Like your martini shaken or stirred? How about a shot of bourbon on the rocks?

Watching the sunset over the ocean with a cold drink is one of the joys of cruising. Now Holland America Line has teamed up with master mixologist Dale DeGroff for an innovative menu of creative cocktails. DeGroff’s creations debuted aboard ms Eurodam in January and will expand fleet wide by spring 2016.

“For many guests, there’s nothing better than relaxing with a well-made, unique cocktail after a long day of sightseeing or before dinner, and adding a master mixologist to our team gives us the diversity we seek in creating the most robust food and beverage program at sea,” said Orlando Ashford, Holland America Line’s president.

“We’re excited to welcome the talents of Dale DeGroff to our family, and we know our guests are going to enjoy his innovative creations,” Ashford said.

Known as “King Cocktail,” DeGroff is the author of two best-selling cocktail books and founding president of The Museum of the American Cocktail.

DeGroff’s cocktail menu includes the Gallery Gimlet, Hemingway Daiquiri, Yuzu Margarita, The Ritz Cocktail, Whiskey and Joe, Another Shade of Greyhound, and a “Slightly Less Than Perfect” Perfect Manhattan. Many of these drinks have a storied past. The Hemingway Daiquiri is a unique spin off of Hemingway’s favorite drink, the Papa Doble.

The Ritz Cocktail is a dazzling champagne cocktail presented with a burst of flamed orange peel and was one of the most popular drinks at the legendary Rainbow Room where DeGroff created it as a tribute to the Ritz cocktails of Paris and Madrid.

In addition to creating exclusive cocktails for all Holland America Line bars, DeGroff also will oversee staff training to ensure his signature cocktails will be crafted to perfection.

Story by By Marie Poynter, Photo by David Kressler