When guests step onboard, first impressions matter. The right welcome drink can set the tone for the entire trip—refreshing, elegant, and with just enough flair to make it memorable. Whether your guests love a crisp vodka cocktail, a smooth gin refresher, or prefer a non-alcoholic option, these five recipes are guaranteed crowd-pleasers.
There is nothing worse with being un prepared and getting that radio call – guests have requested pick up and you are left running around looking for ingredients to throw together. Allow this blog to not only give you 5 great recipes to do, but inspire you to have a base for creating some wow drink moments.
Top tip is to always plan ahead, as soon as they leave make a plan on welcome drinks so everyone knows what we will create for their return. Another tip is to have all your ingredients pre pulled and pre-made any parts of the drinks you can!
Here are my Top 5 Welcome Drinks that always shine on charter:
🍸 1. Classic Vodka Mule
Refreshing, zesty, and universally loved.
Ingredients (per drink):
- 50 ml vodka
- 15 ml fresh lime juice
- 100 ml ginger beer
- Lime wedge & mint sprig to garnish
Method:
- Fill a copper mug (or glass) with ice.
- Add vodka + lime juice.
- Top with ginger beer, stir gently.
- Garnish with lime & mint.
Stew Tip: Pre-batch the vodka + lime juice mix. When guests arrive, just pour over ice and top with ginger beer for instant service.
🍋 2. Limoncello Vodka Spritz
Bright, citrusy, and perfect for a Mediterranean welcome.
Ingredients (per drink):
- 40 ml vodka
- 20 ml limoncello
- 100 ml prosecco (or soda water for lighter version)
- Lemon slice to garnish
Method:
- Add vodka + limoncello to a wine glass filled with ice.
- Top with prosecco (or soda).
- Stir gently and garnish with lemon.
Stew Tip: Mix the vodka + limoncello in advance and keep chilled in a jug—just top with bubbles when serving.
🌺 3. Tequila Paloma Twist
A light tequila cocktail that’s fruity, refreshing, and never too strong.
Ingredients (per drink):
- 45 ml tequila blanco
- 15 ml fresh lime juice
- 90 ml grapefruit soda (Jarritos, Ting, or San Pellegrino)
- Grapefruit wedge to garnish
Method:
- Fill a highball glass with ice.
- Add tequila + lime juice.
- Top with grapefruit soda.
- Garnish with grapefruit wedge.
Stew Tip: Pre-batch tequila + lime in a jug. Keep grapefruit soda chilled separately to add fizz right before serving.
🌱 4. Cucumber Gin Cooler
Light, herbal, and oh-so-refreshing.
Ingredients (per drink):
- 40 ml gin
- 20 ml lime juice
- 15 ml sugar syrup
- 4 cucumber slices
- Splash of soda water
Method:
- Muddle cucumber in a shaker.
- Add gin, lime, and syrup. Shake with ice.
- Strain into a glass over ice.
- Top with soda and garnish with cucumber ribbon.
Stew Tip: Pre-batch gin + lime + syrup. Just add cucumber + soda at the last minute for that fresh pop.
🥭 5. Virgin Passionfruit Spritz (Non-Alcoholic)
A sophisticated mocktail that feels every bit as special.
Ingredients (per drink):
- 60 ml passionfruit juice
- 15 ml lime juice
- 10 ml vanilla syrup
- 50 ml soda water (or tonic for sharper taste)
- Edible flower or mint to garnish
Method:
- Add passionfruit, lime, and syrup to a shaker with ice.
- Shake and strain into a glass over ice.
- Top with soda water.
- Garnish with mint or flower.
Stew Tip: Pre-batch the juices + syrup in a jug. Guests love that this mocktail looks as chic as a cocktail.
✨ Final Thoughts
A great welcome drink should be:
✔️ Simple enough to batch prep
✔️ Elegant in presentation
✔️ Refreshing, not too strong
The trick is always in the prep—batch what you can, chill everything in advance, and finish with bubbles or garnish right before handing it to your guests. Not sure if your guests will love them? Fear not – The Ultimate Stew Tip; continue with your drink, but just serve it in smaller glasses. This way you won’t waste too much and you will learn their likes/dislikes very quickly = great insight to your next drink!
Because onboard, a drink isn’t just a drink—it’s the start of the experience. 🍹⚓
Want to learn how I have implemented the Let Them Theory in yachting? Read here and learn how to be the most calm, care free steward out there!
A Stew With A View 
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