Festival season isn't complete without a stiff drink, frantic shopping and making some big plans for the year ahead - like booking yourself a sensational sailing festival in the Med.

As an early present this year, our Mediterranean mixologists have put together five EXCLUSIVE (yes, made by us) versions of traditional cocktail classics. Our intention? To keep you sipping in style all through winter, until you can do it on a yacht next year.

Roll up your sleeves, get creative in the kitchen and make these delicious nautically-inspired concoctions for friends and family this holiday. As a bonus, they work beautifully set against both a fireplace or a sunset. You choose.

The Copper Bottom Croatian.

First things first - Croatian’s do not have bottoms lined with copper. They have regular old bottoms. The term comes from copper sheathing added to the bottom of a ship to protect its underwater hull from sea creatures.

This nautical ditty, inspired by a rusty nail, is a simple two ingredient drink. 

• 5oz. of Scotch. 
• 0.6 oz of Croatian fig schnapps (aka Smokva)

Garnish with a lemon twist for added sophistication.

The Greek Gale.

Coming in hot, like a 40 knotter.

Greece has given the world philosophy, science and theatre. But that’s just the tip of the trident. Greeks have long sworn by certain local liquors  - spirits that put hair on the proverbial chest and make lips ever so loose for the holidays. 

Get in the Hellenic spirit this year with a Yacht Week twist on Aegian classics. We call this one the Greek Gale.

• 3.3oz of Votanikon Gin (a non-Greek gin will do as well, just don’t tell your friends)
• 1oz of Ambrato Vermouth. If you can’t find any on short notice, feel free to sub with a sherry
• 1oz Martini Bitter. If you don’t have any, a bottle of Campari will do in a pinch
• Anise to garnish 
• Caper leaves as garnish

The Sicilian Scuttlebutt.

Speaking of loose lips - the ‘scuttlebutt’ is sailor slang for the goss. You know, the scoop, the tea. 

Inspired by our new Sicily route, and our love of rumours, this refreshing little number will put some jolly in your holly this holiday. 

So, here goes:

• 6.5oz of your finest Sicilian lemonade
• 1.5oz of a spiced rum. A deep, dark and mysterious rum will do better than a light one
• A sprig of mint to garnish

(*Best enjoyed in December when under the mistletoe with that special someone. Best enjoyed on a tunnel raft in summer.)

The Barnacle Burner.

Coming up next is a concoction that burns the barnacles at both ends. This cocktail is for Yacht Weekers (and to-be Yacht Weekers) that never let the energy meter run down. High octane, night or day, aka the life of the party. 

To keep your festive cheer fuelled, we’ve adapted the much-loved Espresso Martini and given it the Yacht Week flair.

• 2 oz. of vodka
• 1/2 oz. of simple syrup
• 1/2 oz. of Caffe Broghetti liqueur (our preferred 🇮🇹 alternative to Khalua)
• 1, 2 or 3 shots of espresso (depending on how much energy you need for the evening ahead)

And here’s our final twist: some finishing salt, to echo the flavour of the ocean. Just promise us you won't sprinkle it in Salt Bae style.

The High Horizon.

All we want for Christmas is that quintessential cocktail. The one to rule them all. And in nautical nonsense, bind them. 

So what we’ve got here is the clincher. The great sea-themed version of a negroni. 

Sip on this whether it’s sunny or snowing outside. Sip slow, so you can imagine a horizon where sky and sea become one in summer. And you’re aboard a yacht, the Mediterranean wind in your sails. 

What you need to do first is get your hands on some all American Nautical Gin. It’s the key to this recipe. 

• 1 oz. Nautical Gin
• 1 oz. Cocchi di Torino sweet vermouth (we love a rich vermouth)
• 1 oz. Campari 
• A thin, curled rind of orange peel for the perfect garnish 

Attempted one of the cocktails above? Loved it? Get in touch by tagging us on social and sharing it with the team on either Tiktok or the Gram.

To find your perfect summer getaway - where you can make these drinks on your very own yacht - browse festivals in Croatia, Greece and Sicily here.