BEST COCKTAILS AT DISNEY WORLD

It’s a common misconception that Disney is only magical for the kiddie set.  Take it from this mom of four: Walt Disney World has something to offer everyone.  I can’t tell you how many times I’ve visited and come across mom and dad zombies, traipsing through the parks with stupefied, one-too-many-rounds-on-it’s-a-small-world glazed over stares.  It makes me want to stage an intervention.  Or, at the very least, direct them to this blog post in which I am sharing my personal picks for the best cocktails at Disney World.  A few sips of one of these babies and those stupefied stares–dare I say–magically disappear.

This bucket list of the best cocktails at Disney World is the definitive guide. Your itinerary isn't complete until you read these tips and make plans to include these restaurants and bars in your visit.

Before we begin, I have to tell you that my adult beverages of choice are wine and margaritas.  You’ll notice, then, that my best cocktails at Disney World picks find their roots there.  I have, however, included several tropical favorites and–not to completely exclude the kids–I’ve even featured a mocktail that you won’t want to miss.  Without further ado…cheers!

 

10 Best Cocktails at Disney World

10.  Jay’Gail Sangria – Raglan Road – $9.50

This bucket list of the best cocktails at Disney World is the definitive guide. Your itinerary isn't complete until you read these tips and make plans to include these restaurants and bars in your visit.

Even the Irish can appreciate a good sangria, apparently.  Theirs is made with Magners Cider and Peach Schnapps, along with some Fruit Liqueurs and squeezes just for kicks.  While I found this beverage to be refreshing and bubbly, it wasn’t terribly strong.  If you’re looking for a bit of a buzz, I wouldn’t necessarily suggest this, but if you’re just acquiring a taste for libations, then the Jay’Gail Sangria might be just right.  It definitely has a hint of sweetness but it wasn’t near as sickeningly so as a Reisling or Moscato.  And because Irish Cider is the base of it–as opposed to white wine–it is more malty than vine-y.

 

9.  Banana Cabana – widely available – $9.25

This bucket list of the best cocktails at Walt Disney World is the definitive guide. Your itinerary isn't complete until you read these tips and make plans to include these restaurants and bars in your visit.

It might seem weird that someone who doesn’t so much care for bananas would feature a drink called Banana Cabana on her top 10 picks for best cocktails at Disney World, right?  True.  But look at that drink!  Isn’t it gorgeous?  It’s made with a mix of mango and guava rums, as well as Creme de Banana, fruit juices, and a splash of grenadine.  I think the mango and guava rums dilute that banana taste enough that I easily sipped away at this, my husband’s choice.  It’s fun and fruity, though again, not too sweet.

 

8. Cucumber margarita – La Cava del Tequila – $12.50

This bucket list of the best cocktails at Disney World is the definitive guide. Your itinerary isn't complete until you read these tips and make plans to include these restaurants and bars in your visit.

This southwestern specialty brings together El Mayor premium silver Tequila, orange liqueur, caramelized pineapple juice, fresh basil, cucumber and agave nectar to concoct one fine margarita.  The tastes of cucumber and basil most definitely come through and are very refreshing on the palate.  Perhaps just a touch sweeter than I’d prefer, this margarita was moderately strong and oh so easy going down.

 

7.  LeFou’s Brew – Gaston’s Tavern (Magic Kingdom) – $9.99

This bucket list of the best cocktails at Disney World is the definitive guide. Your itinerary isn't complete until you read these tips and make plans to include these restaurants and bars in your visit.

Truthfully, I was not expecting to like this mocktail.  Intended or not, it quite closely resembles beer, but it’s 100% alcohol free and kid friendly.  It’s made from frozen apple juice with a hint of toasted marshmallow and topped with all-natural passion fruit-mango foam.  I didn’t think I’d like it because I feared the sweetness factor would be out of control.  While it is indeed sweet, it’s absolutely delicious.  The hint of marshmallow is mostly definitely discernable.  I also loved the smoothie-like texture and mango foam topping.  While it may not be one of the best cocktails at Disney World, it’s definitely the best mocktail. Do treat the kiddos to this if you get the chance (and get one for yourself, while you’re at it).

 

6.  Red Sangria – Paradiso 37 – $8

This bucket list of the best cocktails at Disney World is the definitive guide. Your itinerary isn't complete until you read these tips and make plans to include these restaurants and bars in your visit.

Available frozen or on the rocks, this red sangria is a bit out of the box in that it’s made with guava juice.  That’s a new one to me.  Judging on how much I liked it, though, I might have to try incorporating guava juice into my next homemade sangria batch.  My personal wine preference is typically white, but I wanted to try the red for something different.  It was quite good.  The red wine flavor wasn’t terribly overwhelming, though still present.  Together with the brandy and fruit juices, it made for an interesting change from the typical margarita I’d normally order at a Mexican restaurant.  It did seem light on alcohol content, which may be a plus to some but to me it was a bit of a detractor. Still, I count it among one of the best cocktails at Disney World because sangria.

 

5.  Rum Runner – widely available – $9.25

This bucket list of the best cocktails at Disney World is the definitive guide. Your itinerary isn't complete until you read these tips and make plans to include these restaurants and bars in your visit.

The Rum Runner is my second favorite tropical drink.  Made with Myer’s Platinum Rum, Blackberry Brandy, Creme de Banana, and tropical juices, it packs a yummy punch.  But when they float the dark rum on top, all bets are off.  The nice thing about this particular beverage is that it can be made quite weak if you’re just looking for a fruity splash of something fun while you’re lounging poolside.  In that case, the alcohol is hardly discernable.  I, personally, wouldn’t make that choice, but it’s a handy tip for the lightweights among us.

