A First-Time Cruiser's Must-Try: The Famous Pistachio Shot at Royal Caribbean's English Pub
Every cruise has those little traditions that experienced cruisers never skip.
Some head straight to the pool deck for their first frozen cocktail.
Others book their favorite specialty restaurant the moment they board.
For me?
If I'm sailing on a Royal Caribbean ship with one of its English-style pubs, there's one tradition I never miss...
The famous Pistachio Shot.
More Than Just a Shot
I'll admit it—I wasn't expecting much.
I was relaxing in the pub, taking in the warm atmosphere, when our waitress walked over with a smile and asked,
"Have you ever tried our Pistachio Shot?"
I hadn't.
She smiled and said,
"Trust me...you need to."
A few minutes later, she returned with these bright green shots that looked almost too pretty to drink.
Before I even picked mine up, people sitting nearby started smiling.
"You're going to love it."
"It's my favorite drink on the ship."
"I get one every cruise."
Now my expectations were pretty high.
We raised our glasses...
Took our first sip...
…and I immediately understood what everyone was talking about.
It was smooth.
Creamy.
Sweet.
Rich and nutty.
It tasted more like a pistachio dessert than a traditional shot.
From that moment on, I was hooked.
Now it has become one of my favorite Royal Caribbean traditions.
Every cruise, I make it a point to stop by the pub, order a Pistachio Shot, sit back, and enjoy that first night of vacation.
It's my way of saying...
"Vacation has officially begun."
It Tastes Like Dessert
Forget everything you think you know about shots.
This isn't one of those drinks that burns going down.
Instead, it's rich, creamy, and incredibly smooth, with flavors of almond, vanilla, and pistachio that blend together perfectly.
It's almost like someone turned pistachio ice cream into a cocktail.
Even guests who normally avoid shots often end up ordering another one before the cruise is over.
The Pub Experience
The drink is fantastic...
But the atmosphere is what makes it unforgettable.
Royal Caribbean's English-style pub is one of those places that instantly feels comfortable.
Dark wood finishes.
Friendly bartenders.
Great conversations.
Live music on many evenings.
Guests from all over the world swapping stories about their favorite ports and tomorrow's adventures.
It's the kind of place where strangers become friends over a drink.
Whether you're stopping in before dinner or ending the evening with live music, it's one of the coziest spots on the ship.
Why Every First-Time Cruiser Should Try It
Cruising is about so much more than visiting incredible destinations.
It's about the little moments you'll remember for years.
Your first sail-away.
Your first sunset at sea.
The first time you hear the ship's horn.
Finding that one place onboard that feels like "your spot."
And yes...
Trying the famous Pistachio Shot.
Years from now, you probably won't remember every meal you ate onboard.
But you'll remember sitting in that cozy pub, raising a bright green shot with the people you're traveling with, laughing together, and thinking...
"Now I understand why everyone talks about this drink."
Those are the memories that make cruising so special.
Can You Make It at Home?
Royal Caribbean has never officially released the official recipe, but cruise fans have recreated a version that's remarkably close.
Ingredients
1½ oz Amaretto
1½ oz Whipped Vodka
½ oz Baileys Irish Cream
¼–½ oz Blue Curaçao (for its signature green color)
Shake all the ingredients with ice until thoroughly chilled and strain into a shot glass.
Will it taste exactly like the one you enjoyed onboard?
Maybe.
Maybe not.
Because the real secret ingredient isn't in the recipe.
It's sharing it with friends, surrounded by the excitement of embarkation day, knowing an incredible vacation is just beginning.
Add This to Your Cruise Checklist
If you're taking your very first Royal Caribbean cruise, don't miss this experience.
✔️ Find the English-style pub.
✔️ Order a Pistachio Shot.
✔️ Raise your glass.
✔️ Celebrate the adventure ahead.
Who knows?
A simple recommendation from a friendly waitress might just become your favorite cruise tradition too.
Travel Light. Drift Far.
Matt
Driftwell Travel