Life on board
Summer aboard a Bali Catamarans: the perfect cocktail and tapas aperitif for sunset evenings on the flybridge
Summer aboard a Bali Catamarans is all about turning every sunset into a special moment, combining simple onboard cooking with relaxed aperitifs facing the open sea.
Everything is designed to make life at sea effortless without ever compromising on comfort: a large open-plan galley where you can prepare your aperitifs just like at home, and above all, a true onboard living experience — including a built-in ice maker in the fridge, always ready to chill your cocktails.
Here are a few recipe ideas for the perfect onboard aperitif: a fresh summer cocktail paired with four simple tapas you can easily prepare at sea.
The cocktail of the summer: Basil Smash
Freshness & simplicity: the Basil Smash is the perfect sea-side cocktail — minimal ingredients, zero complexity, and a guaranteed “wow” effect.
Ingredients (for 1 glass)
- 6 to 8 fresh basil leaves
- 5 cl gin
- 2 cl fresh lemon juice
- 1.5 cl sugar syrup
- Ice cubes (straight from the ice maker of your Bali Catamarans fridge)
Preparation
In a shaker, gently muddle the basil with the sugar syrup to release its aroma. Add gin, lemon juice, and ice cubes. Shake vigorously, then strain into a glass filled with ice.
A bright green cocktail, fresh and perfectly balanced — ideal for stretching the golden light of sunset.
Tapas to share: simplicity, flavour and Mediterranean spirit
On board, everything is about simplicity and freshness. The well-equipped galley of a Bali Catamarans makes it easy to prepare homemade dishes without constraints, whether underway or at anchor.
1. Labneh with za’atar: creamy Middle Eastern elegance
Labneh is the ultimate summer recipe: minimal ingredients, maximum flavour, and easy to prepare ahead of time.
Ingredients
- 500 g Greek yogurt
- 2 to 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon za’atar
- Salt
Preparation
Drain the yogurt for a few hours (or overnight) using a cloth to obtain a thick, creamy texture. Serve in a shallow bowl, add olive oil, za’atar, and a pinch of salt.
Enjoy with pita bread or toasted bread from the onboard oven.
2. Homemade hummus: the timeless classic
Creamy, nourishing, and perfect for an anchorage aperitif.
Ingredients
- 1 can chickpeas
- 2 tablespoons tahini
- 1 garlic clove
- Juice of half a lemon
- 2 to 3 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt, cumin
- Ice cubes (straight from your onboard fridge)
Preparation
Blend all ingredients until smooth and creamy. Adjust texture with a little water if needed.
The secret: ice cubes for an extra smooth texture.
Serve with a drizzle of olive oil and a pinch of paprika.
3. Sardine rillettes: a taste of the sea
Simple, quick, and perfectly aligned with life on board.
Ingredients
- 1 can sardines in oil
- 100 g cream cheese
- Lemon juice
- Black pepper
- Fresh herbs (chives or parsley)
Preparation
Mash the sardines with a fork, then mix in cream cheese, lemon juice, and herbs until smooth.
Serve chilled on toasted bread from the onboard oven.
4. Sea bream tartare: pure Mediterranean freshness
When the sea is generous, nothing beats a freshly prepared tartare on board. If you enjoy fishing, cast your line! Sea bream is one of the Mediterranean’s signature fish, with firm, delicate, lightly iodized flesh.
It is also one of the most rewarding dishes to prepare on a catamaran: simple, fresh, and even more satisfying if you’ve caught the fish yourself.
Ingredients
- 1 fresh sea bream, filleted and boned
- Juice and zest of 1/2 lemon (yellow or green)
- 2 to 3 tablespoons olive oil
- Optional: capers
- 1 finely chopped shallot
- Fresh herbs (dill, coriander, or parsley)
- Salt, pepper
Preparation
Cut the fish into small, even cubes using a sharp knife (avoid blending to preserve texture). Add shallot, herbs, capers, then season with lemon juice and olive oil.
Mix gently and let rest in the fridge for a few minutes.
Serve in small glasses or on a sharing plate, finished with a drizzle of olive oil and lemon zest.
The art of aperitif at sea
Everything is ready: tapas, mezze, and cocktails prepared in minutes thanks to the onboard galley of a Bali Catamarans.
Then comes the highlight of the evening: stepping up to the flybridge. The boat is anchored in a hidden Mediterranean cove, the water is calm, the sun is slowly setting, and the world feels far away.
A chilled Basil Smash in hand, a few tapas to share, and that rare feeling of being completely alone — carried by the sea, the light, and the magic of summer.