 

4. Godiva Liqueur Flight – widely available – $9.00

This bucket list of the best cocktails at Disney World is the definitive guide. Your itinerary isn't complete until you read these tips and make plans to include these restaurants and bars in your visit.

My handsome husband and I shared this Godiva Liqueur Flight one night at the Territory Lounge inside the Wilderness Lodge.  It includes three half-ounce pours, including chocolate, white chocolate, and caramel, each topped with a Godiva Liqueur-infused strawberry.  This was our dessert that night.  Isn’t it such a fun presentation?  I would think it might be a bit much for one person, but the two of us enjoyed it thoroughly, down to the last liqueur-infused bite.  I highly recommend it as a fun way to enjoy a little something sweet after dinner.

 

3. Pineapple Margarita – La Cava del Tequila – $12.50

This bucket list of the best cocktails at Disney World is the definitive guide. Your itinerary isn't complete until you read these tips and make plans to include these restaurants and bars in your visit.

Pineapple lovers: behold.
This is the ultimate in pineapple-y deliciousness.
Within this cup, 100% Agave Tequila Reposado, ginger liqueur, caramelized pineapple nectar, fresh lime juice and agave nectar, come together to create one fabulous drink.
It most definitely is on the sweet side, but I can vouch for it’s tastiness and strong pineapple flavor.

 

2. Avocado Margarita – La Cava del Tequila – $12.50

This bucket list of the best cocktails at Disney World is the definitive guide. Your itinerary isn't complete until you read these tips and make plans to include these restaurants and bars in your visit.

I would totally be lying if I didn’t own up to the hesitation with which I ordered this drink. I watched as the bartender scooped a half an avocado into the blender and totally second-guessed my decision.
One sip of the finished product, however, and I didn’t look back. 
Unlike the margaritas I typically order, this one was served frozen.  It’s quite a unique taste sensation because the creaminess of the avocado sort of rivals the tequila.  Oh, but then there’s a sweet kick from the melon liqueur.  Finally, the hibiscus Himalayan salt rim brings it all together. 
Only available in Epcot’s Mexico, this beverage poses such a conundrum for me.  I’m a wine girl at heart, and I love to sip my way from Italy to France, but having discovered this little beauty, I’m left torn two ways. 
All the more reason for multiple visits, I suppose.

 

1. And my number one-must do–Walt Disney World adult beverage is…drum-roll please….

the Captain’s Mai Tai – $9.25 – widely available

This bucket list of the best cocktails at Disney World is the definitive guide. Your itinerary isn't complete until you read these tips and make plans to include these restaurants and bars in your visit.

The picture alone makes me thirsty. 
For me, this is the ultimate vacation beverage.  Captain Morgan Original Spiced Rum, Amaretto, and tropical juices are topped with a generous float of Myer’s Original Dark Rum.  There is simply nothing to complain about here.  It’s sweet enough to go down smooth and easy, but strong enough to let you know you’re on vacation.
This is my go-to drink when I’m at Typhoon Lagoon or Castaway Cay, my toes in the sand and the sun on my back.  The only bad thing about this drink is that it leaves you wanting another–and we all know how dangerous that can be.
Don’t say I didn’t warn you.


 

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21 comments

  1. Great topic and post! My most-loved Disney drink is Scropino. We were served this palate cleanser at Palo on the Disney Magic and its taste was unforgettable. I’ve since happily searched the World to find another that tastes nearly as good but I’ve been unable to do so. The closest so far is Via Napoli’s Napolitini but it just wasn’t the same! Luckily there are many other great alternatives! I must try Paradiso 37 and Raglan Road’s sangrias next trip!

    1. I love the palate cleanser at Palo. I never knew the name of it! But now I’m definitely going to have to try the Napolitini next time I’m at Epcot.

  2. Thanks for the list! I love reading your descriptions. You’ve included a number of my favorites, especially the Captain’s Mai Tai, and given me a number to try on our next trip. :)

  3. Sounds like you’ve been to Disney more than once. I’d love your recommendation on where my friend and I should stay. Both in our late 20’s and looking for something fun (spending most of our time at parks but want night life) and not so romantic (I’m married but he’s not invited to this trip)

    1. You’re looking to stay on property, Alisa? If so, I’d recommend the Boardwalk area. Disney’s Boardwalk Inn or the Yacht or Beach Club would be ideally located. The Swan or Dolphin are neighboring resorts that might be a bit less expensive but would still put you right in the heart of the action. Jellyrolls is a dueling piano bar on the Boardwalk that is super fun. There’s also a dance club on the Boardwalk. Any of the resorts I mentioned would also put you within walking distance of Epcot which–in my opinion–offers the best dining and entertainment options for adults. You can do like my husband and I do and eat (and drink) your way around the World Showcase. Have fun!

  4. I want to go back just so I can try all these drinks! Last time I was there I tried the avacado margarita and it was so delicious and refreshing. Of course I went back for more ;)great now im craving one lol

  5. The prices are unreal! I’ve never been to Disneyworld before and was planning a trip but those prices scare me.

  6. What is the first red drink you have pictured with no description? Looks like ice cream on top.

    1. That’s the “Wild Passion Fruit” margarita from La Cava del Tequila. It’s a teensy little tequila bar inside the Mexico pavilion (in the pyramid building, next to San Angel Inn) in Epcot.

  7. Ok not a bad list but you missed the Turtle Krawl at Disney’s OKW.. And The Grand Marnier Orange Slush in France… actually hardly find a bad drink at WDW ..

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