The way to the heart of a culture is through it’s food – and drink! Check out these must-try thirst quenchers from around the globe.
Mango Lassi in Mumbai
A Mango Lassi is a milkshake-like drink, made from yogurt, water and mango pulp, and is usually sweetened with sugar. It’s popular in India, particularly during summer months when skyrocketing temperatures curb appetites.
We’re cruising to Mumbai, India in April 2016 when temperatures range from 75 to 91 degrees. A nice cold Mango Lassi will be so refreshing!
Guinness Beer in Dublin
Guinness Beer originated in Arthur Guinness’s brewery at St. James’s Gate, Dublin, in 1759. Azamara blogger and renowned world traveler Lee Abbamonte says no trip to Dublin is complete without a visit to the Guinness Factory. It’s Ireland’s number one visitor attraction! While you’re there, learn to pour a perfect pint and visit the Gravity Bar for incredible panoramic city views.
This 11 Night Irish Sea & The Open Voyage in July begins with an overnight stay in Dublin. Perfect for indulging in a pint or two!
Sangria in Barcelona
Sangria is a very popular beverage in Spain and Portugal and is perfect for a hot summer day. Try this recipe!
- 1 Bottle of Red Spanish Wine
- 1 Bottle of Sparkling Cava Wine
- ¼ Cup of Brandy
- ¼ Cup of Grand Marnier or Triple Sec
- ¼ Cup of Fresh Orange Juice
- Two Tablespoons of Sugar
- Sliced Apples, Oranges, Lemons and Peaches.
Mix the red wine, brandy, orange liqueur, orange juice and sugar in a large pitcher. Add sliced fruit and chill. Before serving, add chilled sparkling Cava wine.
In July 2016, our Classic Mediterranean Voyage ends with an overnight stay in Barcelona. Enjoy a late dinner of tapas, and a cold glass of sangria!
Turkish Coffee in Istanbul
Which country is home to the best coffee? You could stay up all night debating the topic – especially if you’ve been sampling the evidence. Turkish coffee is strong, flavorful and difficult to replicate.
This voyage, in June 2016, embarks from Istanbul. Arrive a few days early to enjoy the bazaars, history, food and coffee!
Red Wine in Bordeaux
Bordeaux is the largest wine growing area in France, at over 120,000 hectares. The region produces red wines ranging from average table wines to some of the best in the world. Merlot is the region’s primary grape, with Cabernet Sauvignon as a distant second.
Bordeaux is a port city along the Garonne River, making it easily accessible for our small cruise ships. This 2017 voyage includes three days in the city.
Scotch Whisky in the Isle of Skye
This year, Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible did not include a single Scottish whisky in his top five. Instead, offerings from Canada, the United States, Ireland and Japan topped the list. However, Scotland is still an important country for whisky production.
Talisker is the oldest and only working distillery on the Isle of Skye, an astonishingly beautiful island in Northwest Scotland. Scotch aficionados will want to visit during this 8 Night Voyage in July 2016. For now, though, you can tour the distillery via Google Maps.
Caipirinha in Rio de Janeiro
The caipirinha is Brazil’s national cocktail. It’s made with cachaça (a distilled spirit made from sugarcane juice), sugar and lime. Cachaça is commonly available these days, and the drink is quite easy to make. Try this recipe!
- 2 Ounces Cachaça
- ½ Tablespoon Sugar
- 1 Lime
Slice the lime into wedges, and muddle with the sugar in the bottom of a small tumbler. Add a few ice cubes, pour in the cachaça and stir.
Cappuccino Freddo in Santorini
A Cappuccino Freddo is the iced version of a regular cappuccino and is very popular all across Greece. However, we think it’s best enjoyed with stunning views of Oia and a side of thick, creamy Greek yogurt.
Try it for yourself, during the Greek Isles & Cote d’Azur Voyage in May!
Limoncello in Amalfi
You haven’t enjoyed la dolce vita in Southern Italy unless you’ve tasted sweet limoncello. You’ll see it being sold everywhere in Southern Italian towns like Sorrento, Capri, Amalfi and Positano. The liqueur is a popular after-dinner digestivo and is often complimentary in Italian restaurants. Combine it with prosecco for a tasty cocktail!
During this Mediterranean Jewels Voyage, the Azamara Journey will be tendered in Amalfi until 11:00 p.m. – perfect for a long, late dinner followed by a chilled glass of limoncello.
Green Tea in Shanghai
In Lee Abbamonte’s blog, "How To Spend A Day In Shanghai", he recommends visiting Yu Garden for a tea ceremony. “You will taste and learn more about tea than you ever knew existed,” Lee says. “Even if you don’t drink tea regularly, you’ll be entertained and blown away by the history of tea and the knowledge of the tea master.”
This March 2016 voyage features an overnight stay in Shanghai, as well as several other favorite Asian travel destinations. We wouldn’t want to miss it for all the tea in China!
Espresso in Rome
No one takes coffee as seriously as Italians. So, “when in Rome”, embrace the coffee culture. Never drink coffee with milk after ten in the morning, and enjoy your coffee while standing at the bar.
In August, this Tuscany, French Riviera & Barcelona Voyage sails round-trip from Rome. Take a few extra days before or after the cruise to really soak in the Eternal City and all it has to offer.
Pimm’s in London
What is the defining beverage of London, England? You could say black tea, a gin and tonic, cider or ale. But instead, we chose the Pimm No. 1 Cup. The history of Pimm’s dates back to the 1840s when James Pimm created the drink using gin, quinine and herbs. Pimm's is fruity and summery – perfect for while on vacation.
Order Pimm's at a proper British pub this summer, before embarking on our London to Baltic Voyage.
Or for now, try it at home using this recipe:
- One Part Pimm’s No. 1
- Two Parts Lemonade (Sparkling or still, depending on your preference)
- Mint Springs
- Sliced Orange, Lemon, Apple, Strawberries and Cucumber
Mix the Pimm’s No. 1 and lemonade in a jug, stir and add the fruit slices and mint sprigs. Alternatively, mix Pimm’s No. 1 and lemonade in glasses, then add ice and garnishes.
These delectable drinks are bound to inspire a thirst for travel! You can eat, drink and be merry all the way around the world in 2018, on the first ever Azamara World Journey. 102 days, 61 ports, 29 countries – it will be the adventure of a lifetime!