Skip to Content
Recipes

Sipping and Sunning: Mana Breeze Italicus-Infused Cocktail

This seasonal cocktail from El Ta'Koy pairs juicy watermelon and mezcal with Italicus for a refreshing summer sip.

10:00 AM EDT on June 17, 2026

Overhead view of the Mana Breeze cocktail with watermelon garnish beside the pool at The Dominick hotel.

The Mana Breeze is served poolside at The Dominick’s El Ta’Koy, inspired by Vacation Inc.’s signature summer aesthetic.

There’s nothing better than a refreshing, fruit-forward sip in the summer.

This season, sunscreen brand Vacation Inc. and New York’s El Ta’Koy have partnered to create the Mana Breeze, sure to uplevel any summer cocktail menu. While the vibrant cocktail leans into a mezcal and watermelon base, it also features Italian-rooted Italicus, an aromatic aperitif that adds a floral, citrus twist.

"When creating the Mana Breeze, we drew inspiration from Vacation’s iconic summer scent and retro beach-club aesthetic,” says Andor Lato, assistant director of food and beverage for The Dominick.

Guests can enjoy the Mana Breeze alongside The Dominick's summer poolside programming and seasonal cocktails.

“The watermelon, citrus and mezcal come together to evoke the feeling of a perfect pool day, while the mini sunscreen adds a fun, unexpected touch that brings the partnership to life."

The drink is available at El Ta’Koy, which lives in The Dominick Hotel. For readers unable to test it in-person, Lato and his team shared the recipe with Appetito to try it at home.

Mana Breeze

0.0 from 0 votes

Glassware: Tiki Highball

Ingredients

  • 2 oz. 2 Mezcal

  • 1 oz. 1 watermelon juice

  • 0.75 oz. 0.75 lemon

  • 0.75 oz. 0.75 Italicus

  • 0.5 oz. 0.5 agave

Directions

  • Add basil leaves to the bottom of a shaker and muddle lightly.
  • Add all remaining ingredients to an ice-filled shaker, shake well, and strain into a glass.
  • Garnish with watermelon and basil.
  • Serve alongside a 1 oz. Classic SPF 30 Lotion.

Did you make this recipe?

Tag @appetitomagazine on Instagram and hashtag it with #italianfoodanddrink

Like this recipe?

Follow @Appetitomagazine on Pinterest

Follow us on Facebook!

Follow us on Facebook

Looking for more summer sips? Explore Appetito's collection of Italian-inspired cocktails and warm-weather drink recipes.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More Stories

How the Hugo Spritz Became America’s Aperitivo of the Moment

St-Germain’s Julian Arreola talks about the growing popularity of the Hugo Spritz.

August 24, 2026

Gelato, Sorbetto, Granita—And How to Spot the Real Thing

Before you order in Italy, take a closer look at what’s behind the glass.

August 24, 2026

Fare il Pesce in Barile: When Italians Play the Fish in a Barrel

Some forms of indecision are less innocent than they look—and Italian has the perfect food for them.

August 24, 2026

Sunday Shop: What I’m wearing on repeat to run this summer

Morgan Hines seeks out the best in not only food and drink but style, housewares, and more. Welcome to Appetito’s Sunday Shop!

August 23, 2026

Lodi’s Pete Murdaca on Jimmy’s, Pietro’s and Family Tradition

A third-generation restaurateur reflects on family, hospitality and building two beloved restaurants in California's Central Valley.

August 22, 2026

My Beautiful North End: An Insider’s Food Tour of Boston

Maria DelVecchio brings a lifetime of food, history and hospitality to every guest she meets.

August 21, 2026