Ed Eiswirth, Director of Beverage Operations and Innovation for Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines, knows a thing or two about vacation drinks. Recognizing the need to revitalize his drink menu as he emerges from a global pandemic, Eiswirth said he highlighted popular drinks on each island and paid tribute to the ports they sailed from, including the ship’s We want to pay tribute to the Caribbean islands that we visit.
Sarah Gilliland
In Galveston, Texas, Royal Caribbean’s newest port of call, cruise lines are working to create Texas-inspired beverages for these voyages, including Austin’s Tito’s Vodka and Waco’s Balcones Whiskey. We offer several Texas-based products. , plans to offer more items that highlight the relationship between the Lone Star State and its people.
Attraction Magazine had the chance to speak with Iceworth about their new drink menu and learn how to make one of their most popular drinks at home.
What is the inspiration behind the Taste of the Caribbean menu?
this [menu] This idea really came out of my time during Covid. I had this idea in my head that I had been sailing the Caribbean for 50 years.This is because there has to be a way to pay homage to all these islands we go to [menu] represents the drink that each island is known for.
Where did you come up with the name of the drink?
The pain reliever was invented at a bar called Soggy Dollar in the Virgin Islands for two British tourists who were looking for a cure for their hangover. It is called Sogidol because you have to swim to climb it.If our ships call in the Virgin Islands it is almost impossible to get there. That is one of the reasons we chose [the drink] Representing the Virgin Islands.
We have prepared many classic cocktails with a Caribbean twist. Curacao Cosmo is a cosmopolitan play, but it’s made with pineapple, coconut and curacao and is blue in color. Cozumel Sunrise is Tequila Sunrise with mango added.
What’s the most popular drink on the menu?
Passion Spritz is the best-selling item on the new menu. Aperol Spritz is a classic cocktail. We added vodka for a little more alcohol and added passion fruit syrup for a tropical touch.
Are there special drinks for sailing Galveston?
Not yet, but we’ve introduced some Texas-based products like Balcones Rye and Balcones Bourbon. Coming soon is Yellow Rose Outlaw Bourbon. We have plenty of Tito’s for drinks. Shiner Bock and non-alcoholic Dr. Pepper are available.
Another product that isn’t necessarily from Texas but is a Texas favorite is the Topo Chico Ranch Water Hard Seltzer.we will probably consider bringing [Topo Chico] across the fleet
How long does it take to come up with a new drink idea?
We follow trends. I listen to the voice of the crew saying, “Customers return even though they sell a lot.” Adjust the menu significantly over time. As for the menu cycle, we change it every 3-5 months.Honest menu design and printing [of the new materials] Probably the most time consuming.
Can you find the same drinks menu on every voyage?
yes. There is a basic fleet menu that many venues use. Schooners has the same proprietary menu across the fleet and Bolero has the same proprietary menu across the fleet. Choices may vary by region. In the UK we bring in more gin and microbrews. The Drinks of the Day program varies by itinerary, so we try to keep it pretty standard for the most part, although there are some variations.
Photo courtesy of Royal Caribbean
Photo courtesy of Royal Caribbean
Royal Caribbean kindly shared the recipe for their number one selling Caribbean drink, the Passion Spritz.
Here’s how to make your own at home.
passion spirits
- glass: wine
- Technique: Shake with ice and strain over fresh ice.
- material:
- 1 ounce Aperol
- 1 ounce vodka
- 1 ounce Monin passion fruit
- 1 ounce Finest Call lemon juice
- 2 ounces sparkling wine
- Garnish with 2 orange wedges and 2 lemon wedges
- Important steps:
- If desired, fill the glass with ice before topping with sparkling wine.
- Using a bar spoon, add the orange and lemon to the entire drink.
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