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The Top 10 Best Carnival Cruise Drinks

There’s just something about a colorful cocktail that says “vacation mode, activated!” As an avid lover of cruises and an official Carnival “Mixology Queen,” I’ve had my fair share of cruise cocktails during my days at sea. With my insider knowledge and experience, I’m here to guide you through some of the best drinks you can find onboard a Carnival cruise–from sweet frozen concoctions to new twists on old classics. Keep reading to see my picks for the top 10 best Carnival cruise drinks, plus recipes so you can make them at home!

RED’S RUM TREASURE – RedFrog Rum Bar

Clearly cruising and rum go hand in hand, because this next cocktail is another rum-based beverage that complements just about everything that I love about being at sea. Red’s Rum Treasure is made from world-renowned, premium aged Matusalem Rum, coconut rum, Starry, pineapple guava juice, and lemonade mix. 

Try it at Home

  • 1.5 oz. Matusalem Rum
  • 3.75 oz. Goya Pineapple Guava
  • 0.25 oz. Lemonade Mix
  • Top with 1 oz. Starry
  • Top with 0.75 oz. Malibu Rum
a hand holding a glass of Carnival Cruise's Red's Rum Treasure

BITE OF IGUANA – BlueIguana Tequila Bar

You can never go wrong with a little tequila! This bold BlueIguana Tequila Bar creation is a combination of Tromba Blanco Tequila, Peach Schnapps, SKYY Vodka, orange juice, lemonade mix and Starry make for the perfectly bright drink to make your day better.  

Try it at Home

  • 1 oz. Tromba Blanco Tequila
  • 1 oz. Skyy Vodka
  • 0.5 oz. Peach Schnapps
  • 0.75 oz. Lemonade Mix
  • 1 oz. Orange Juice
  • Top with Starry

RUM-RUNNER-JUMPER – RedFrog Pub

Prepare to kick off and jump into a tropical paradise with this RedFrog Pub cocktail made with a mix of Starr Rum, Myers’s Rum, tropical banana, orange and pineapple juice.

Try it at Home

  • 1 oz. Starr Rum
  • 1 0z. Myers’s Rum
  • 0.5 oz. Banana Mix
  • 1 oz. Orange Juice
  • 1 oz. Pineapple Juice
  • 3 dashes of Bitters
  • 0.25 oz. Grenadine
Carnival Cruise Rum Jumper with oranges on the side

DON’T STOP THE MUSIC – Piano Bar

The music never stops and the drinks never run out at this onboard Piano Bar! This smooth blend of Bacardi Rum, melon liqueur, pineapple justice and Starry provides a festive and light pick-me-up in between rounds of dancing. 

Try it at Home

  • 1.5 oz. Bacardi Superior Rum
  • 0.5 oz. Melon liqueur
  • 2 oz. Pineapple Juice
  • Splash of Starry

RESTORATIVE BASIL DROP – Alchemy Bar

After a day filled with adventure and activity, you might just need a refreshing cocktail to ease you into all your evening has in store. This aromatic mix of basil, Ciroc Vodka, lime juice, simple syrup, and lemonade is perfect for restoring your peace. 

Try it at Home

  • 2 oz. Ciroc Vodka
  • 0.5 oz. Lemonade Mix
  • 1 oz. Fresh Lime Juice
  • 0.5 oz. Simple Syrup
  • 2 Basil Leaves

SPACE AGE – Heroes Tribute Bar & Lounge

In honor of our military personnel each drink at the Heroes Tribute Bar and Lounge was created with love and boldness in mind. Space Age is definitely the epitome of that goal, with Tito’s Vodka, Tangerine Syrup, Orange Juice, Lemon Juice, and Agave Syrup. 

Try it at Home

  • 1.5 oz. Tito’s Vodka
  • 1.0 oz. Tangerine Monin Syrup
  • 0.5 oz. Orange Juice
  • 0.75 oz. Lemon Juice
  • 0.5 oz. Agave Syrup 

TROPICAL FLOAT – Shake Spot

Nothing says ‘beautiful sunny day’ like enjoying a spiked milkshake or float, especially when it’s made at the Shake Spot. The Tropical Float is perfect for cooling off with Malibu Rum, Pineapple Juice, Vanilla Ice Cream, and Starry. 

Try it at Home

  • 1.25 oz. Malibu Rum
  • 3 oz. Pineapple Juice
  • 1 scoop Vanilla Ice-Cream
  • 7 oz. Starry

SEVEN SEAS – Steakhouse menu

Travel the “Seven Seas” with just one sip of your refreshing cocktail from the onboard Steakhouse. Featuring Limón Rum, Blended Family Triple Sec, lime juice, white cranberry juice, and a float of Blue Curacao, you can be transported across oceans with just your imagination. 

Try it at Home

  • 2 oz. Bacardi Limón Rum
  • 0.5 oz. Blended Family Triple Sec
  • 0.25 oz. Finest Cal Lime Juice
  • 1.5 oz. White Cranberry Juice
  • 0.25 oz. Blue Curacao (float)

TOKYO SANGRIA – Bonsai Teppanyaki

Enjoy this exciting twist on a classic sangria, brought to you by the innovative minds of Bonsai Teppanyaki! This unique blend of flavors features Gekkeikan Traditional Sake, Chinola (passion fruit liqueur), pineapple juice, orange juice, and Starry for a unique flavor you simply won’t be able to put down. No need to fret if you just can’t get enough, you can also find this delicious drink at Latitudes bar!  

Try it at Home

  • 2.5 oz. Gekkeikan Traditional Sake
  • 0.5 oz. Chinola
  • 1.5 oz. Pineapple Juice
  • 0.5 oz. Orange Juice
  • Top with Starry

SMOKY WATERMELON MARGARITA – Pig & Anchor Smokehouse & Brewery

Who needs to go anywhere when you have this party in a cup waiting for you at Pig & Anchor Smokehouse & Brewery? This vibrant cocktail includes 1800 SIlver Tequila, Monin Watermelon Syrup, Fresh Lime Juice, Bosscal Mezcal, and Fresh Watermelon Cubes–all perfectly fused together to create a refreshing concoction that will have you dreaming of sunny weather and sandy beaches. 

Try it at Home

  • 1 oz. 1800 SIlver Tequila
  • 0.75 oz. Monin Watermelon Syrup
  • 1 oz. Finest Cal Fresh Lime Juice
  • 1 oz. Bosscal Mezcal
  • Three 1” Fresh Watermelon Cubes (muddled)
Carnival Cruise Smoky Watermelon alcoholic beverage

Wrapping Up

Any one of these tasty umbrella drinks is sure to send your taste buds straight to heaven; all you have to do is start planning your Carnival cruise vacation, and start sipping! Click here to learn more about Carnival Cruise’s delicious Flavors at Sea.