Some say they’re like a liquid holiday in a glass and who are we to disagree? Our love of cocktails knows no bounds, and we’re delighted to share some insider recipes from a handful of the island’s best known resorts. If you’re heading to Mauritius anytime soon – or even if you just want to rustle up a sundowner at home – make sure you give one of these tropical classics a try.

The Coco Rouge

As the signature cocktail of LUX* Belle Mare’s Beach Rouge restaurant, the Coco Rouge needs to make quite an impact to compete with its surroundings. This laid-back beach venue looks right out over the ocean, with a white-washed terrace and plump cushions scattered on the sand. A soundtrack of Balearic beats and clinking cocktail glasses sets the scene as the sun goes down, while the kitchen serves up delectable tapas and grilled delights for hungry diners.

But back to the Coco Rouge, and the answer is yes: this cocktail certainly hits the spot. The moreish blend of vodka, strawberry cream, lemon juice, orgeat syrup and strawberry puree should be shaken, strained and served in a martini glass, and finished with a layer of coconut foam.

Passion on the Beach

At Four Seasons Resort Mauritius at Anahita, the Passion on the Beach cocktail is a true reflection of the hotel’s relaxed but sophisticated vibe. Take a seat at the waterside O-Bar and prepare for a rum-based taste of the tropics. You can even learn to make your own if you need to drum up some memories of your holiday when back home.

Here’s a simple way to recreate the magic:

You will need: - 4 cl Green Island white rum

- 4 cl New Grove Old Tradition rum

- 2 fresh passion fruits

- 100 grams fresh watermelon

- 4 cl sugarcane syrup

Mix the watermelon, half of the sugar syrup and the New Grove Old Tradition rum in a blender with some crushed ice and set aside. Then do the same with the passion fruit, the other half of the sugar syrup and the Green Island white rum. Pour both frozen ingredients gently, at the same time, into a hurricane glass to form a horizontal design where the colours separate. Garnish with an umbrella, strawberry and slice of orange.

Passion Fruit Mojito

At Outrigger Mauritius Beach Resort, bartending is considered a high art. No surprise then that the signature Passion Fruit Mojito cocktail is crafted with personality, passion and skill. Grab a table at Bar Bleu or Willie’s Rum & Crab Shack and sample the team’s take on this long-established classic, before trying your hand at your own.

You will need: - 4 cl passion fruit puree

- 5 fresh mint leaves

- one lime (in segments)

- 2 teaspoons of brown sugar

- 5 cl of Sprite

- some crushed ice

Muddle the passion fruit puree, fresh mint leaves, lime and brown sugar with a pestle. Fill the glass with crushed ice and pour the mixture over. Top up with the Sprite.

Saffron Sunrise

The sweet, sour and spicy Saffron Sunrise was created in honour of Bayantree's 20th anniversary by Angsana Balaclava. Having a celebration of your own? If you are – and even if you aren’t – this is the perfect way to raise a toast. Hunker down for the night in the outdoor setting of Sylea bar and sip the night away.

Here’s how it’s done:

You will need: - 4.5 cl Smirnoff vodka

- 1.5 cl Malibu

- 1.5 cl lime juice

- 1 cl sugarcane syrup

- 3-4 pieces of diced ginger

- 1 wedge of lime

- 2-3 Kaffir lime leaves

- 1-2 slices of red chilli

- Some crushed ice

- A splash of soda water

- For the garnish: a stick of lemongrass, Kaffir lime leaves, and a slice of red chilli

Place the diced ginger, red chilli, kaffir lime leaves and wedge of lime in a highball glass. Muddle together gently until there is a little juice. Pour the Smirnoff vodka, Malibu, lime juice and syrup into the glass. Add the crushed ice and stir thoroughly. Top up with the soda water and garnish as above.

You can enjoy all these cocktails and many more on your next vacation to Mauritius. Visit Air Mauritius Holidays for a tailor-made trip, and don’t forget to follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for all the latest news, deals and special offers.

Photos provided by: LUX* Resorts & Hotels, Four Seasons at Anahita, Outrigger Mauritius Resort & Spa, Angsana Balaclava Mauritius