I'm now taking her on a 3 night NCL Star Repo cruise from LA to Vancouver just so we can be on another ship! Got a great deal on a HUGE aft balcony cabin so I couldn't pass it up:rolleyes:

[cage keeper]

Found it!:D That one's called the Cucumber Lime Smash
In a tall pint glass put 2 limes wedges, hand press lime with muddler, add cucumber (doesn't say how much) and fill with ice, pour 1.5 oz gin or vodka, 1.5 oz house made sour, 1 oz Sprite. Shake and strain into martini glass, garnish with a slice of cucumber
ENJOY!

WOW, I love you. This is the best martini I have ever had and was so upset that I forgot to get the it before we got off the ship:rolleyes: . You have made me very happy.:D

[caribbean girl]

WOW, I love you. This is the best martini I have ever had and was so upset that I forgot to get the it before we got off the ship:rolleyes: . You have made me very happy.:D

Yes...isn't it yummy! Sooo smoooth...:p

[cage keeper]

Yes...isn't it yummy! Sooo smoooth...:p

I agree. And I think I had quite a few one night.:D Can't wait to try one at home.;)

[carolmacey]

well, they are very fruity drinks but I watched Cesar make the South Seas Aviators and the Cosmos and found nothing to complain about. In fact, at one point I asked him to dial it down a bit. Not discounting what the folks you spoke to might have experienced - just saying it was not the same for me.

That said - one of our gang did say at some point that she noticed a distinct difference between the level of alcohol in a drink she ordered herself at the bar and one brought to her by wait staff. Possibly that's why. I did most of my ordering myself - unless I was in the Sports Bar and being looked after by the Delightful Doris.:)

Maybe the bartenders are heavy handed when they get the tip instead of a waiter.

[ebseckar]

Well, I knew these would come in handy one day:rolleyes: I made friends with the head bartenders and party hosts on the Noordam. I attended ALL the mixology classes and then some. Well, my reward at the end of the cruise was a SPECIAL package of ALL of HAL's Mixology Recipes!!!!:p :p :p

Your welcome!!:D Now you have to invite me to your balconies for cocktails!

SakeDad --

You wouldn't happen to have the recipe for a Cosmo Cabana in that special package would you?

[SakeDad]

SakeDad --

You wouldn't happen to have the recipe for a Cosmo Cabana in that special package would you?

:rolleyes: :rolleyes: Maybe....:rolleyes: :rolleyes:

Cosmo Cubana
2 lime wedges, hand pressed
1 large handful of fresh mint sprigs
Ice
1.5 oz Pineapple Rum
1.5 oz house made Sweet & Sour
1 oz Cranberry Juice
Shake and strain into martin glass
Garnish w/ Mint sprigs on top:D

[dr1ce]

Good evening, all! I'm looking for details on making the most delicious of HAL specialty drinks - the 'South Seas Aviator'. Oh, the glorious evenings on the Noordam, sitting in the Ocean Bar with one of these in hand… Anyway - I wrote down the details of this nectar of the gods so I could recreate them at home and of course now, I cannot find the piece of paper. Anyone out there recall from Mixology class or memory? Thanks muchly! - Deb :)

I don’t have any recipes, but I did take photos of the entire bar menu from the Noordam (we were on the same cruise, according to your signature). I didn’t post these photos online, but if you want me to find the “South Seas Aviator”, maybe the description will help recreate it? Email me at john <at> premierpaging <dot> com if you’re interested. (This is my DH’s email, so if I don’t respond right away, I’ll get to it!)

My favorite drink was the MOJITO! I tried the mango, banana, and strawberry (I think) and they were all great, but I love the “traditional” straight-up mojito best! German in the Sports Bar made them better than anyone else’s I tried on the ship! I think my DH gave him great tips (he spent a good share of time in the casino), so they were much stiffer than elsewhere. Yay, German!: http://www.flickr.com/photos/cshym74/2333442529/ So sad to see this on our last day aboard: http://www.flickr.com/photos/cshym74/2334275004/

I fell in love with these last month and as soon as we got home I quickly went to work to track down Banana Syrup; it took me 2 days, lots of calling around and sending DH half way across the city but I finally found some.

Recipe courtesy of "big" Edmund in the Crows Nest....

Banana Mojito

2 Wedges of Lime (Pressed)
Handful of Mint Leaves
1.5 oz White Rum
Dash of Sweet/Sour Mix
Splash of Banana Syrup
Ice

Shake it all up top with Sprite and enjoy!!!!

Thanks to Edmund and the Noordam this is my new favorite summer cocktail which I plan on enjoying daily (as soon as the temperature around here goes above zero :eek:) .

Cheers!

:D

You got the recipe, you clever gal!! Can I leave out the banana for a regular mojito? I’m not very well-versed in “mixology”; I just drink ‘em! :D Now I’m in the mood to go to the liquor store! BTW, can you (2008CRUISER) email me (see above)? I have a few photos of “the last supper” that you may want… You and M. are such a gorgeous couple! Love the new photo you have in your CC profile. Are you planning another cruise for Nov. like you said? I feel so “lost” now, not having a cruise “on the horizon”…we’re planning a week away in August, but not a cruise. We hope to do another one next year, maybe… Anyway, send me an email when you can and I’ll email you the photos.

