Holland America Line is partnering with award-winning bartender Ivy Mix to create new cocktails that capture the essence of Mexico and Latin America. Known for her pan-Latin-inspired libations, Mix used cities in these regions as inspiration to craft unique flavor combinations for cocktails that will be featured in Ocean Bar on ships cruising in Mexico and Latin America this year.
The five new cocktails celebrate the people, regions and ingredients that inspired Mix throughout her career. Guests can expect a combination of tropical, fruity and savory elements in each drink, creating a pan-Latin sensory experience.
“Ivy's mastery in crafting distinctive cocktails is truly extraordinary, and her invaluable expertise in mixology will undoubtedly elevate our beverage programing on board,” said Drew Foulk, Holland America Line’s senior manager of beverage operation and dining innovation. “Our guests want to experience every aspect of the destinations we visit, and cocktails serve as a great conduit, narrating the story of a culture through the journey of taste exploration. Her inspired cocktails are a perfect addition to our menu.”
New Ivy Mix Cocktails on Mexico and Latin America Cruises:
· Costa Pacifica: Eucalyptus-infused reposado tequila, creme de banana, lemon, honey.
· Lima: Pisco, calvados, lemon, white peppercorn, apricot, sage, egg white.
· Puerto Vallarta: Blanco tequila, Aperol, lime, mango, habanero.
· São Paulo: Cachaça, coconut, lime, passion fruit, vanilla, cinnamon.
· Santo Domingo: Rum, lime, pineapple, ginger, aromatic bitters, soda.
Mix began her bartending career at age 19 on a trip to Guatemala. She lived and worked there for years, mixing in travels to Mexico to study mezcales and tequilas, giving her a unique and extensive knowledge base into the agave spirits field. In 2009, she moved to New York to bring together her love for bartending and spirits with her artistic background. Through the years she worked with several renowned names in the cocktail and bar world, eventually co-opening her own bar, Leyenda, with Julie Reiner in Brooklyn, New York, as well as her bottle shop Fiasco! Wine + Spirits.
Mix is the author of the award-winning book “Spirits of Latin America,” and she is the recipient of numerous awards and accolades, including American Bartender of the Year, Wine Enthusiast Mixologist of the Year and World’s Best Bar Mentor. She is the co-founder of Speed Rack, a woman-only, high-speed bartending competition that has raised more than $1 million for breast cancer research.
“As a bartender, I have focused my path on nurturing my passion for spirits that come from Latin America, and I’m excited to bring these flavors from land to sea on Holland America Line cruises in Mexico and Latin America,” said Mix. “The curated cocktails show off the personality of the region, using spirits like tequila, rum and Pisco.”
Mix joins Holland America Line’s evolving beverage program that includes launching its own De Lijn gin and introducing an 18th century, pirate-inspired rum punch crafted by renowned mixologist and cocktail historian David Wondrich that is available on all Caribbean cruises.
For more information about Holland America Line, consult a travel advisor, call 1-877-SAIL HAL (877-724-5425) or visit hollandamerica.com.
