Celebrity Cruises is shaking up its onboard bar scene by significantly expanding its selections of the beverage world’s favourite comeback kid – the cocktail – with an assortment of 30 new craft cocktails offered exclusively on Celebrity’s ships.
       
Already known for its popular Molecular and Martini Bars, Celebrity Cruises’ new craft cocktail experience was developed through an alliance with artisanal cocktail developers Hawthorn Beverage Group, founded by noted cocktail creator Josh Durr.
       
The new craft cocktails blend vintage-style liqueurs with fresh ingredients, organic juices and the finest artisanal spirits. A new line-up of “zero-proof” (non-alcoholic) cocktails will also be introduced including ‘Sparkling Mint Lemonade’ and ‘Raspberry Fizz,’ along with an assortment of fine wines by the glass. Celebrity Cruises’ current list of international beer selections will be expanded, too, to join the cruise line’s industry-first offering of craft beers in an even more well-rounded variety of styles, from pale ales and IPA’s to Belgian ales and premium lagers.
       
“Together with Josh Durr and the highly skilled mixologists at Hawthorn, we worked to create flavour profiles that holidaymakers will thoroughly enjoy, while also focusing on the details, quality of ingredients, and craftsmanship,” said Celebrity Cruises’ manager of beverage development Chanelle Duarte. “Through our creative guidance and the methodical specifications of Josh and his team, Celebrity Cruises is ‘stirring up’ an authentic, trend-setting craft cocktail bar experience for our guests.”

Growing up in a culture tied to the bourbon distilleries of Kentucky, Durr’s passion for the art of spirits mixology began at a young age, ultimately inspiring him to pursue a career that fully immersed him in the craft. He has since been honoured with a “Rising Star Award” from Cheers magazine, and editorial recognition in The New York Times, Playboy, Forbes, Wine Spectator and Chicago magazine and has landed a client list that includes Apiary, Diageo, Pernod, Remy Cointreau and Ruth’s Chris, among others.

Durr attributes his success to focusing on three key pillars: staying relevant and ahead of trends, masterfully developing cocktail programmes to provide brand-unique experiences, and joining forces with staff to execute them with precise attention to detail and quality.