Drinking Around the World at Epcot

Last week I recapped my magical year being an annual pass holder at Disney World along with some of my tips and tricks to navigate the parks. Now, it's time to talk about my favorite Mickey-approved drinks.

Other than taking a spin on Test Track or Soarin' over California, what Epcot is most known for is drinking around the world in the World Showcase section of the park. Now I have done this several times, but I have never truly drank around the world so to speak for two reasons: cost and there's no way my stomach could handle it. I think my stomach would revolt against me if I had a tequila flight in Mexico, sake in Japan, beer in Germany, wine in Italy, and champagne in France. That and prices range anywhere from just under $10 to over $15 a piece. Try dropping that kind of cash in each "country". So, what I do is test out different drinks as I make my way around in several countries, but not all in one visit. Each visit, I tried to make sure I was sampling something new until I figured out what my favorites were.

*The cranberry bog during the 2012 Food & Wine Festival*

In England, you will find the Rose & Crown pub which serves up traditional English food and drinks in an English pub style setting. No matter what time of day it is this place is always packed and can be a tad rowdy. Be prepared to wait a bit before getting the bartender's attention to order (it may flash you back to fighting to get a drink order in at a club back in college). 

My favorite drinks at Rose & Crown are the Leaping Leprechaun and the Welsh Dragon both of which are green, tasty, and surprisingly affordable if you request it not to be served in the souvenir cup ($6-$8 a piece instead of $10.50 for the WD and $12.75 for the LL). 

Welsh Dragon ~ peach schnapps, melon liqueur, creme de menthe, OJ, and pineapple juice.

Leaping Leprechaun ~ Myers Rum, Skyy Vodka, Jameson Irish Whiskey, melon liqueur, sweet and sour mix, and topped off with sprite.

As you make your way into France, there's a cart by the water called Les Vins des Chefs de France where they are always popping bottles of champagne (my favorite sound!) and serving up delicious spirit infused slushes. I've tried both the Orange and the Citron slushes, and by far I like the Orange one the best and consider it a must try for anyone at Epcot.

Orange Slush ~ Grand Marnier, rum, Grey Goose Orange vodka, and OJ

Citron Slush ~ Grey Goose Citron vodka and lemonade

*At the koi pond in Japan with my Orange Slush*

My other favorite slushie drink is the Sultan's Colada in the Morocco pavilion which is made with rum, pineapple juice, coconut juice, and almond liqueur. 

My favorite drinks in Italy are shockingly not wine, but the limoncello shot (served at a cart to the right in the square or inside the Tutto Gusto Wine Cellar) and the Italian Margherita served at Tutto Italia Ristorante.

Yep... be prepared to shell out $9 for that tiny little limoncello drink, but trust me it's worth it! You can either take it like a shot, or do I what I do and sip on it. Since it's $9 I like to enjoy it for a little while instead of just throwing the whole thing back all at once.

*A glass of Italian champs is also always a great idea*

I love that the American pavilion carries seasonal beers at the same cart that serves up those delicious Mickey shaped stuffed pretzels. My favorite is the Abita Strawberry during the summer months.

One of my most recent finds was the Canto Loopy at the Joy of Tea stand in the China pavilion. Unfortunately, I forgot to take a picture of it so I found a google image of it. It's pretty looking and it's super sweet (made with vodka and cantaloupe juice) so you'll only want one before moving on to something else.

I'm also a sucker for the flavored margaritas and the tequila flight in Mexico which allows you to sample three different tequila shots at La Cava del Tequila.

*Everyone say TEQUILA!!!*

Let's not forget there is deliciousness to be found at Animal Kingdom and Hollywood Studios as well. Some of my favorites include the African Margarita at AK and the margarita flight at the Hollywood Brown Derby at HS.

The African Margarita can be found at the Dawa Bar, and is made with Sauza Gold tequila, Van der Hum, sweet and sour, and lime juice.

What are some of your favorite drinks at Disney World?