As a kid, exploring EPCOT wasn’t exactly high on my list of Disney priorities. While there were a few popular rides, I just didn’t see the appeal — but then I turned 21. Returning as a drinking-age adult opened up a whole new world (literally) of entertainment possibilities when I discovered the concept of drinking around the world at EPCOT. This tradition of tippling around the World Showcase has become a must-do for bachelorette parties, family reunions, and groups of Disney Adults looking for a bit of mayhem with their magic.
Wondering what all the fuss is about? I’m here to clue you in to the underrated world of Disney’s most educational park. Consider this your guide to drinking around the world at EPCOT.
What is Drinking Around The World?
Practically a rite of passage for Disney Adults, “drinking around the world” refers to a self-guided cocktail crawl around EPCOT’s World Showcase. The concept is simple: start in one of the 11 country pavilions (Mexico or Canada, your call, though there is a right answer) and sip your way around the lagoon, sampling signature cocktails, beers, and wines from each stop.
One minute you’re toasting with a frosty margarita in Mexico. The next you’re clinking glasses of champagne in France. Before you know it, you’re contemplating whether you really need that second pint in the U.K. It’s a delicious cultural crash course, best enjoyed at a leisurely pace with good friends, plenty of water breaks, and maybe a giant pretzel in Germany to keep you upright. It’s also a great way to experience the World Showcase on your first (or 50th) trip to Disney World.
Guide to The World Showcase
Originally designed as a kind of permanent world’s fair, the World Showcase at EPCOT is essentially a 1.2-mile globe-trotting adventure without jet lag or TSA lines. Eleven country pavilions — Mexico, Norway, China, Germany, Italy, the U.S., Japan, Morocco, France, the U.K., and Canada — wrap around a sparkling lagoon, each serving up its own themed food, drinks, and entertainment.
For “drinking around the world” devotees, it’s a cocktail crawl disguised as an educational experience. This is a place where you can sip sake in Japan, enjoy a pint in the U.K., and finish with a Molson in Canada, all while pretending you’re here for the architecture.
Country-by-Country Guide to Drinking Around The World at EPCOT
Ready to embark on your global guzzling challenge? Here’s your cheat sheet to the best sips, strategies, and insider tips for drinking around the world at EPCOT.
Mexico
Must-Try Drink: Start strong with a handcrafted margarita from La Cava del Tequila, the tiny tequila bar tucked inside the pyramid-shaped Mexico pavillion. Bonus points if you snag the avocado one — it’s practically health food.
Other Highlights: Not an avocado fan? No problem. The Blood Orange Margarita (La Cantina de San Angel restaurant) or the fizzy La Paloma from La Cava del Tequila are both equally as refreshing.
Norway
Must-Try Drink: The perfect pairing with just about any Danish pastry from the Kringla Bakeri og Kafe, the Viking Coffee is always a crowd-pleaser. If the weather allows, opt for the original hot coffee with Bailey’s Irish Cream and Kamora Coffee Liqueur. Since this is Florida and not the snowy north, a frozen version is also available to help cool you down.
Pro tip: You can also order the Viking Coffee without booze (aka, Kristoff Kaffe).
Other Highlights: If you’re feeling brave, go all in with shots of Scandinavian spirit, Akvavit. The Nordic Draft Beer is a more mellow favorite if you’re looking for something with a lower AVB.
China
Must-Try Drink: Instagrammable and refreshing, the Canto Loopy also gets bonus points for its quirky name. This not-too-sweet vodka/cantaloupe combo gets a delightful burst of extra flavor from blueberry boba, if you so choose.
Other Highlights: Cool down with a Tipsy Ducks in Love (coffee, tea, bourbon, cream and chocolate). It’s dessert, caffeine, and a buzz in one cup. Beer lovers can opt for the Dragon Blossom, a pilsner infused with orange blossom honey and green tea.
Germany
Must-Try Drink: When in Germany, beer is a must. Luckily, this pavillion has options. A top pick for almost all palates is the Schöfferhofer Pink Grapefruit Hefeweizen. This refreshing, citrusy, tart sip tastes exactly how it sounds.
Other Highlights: Prefer a cocktail? Check out the Bärenjäger Honey & Bourbon at Biergarten.
