Blended, Boozy & Beachy: My Travel Drink Diary
(425 Reviews)
99% Recommended
Pam MacIntyre
Maple Grove, MN
Australia & New Zealand Specialist
New Zealand
In all my years as a Travel Professional, I’ve asked countless people, “What’s on your must-see list?” And without fail, New Zealand is always at the top! Honestly, who wouldn’t want to experience this majestic ...
New Zealand
In all my years as a Travel Professional, I’ve asked countless people, “What’s on your must-see list?” And without fail, New Zealand is always at the top! Honestly, who wouldn’t want to experience this majestic part of the world?
I was fortunate enough to visit both the North and South Islands, and what I love about New Zealand is that it offers the perfect blend of laid-back charm and action-packed adventure, all while being nothing short of epic.
The country is home to endless national parks, a rich Maori culture, and unforgettable experiences like sailing through the sounds while dolphins playfully follow your yacht. And let’s not forget the awe-inspiring moment of witnessing a sperm whale off the coast of Kaikoura—talk about jaw-dropping beauty!
Oh, and did I mention wine? If you’re a fan of great wine (and who isn’t?), New Zealand is a must-visit for its world-class Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Merlot, and more. How do I know? Because I couldn’t resist visiting a winery or two during my travels!
Honestly, I could go on and on about the magic of New Zealand, but if you’re reading this, you already know you want to explore this incredible part of the world. Let’s work together to create your perfect New Zealand adventure!
Australia
Let me start by saying, I’ve wanted to visit Australia since I was a child. Why, you ask? Well, to pet a kangaroo, of course! And yes, I did! Not only did I pet a kangaroo, but I actually fed FOUR at the same time. Childhood dream come true, right? And I can’t wait to go back for round two.
While I was in Sydney, I had the chance to experience the spectacular Vivid Sydney Festival, celebrating its 10th year. It was honestly WOW! Never in my wildest dreams did I think Australia would be so perfect to visit during their winter season. But coming from Minnesota, their “winter” felt more like our fall—absolutely ideal! Seeing the Sydney Opera House light up during the festival was something I’ll never forget.
And then there’s the Blue Mountains region—so lovely to explore on foot. From there, we ventured to Hunter Valley (known to the locals as "The Hunter"), where wine flowed freely, and every glass was more delicious than the last.
Australia’s size is truly hard to grasp until you’ve experienced it firsthand. To put it in perspective: Sydney would be in Florida, Cairns (home of the Great Barrier Reef) would be in Maine, Uluru (Ayers Rock) would be in Kansas, Melbourne would be in New Orleans, and Perth would be in Los Angeles.
Whether you're dreaming of visiting the world’s largest Great Barrier Reef, immersing yourself in Aboriginal culture, swimming with whale sharks, or gazing upon the majestic Uluru, Australia has endless possibilities waiting for you.
Let’s make your dream trip to Australia a reality—one that you’ll remember for the rest of your life!
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1-763-231-8893
“What are your favorite fruity cocktails on vacation?”
That’s a question I’ve been asked a lot over the years—and honestly, it’s one of my favorite things to talk about! Travelers often tell me, “I want to try something fun I’d never order at home!” So, I figured it was time to share a few of the drinks I love to sip while lounging by the pool or beach.
Now, keep in mind—every resort bar is a little different, so not all of these might be available everywhere. But it never hurts to ask, and in many cases, bartenders are happy to get creative!
Here are some of my personal vacation go-to cocktails:
Dirty Monkey
Vodka, coffee liqueur, banana (or banana liqueur—but fresh banana is so much better!), and Piña Colada mix. Creamy, tropical, and SO good.
Mango, Strawberry, or Banana Daiquiri
These are my go-to classics—always a staple! Whether you like white or spiced rum, they’re refreshingly timeless. Just throw out a “What fruity flavors do you have?” and get ready for a delicious daiquiri made just for you!
Miami Vice
Half Strawberry Daiquiri, half Piña Colada. Want to kick it up a notch? Ask to turn it into a Superman by adding a splash of Blue Curacao and vodka.
Mudslide
Vodka, coffee liqueur, Irish cream, and chocolate syrup. Think dessert in a glass—yes, please.
Sex on the Beach
A sweet mix of vodka, peach liqueur, orange juice, cranberry juice, and a little coconut cream (or regular cream). A fruity classic!
Caipiroska
Vodka, lime, and sugar or syrup. This Brazilian favorite is one of my big-time go-to’s. Some resorts might not know it offhand, so you may need to provide the recipe.
Mini Beer Shot
A fun little treat made with Licor 43 and cream. As far as I know, this one is more common at resorts in Mexico.
Planter’s Punch
White rum, dark rum, pineapple juice, orange juice, and grenadine. A fruity, punchy cocktail with some tropical depth!
Iceberg
Beer + Margarita combined. I’m personally not a fan (tequila just isn’t my thing), but I know plenty of people who love it!
Coffee and Baileys!
Honestly, nothing needs explaining here—except that nothing says vacation quite like having a side of Baileys to pour into your coffee as your ultimate vacation creamer! Or, take a page from my mom’s book and just sip it on the side alongside your coffee. Cheers to that!
Pam & Bob's Special
Pam & Bob’s SpecialThis one’s close to my heart—a cocktail we dreamed up on our travels and still ranks as our absolute favorite. It’s a frozen Amaretto Sour with an optional swirl of strawberry blended in. If they’ve got Amaretto Disaronno, even better! A bartender in Belize loved it so much, he nicknamed it “The P&B from Minny!”
Pro Tip: You can almost always ask for these drinks frozen—even if that’s not how they’re traditionally served. It’s such a refreshing way to enjoy them in a warm, tropical setting.
As we continue to travel, this list may grow… but for now, these are some of my fruity favorites you might want to try on your next vacation. Cheers to beach days and tasty cocktails!