Get In On This Summer's Hottest Cocktail Trend With These Next-Gen Sips from MSC

Gin is in! Cocktail culture is back, and one of the original ingredients of cocktails is having a renaissance, too. MSC Cruises has ‘tapped’ into the of-the-moment trend that’s seen a boom in types of gin and new gin cocktails.

The cruise line is introducing new drinks fleet-wide to join in its lineup of cool summer sips.

For many, fun and sophisticated cocktails and new dining experiences are the cornerstone of a cruise vacation, and MSC partners with world-class, award-winning wine, spirits and culinary partners to serve up traditional favorites as well as new flavors.

Don’t miss these one-of-a-kind, ‘spirited’ experiences on MSC ships:

· MSC Starship Club featuring Rob, the first-ever humanoid robotic bartender at sea on MSC Virtuosa;

· Masters of the Sea microbrewery on MSC World Europa makes beer on board from desalinated seawater; and

· New ‘World’s Greatest Bars’ program which brings award-winning bars ashore to sea as pop-ups for a six-month extravaganza this summer on board MSC World Europa;

· Sips on board MSC Euribia (cocktails pictured above); and

· The Gin Project on MSC World Europa, with more than 70 craft gins on offer.

In fact, the ‘cocktail of the moment,’ according to MSC’s tastemakers, is the gin and tonic. Not just the classic ‘G&T,’ but instead, new twists, using flavored gins and exotic ingredients that stand the original British standard on its head.

Do you ordinarily order a margarita when you first board a ship? Maybe a mojito or even an Aperol spritz? The next-gen gin and tonic’s being served aboard MSC ships may make you change up your order or start a new cruise ship tradition.

· Elderflower G&T: Combing a mix of fruity and floral notes, this trending cocktail combines BUSS N°509 Elderflower Gin, Fever-Tree Mediterranean tonic, dehydrated orange peel, a cinnamon stick and cloves.

· Passion Fruit 0.0 G&T: For those preferring a tasty alcohol-free alternative, this cocktail combines BUSS N°509 passion fruit 0.0 gin, passion fruit puree, lemon juice, Fever-Tree light tonic, dehydrated lemon, passion fruit and coriander seeds.

MSC is also introducing 2 new twists to give you a full range of flavors to sip with your gin.

· New: Jasmine & Rose G&T: This flavorsome choice features Bloom pink gin infused with real rose petals and jasmine flowers, creating a smooth and sophisticated taste with floral notes and a touch of sweetness, garnished with dehydrated grapefruit and fresh rosemary.

· New: Skinny Lemongrass & Ginger G&T: This fresh cocktail is made with a refreshing blend of Whitley Neill lemongrass and ginger gin, Fever-Tree aromatic tonic, fresh lime juice and honey syrup, garnished with dehydrated lemon and fresh ginger.

You don’t even need to wait til your next MSC Cruise to try one. The cruise line is sharing the recipe for you to mix up at home:

· 2 oz Whitley Neil Lemon Grass and Ginger Gin

· 7 oz Fever Tree Aromatic Tonic

· 2/3 oz Fresh Lime Juice

· 1/3 oz honey syrup

Method: Fill glass ¾ with ice then add gin, lemon juice & honey syrup with half bottle tonic, mix well and serve remaining tonic on the side to add to taste; garnish with dehydrated lemon and fresh ginger.

Serve: paired with your favorite Asian food, like spring rolls or pad thai.

The best thing about cruising is that, with a fleet of ships sailing in nearly every ocean of the world, it’s always 5 o’clock somewhere! Giving you the excuse to try one of these cocktails, join a gin, whisky, vodka or rum tasting, cocktail demonstration – or even an alcohol-free, but tasty mocktail on board any time.