Italy
Must-Try Drink: Beat the heat with a frozen cocktail. Head straight to the back of the Italy pavilion to Pizza al Taglio and order a swirl of frozen sangria: A refreshing blend of Prosecco Frozen White Sangria and Langhe Frozen Red Sangria, and maybe grab a slice to soak up all that booze.
Other Highlights: Another frozen option is the Italian Margarita from Gelateria Toscana, a frozen blend of Limoncello and tequila. Is it authentic? Not at all. But it is delicious. You can also grab a glass of wine, a bellini, or an Italian gelato float for those who would rather not imbibe.
American Adventure
Must-Try Drinks: For a true taste of Americana, go for the Moonshine Sour. This tart-sweet tipple is a blend of Old Smoky blackberry moonshine, blood orange, blackberry, and lemon. It’s beautifully balanced and enjoyable to sip on on a hot Florida day.
Other Highlights: The Jim Beam-based Frozen Mint Julep is always a crowd pleaser, though whiskey lovers might prefer the Jack Daniel’s-centric Tennessee Lemonade. A wide array of American beers, ciders, and wines can also be enjoyed on tap.
Japan
Must-Try Drinks: Real ones know that the drink to get here is the Violet Sake (sake, purple pear and lime juice). Some reviewers online complain about the batch-made nature of the drink, but when you’re serving up THAT many cocktails, it’s the only way to get things done and to control the quality. Trust me, it’s the perfect pour every time. And the color is nothing short of spectacular.
Other Highlights: If you’re after another frozen cocktail, the Sake Mist from Kabuki Cafe is a winner. Essentially an alcoholic shaved ice, the concoction comes in your choice of flavors: blood orange, coconut pineapple, or blackberry. You can also sip on a Kirin Frozen Draft, try the vibrant Tokyo Sunset, or enjoy a sake tasting.
Morocco
Must-Try Drinks: When in Morocco, mint tea is a must. So, naturally, the alcoholic version served at the bar inside Spice Road Table is the must-try drink of the Morocco pavilion. Order the Frozen Mint Tea for a refreshing blend of sweet, minty goodness spiked with Bombay Sapphire Gin.
Other Highlights: If gin isn’t your drink of choice, the Pomegranate or Hibiscus Mimosa is always a crowd pleaser. Glasses of red, white, or sparkling sangria are also top picks as is the non-alcoholic iced mint tea (same as above, minus the gin).
France
Must-Try Drinks: Disney Adults may be divided on any number of issues, but one thing most of us can agree on is that the must-try drink in France is the Grand Marnier Orange Slush. This iced delight is made of Grand Marnier (duh), Grey Goose L’Orange, rum, and orange juice, all served in an oh-so-classy martini glass. Grab one at Les Vins de Chefs de France and enjoy some people watching while you sip.
Other Highlights: Wine lovers will find plenty of options (after all, miss, this is France!) here, including glasses of Champagne or bubbly cocktails like a Kir Royale (cassis and Champagne) served in elegant flutes for an extra bougie effect.
United Kingdom
Must-Try Drinks: Really, anything you grab at the Rose & Crown Pub is going to give you a fairly authentic taste of the UK. The most popular options are the pub blends, which are combos of heavier ales and lighter ciders. Try the Black Velvet (half Guiness, half Strongbow cider) or the Snake Bite Imperial Pint (half Harp Lager, half Strongbow cider), both best enjoyed with a hearty serving of fish and chips.
Other Highlights: If you’re craving something a bit stronger, go for a Macallan flight (pours of 12, 15, and 18-year Scotch) or a single dram from Rose & Crown’s impressive whiskey collection. If you want to keep up with cocktails while drinking around the world at EPCOT, The Pimm’s Cup offers a slighly lighter sip.
Canada
Must-Try Drinks: Last but not least, Canada is known for its beer selection but the sweet-tart Ottawa Apple is a sleeper staple. The bright red cocktail is made with Crown Royal Whisky, maple (of course), apple infusion, and cranberry juice. You can grab this drink at the maple popcorn cart…just follow your nose.
Other Highlights: The popcorn cart also offers a selection of Canadian brews. Among the most popular is the Moosehead Draft, a light and smooth lager, as well as other Canadian staples like Molson and Labatt Blue.