Welcome to the world of drinking tourism. Whether you’re fond of a tipple or strictly teetotal, there are few better ways to relax and wind down than with your favourite drink of choice. Sipping cocktails in the sunshine, cooling down with an ice-cold beer or warming up with a great cup of coffee have become part of any seasoned traveller’s itinerary.
So pack your bags, put your drinking boots on and get ready to explore our round up of top destinations worldwide that serve up the most famous refreshments.
For the perfect coffee fix…
Hop on a flight to Melbourne and you’ll find some of the best coffee anywhere in the world. Dubbed the coffee capital of Australia, this cosmopolitan city’s coffee obsession is nothing new, but it’s most definitely evolving, with more hotspots opening up all the time. And rest assured, brewing standards should meet the expectations of even the haughtiest coffee connoisseur. Drop by Industry Beans for some black liquid magic and stock up on your home supply of beans while you’re there.
The best of the rest:
Monk Bodhi Dharma | Rear 202 Carlisle Street in Balaclava www.monkbodhidharma.com.au
St Ali, various locations stali.com.au
Auction Rooms, 103-107 Errol Street www.auctionroomscafe.com.au
For a Mojito with real kick…
A trip to Cuba wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the country’s colourful capital city, Havana, where you can sip a truly authentic Mojito. This iconic cocktail, made with rum, soda, mint, sugar and zesty lime juice originates from here, each one made with expertise and plenty of passion. Admittedly a bit touristy, El Floridita is not a bad place to go for your first taste. It’s where Hemingway liked to drink (and apparently still holds the record for downing 16 daiquiris with double rum).
The best of the rest:
Dos Hermanos, Av. Del Puerto, La Habana, Cuba www.youtube.com/watch?v=9UZZwAZiFmc
Bar Café Del Oriente, 112 Ofcios www.worldsbestbars.com/bar/havana/city-center/bar-cafe-del-oriente
La Bodeguita Del Medio, Empedrado www.hemingwaycuba.com/havana-hemingway
For a mouth-watering milkshake…
Take a flight in to New York and head straight out to tickle your taste buds with an amazing milkshake. Think cream (lots of it), crazy flavours and giant proportions. New Yorkers do this most decadent of calorie-laden beverages to perfection. At the Brooklyn Farmacy and Soda Fountain you will find every imaginable flavour combination and then some. We dare you to try a Mr Potatohead packed with peanut butter, caramel and potato chips (and still be able to walk afterwards).
The best of the rest:
Lexington Candy Shop, 1226 Lexington Avenue www.lexingtoncandyshop.net
Shake Shack, Multiple locations http://www.shakeshack.com
Stand4, 24 East 12th Street www.standburger.com
For a cooling beer or two…
Dig out your lederhosen and fly out to Germany in time to catch this year’s Oktoberfest. This 16-day festival of food, fun (and fabulous beer) is held annually from the end of September in Munich, Bavaria. Although similar events take place across the country, this one is the oldest, dating back to 1810 when it was held in celebration of Prince Ludwig’s marriage to Princess Therese von Sachsen-Hildburghausen. It’s a must for lager-lovers.
www.oktoberfest.de/en/
For a marvellous margarita…
Mexico could be your ideal holiday destination this year, especially if you’ve a penchant for ice-cold margaritas. The story goes that this famous tipple, traditionally made with tequila, triple sec and lime or lemon juice, was invented by bartender Don Carlos Orozco in 1941 and that he named it after the daughter of the then German Ambassador who happened to be visiting. La Distileria in Cancun has it’s own tequila distillery, so it’s no surprise that it creates some of the best you’re ever going to taste.
The best of the rest:
Tiny’s Bar, 001 Q R, Madero 14, Centro – Supmza, 001, Isla Mujeres www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/02/04/isla-mujeres-mexico
Tres Marias, Coral Negro, 77500 Cancun https://foursquare.com/v/tres-mar
Lobby Bar, Fiesta Americana Condesa Cancún, 77500 Cancún, Quintana Roo www.fiestamericana.com/en/web/fiesta-americana-condesa
For a pint of the black stuff…
A quick one -hour flight will get you to Dublin some great craic, fantastic food and the best Guinness you’ll ever taste. Even people who don’t like Guinness like Guinness in Dublin. So why does it taste better? Scientists claim it’s because this iconic Irish brew doesn’t like to travel. So if you’re a fan, it’s best you do take the trip. Nat King Cole and Judy Garland both enjoyed a pint or two of the black stuff at Mulligans whilst appearing at The Theatre Royal Opposite. Cosy and atmospheric, this pub is popular with locals – always a good sign.
The best of the rest:
Grogan’s, 15 William Street South, Ranelagh www.groganspub.ie
Becky Morgans, 9-11 Grand Canal Street publin.ie/2013/becky-morgans/
The Gravity Bar at The Guinness Storehouse, St James’s Gateguinness-storehouse.com