[AerynSun_JohnCrighton]

It was either RCCL or Princess... they did a Raspberry MOJITO, I liked it, except they left the mint leaves in the glass and I had to spoon them out as I didn't want to eat them.

[ebseckar]

:rolleyes: :rolleyes: Maybe....:rolleyes: :rolleyes:

Cosmo Cubana
2 lime wedges, hand pressed
1 large handful of fresh mint sprigs
Ice
1.5 oz Pineapple Rum
1.5 oz house made Sweet & Sour
1 oz Cranberry Juice
Shake and strain into martin glass
Garnish w/ Mint sprigs on top:D

Thanks SakeDad! Now would I be pushing my luck if I asked if you happened to have the recipe for the "house made Sweet & Sour"? Last year I fell in love with HAL's lemon drop martinis and to recreate them at home I had to get the recipe for the lemon-lime sour mix -- that is what really makes the drink so good. I'm thinking it might be the same case with the sweet & sour mix.

[Homosassa]

[Housemade Sweet & Sour
1 part fresh lemon juice, 1 part fresh lime juice, 2 parts simple syrup.

[/quote]

We were told at the mixology class that the simple syrup is 1/2 cup sugar to 1 1/2 cups water.

[redroses27]

do they have any antifreeze drinks for alaska cruises lol:) :p

[Homosassa]

Wish I could help you with your drink.... I became hooked on Pink Grapefruit Cosmos on the Amsterdam! ;)

Pink Grapefruit Cosmos

2 Lime Wedges
1/8th Grapefruit

Hand press the fruit with a muddler and add ice
Add the following:

1.5 oz Vodka
1.5 oz House made sour (see post my post above for the house (sweet and )sour
1.0 oz Cranberry juice

Shake and strain into martini glass
Garnish with grated grapefruit zest over top of drink

[NoNoNanette]

Pink Grapefruit Cosmos

2 Lime Wedges
1/8th Grapefruit

Hand press the fruit with a muddler and add ice
Add the following:

1.5 oz Vodka
1.5 oz House made sour (see post my post above for the house (sweet and )sour
1.0 oz Cranberry juice

Shake and strain into martini glass
Garnish with grated grapefruit zest over top of drink

Thank you, my friend! ;)

[AerynSun_JohnCrighton]

do they have any antifreeze drinks for alaska cruises lol:) :p

Try some specality coffees with the liquors in them. ;)

[caribbean girl]

:rolleyes: :rolleyes: Maybe....:rolleyes: :rolleyes:

Cosmo Cubana
2 lime wedges, hand pressed
1 large handful of fresh mint sprigs
Ice
1.5 oz Pineapple Rum
1.5 oz house made Sweet & Sour
1 oz Cranberry Juice
Shake and strain into martin glass
Garnish w/ Mint sprigs on top:D

SakeDad...you could be making some cash on these recipes...maybe enough for your next cruise!;)

[SakeDad]

You book the cruise I'll bring the recipes.....and a camera!:p

[caribbean girl]

You book the cruise I'll bring the recipes.....and a camera!:p


It's a deal, but...can you wait until next year? We only cruise once a year, preferably in our winter.:rolleyes:

[SakeDad]

It's a deal, but...can you wait until next year? We only cruise once a year, preferably in our winter.:rolleyes:
If I must!:D

[PrincessYoga]

Success! I have the details for the South Seas Aviation once again in hand. And for any and all who wondered, here they are:

South Seas Aviation

2 oz. gin or vodka (I usually went with vodka)
1/2 oz. maraschino liqueur
1/2 oz. lemon sours (or lemon juice, if you must)
Shake with ice and strain into a chilled cocktail glass. And of course, top with a cherry.
Such relief just knowing I have these once again. Now I must run out and get me some maraschino liqueur.:)

That sounds gorgeous. I am gonna have a go making this. Thanks for sharing.

[Flindy&Doc]

Guest Relations emailed my favorite drink recipe when I asked for it after our Alaskan Cruise last August. We loved relaxing in the Crow's nest before dinner.

GLACIER DROP
Sugar rim a 7.5 oz Martini Glass
In a pint glass shaker, muddle 2 lemon wedges
Immediately pack with ice cubes
Add 1.5 oz of vodka of "choice"
0.25 oz of Blue Curacao
1.5 oz of lemon sour mix
Cover pint glass with cover shaker
And
Shake for 6 seconds (this is very important)
Strain it in to the pre-sugared rimed Martini Glass
Garnish with a lemon wedge

[factoryfourteen]

This thread is old, and probably dead, but since I've been craving these drinks since my world cruise in 2005, figured anything is worth a try! :) Anyone happen to have the recipe for the "coral lemon drop" or the "Mango Mojito"? We did make friends with the bartenders, but apparently spent a little too much time drinking, and not enough time gathering recipes! Thanks in advance!:D