I tried the new cocktails coming to Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas with a Master Mixologist

Jenn Greene is a Travel Planner affiliated with MEI Travel and recently attended an event in Las Vegas with Royal Caribbean to sample new drinks coming to Icon of the Seas.

As we eagerly await the debut of Icon of the Seas debut from Miami in January 2024, we have been watching for all the details about this new ship. Not only is Icon of the Seas a brand new ship, but it’s a brand new ship class, which means new concepts.

I had the pleasure of attending a very exclusive Royal Caribbean event that included a preview of the cocktails coming to Icon of the Seas when she sets sail.

Our group was escorted to Libertine Social in Mandalay Bay Resort in Las Vegas. Once we arrived, it made sense why we were there for this preview; Royal Caribbean, Sr. Director of Beverage Operations Ed Eiswirth, tasked his mentor, Tony Abou-Ganim, to help with some of the Icon of the Seas cocktail menus.

Tony is a worldwide name in the beverage industry and a managing partner of Libertine Social. He welcomed us to his establishment with open arms to proudly show off the cocktails he has created. 

Mr. Eiswirth shared that his team embarked on a journey of experimentation, testing 150 drinks to curate a selection that would elevate the onboard experience.

Out of this rigorous testing process emerged a collection of 60 brand-new cocktails, each designed to tantalize the taste buds and reflect the diversity of the passengers. From classic concoctions with modern twists to innovative creations that push the boundaries of mixology, these cocktails are like nothing at sea. 

The Iconic G&T

We were greeted with this not-so-standard gin & tonic as we arrived. Made with Bombay Sapphire Gin, Iconic tonic syrup, and soda water, this cocktail made my tastebuds question what I was drinking.

It’s different from your standard gin & tonic, as the Iconic tonic syrup is made specifically for the Icon of the Seas and cannot be found anywhere else. 

The Big Bobbo

I wasn’t sure about this, as I am not usually a bubble tea drinker – but it is the perfect flavor combination. This eclectic cocktail is made with Mount Gay rum, Hard Truth Toasted CoConut Rum, cold brewed Earl Grey tea, simple syrup, and boba pearls. 

New York Sour

Modern Mixologist Tony Abou-Ganim crafted a signature drink and used out-of-the-box flavors to bring it to life.

Featuring Bulleit Bourbon, lemon juice, simple syrup, egg whites, and Claret wine, it will surely elevate your experience. 

Sunsplash

The Sunsplash is a classic cruise cocktail but without the rum.

Made with Grapefruit vodka, Aperol, honey syrup, lemon juice, orange juice, and sour mix- this is hands down my new favorite Royal Caribbean cocktail. 

The Pearl 

While we haven’t heard much about The Pearl, we know it will be a focal point on the Icon of the Seas. Therefore, a cocktail must be named after it. It’s a fancy margarita; at least, I felt it was. But this isn’t about the flavors- maybe a little- but it’s the presentation.

Shaken with Casamigos Blanco Tequila, Italicus liquor, lemon juice, sour mix, pearl shimmer syrup, and a Flavour Blaster citrus pearl, this is an insta-worthy cocktail! 

Royal Caribbeans beverage team looked at cocktail trends to develop unique and exciting offerings for their newest ship in the fleet. They said they wanted a combination of evolutionary and revolutionary to cater to everyone aboard the “ultimate family vacation.”

With only 75 days until Icon of the Seas sets sail on her Inaugural Voyage from Miami, we are all eager for more details. If this indicates what is coming, we are all in for an iconic vacation! 

15 Bars & 60 new cocktails

When Icon of the Seas launches, Royal Caribbean has plenty of new choices beyond even what was featured at the tasting event.

Icon of the Seas will have more than 15 bars and lounges, and there will be 60 new cocktail choices for the cruise line that will be exclusive to Icon.

There will be a blend of well-known fan favorite bars, such as the Schooner Bar, Trellis Bar, and Boleros.  And there will be new choices, such as Lou’s Jazz’n Blues, and Bubbles – a Champagne window in Central Park.

Royal Caribbean is also experimenting with a new family centric bar, where parents and their kids can enjoy a drink together.  The Lemon Post will have a selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.

In the AquaDome neighborhood, you’ll find The Overlook.  This is a hip bar that has pods you can sit in to enjoy a drink with a view through the AquaDome.

If you prefer to drink your dessert, Desserted is what you’ll want. It’s a milkshake bar with over-the-top toppings.

Read more: Royal Caribbean reveals new restaurants, bars, and activities on Icon of the Seas