Our island libations are best enjoyed with toes in the sand and Caribbean sun overhead. Until you're here in person, consider this your shortcut to island spirits. Browse our favorite recipes, choose a few that match your mood, and craft at home to keep the wedding-planning energy easy-breezy. Cantaloupe Margarita Ingredients: Tequila, triple sec, cantaloupe juice, lime juice, simple syrup, lime garnish Shake together with ice: 1 oz tequila, 1/2 oz triple sec, 1 oz cantaloupe juice, 1/2 oz lime juice, 1/4 oz simple syrup. Strain into a coupe glass. Garnish with a cantaloupe wedge or lime twist. Juicy cantaloupe turns this margarita-style mix into something distinctly tropical. It’s playful, refreshing, and clever — just like the couples who choose it for a wedding toast. Mai Tai the Knot Ingredients: Appleton V/X rum, triple sec, dark rum float, fresh lime juice, simple syrup In a shaker filled with ice, combine: 1 1/2 oz Appleton V/X rum, 1/2 oz triple sec, 3/4 oz fresh lime juice, 1/2 oz simple syrup. Shake vigorously until well-chilled. Strain into a chilled coupe or old- fashioned glass. Carefully float 1/4 oz dark rum on top. Garnish with a lime wheel or twist. A twist on the classic daiquiri layered with island flair, this pulls at the heartstrings with smoky- sweet dark rum nested on top of bright sour lime and orange notes — a delightful match for beachy evenings and romantic receptions. Rum Away with Me Ingredients: Appleton Estate 12-Year-Old rum, Maker’s Mark bourbon, Demerara syrup, bitters, orange peel In a mixing glass with ice, combine: 1 oz Appleton Estate rum, 1 oz Maker’s Mark bourbon, 1/2 oz Demerara syrup, 2 dashes bitters. Stir until chilled and strain over a large ice cube in a rocks glass. Garnish with an expressed orange peel. A rich, spirit-forward sipper built for slow toasts and meaningful moments. Rum and bourbon share the stage, bringing smooth Caribbean depth and American oak sweetness into one romantic escape. Berry Happy Together Ingredients: Sparkling wine, vodka, blackberry brandy, Chambord, pineapple juice, fresh berries In a chilled flute or wine glass, pour: 1 oz vodka, 1/2 oz blackberry brandy, 1/2 oz Chambord, 2 oz pineapple juice. Gently stir to combine. Top with 2 to 3 oz sparkling wine. Garnish with floating berries or a pineapple wedge for flair. Sweet, effervescent, and decadently fruity, this cocktail mirrors the bliss of being happy together. With its elegant toastability and jewel-toned allure, it doubles as a cocktail and a statement moment. SANDALS | BEACHES
