The Travelling Cocktail Drinker: The Best Bars in Florida
Jump to
- No Name Pub, Big Pine Key
- Wally’s, Orlando
- Waterworks, Tallahassee
- Le Tub, Hollywood
- Dos Gatos, Jacksonville
When you think of Florida, you probably automatically imagine scenes of rollercoasters, overexcited kids, and of course, Disney. But when you have spent ten to twelve hours wandering around yet another theme park, you could be forgiven for wanting to indulge in a cocktail or two. Here are the very best bars in Florida. You’re welcome!
No Name Pub, Big Pine Key
The ideal spot to relax away from the bustling crowds of enthusiastic tourists, No Name Pub doesn’t look much like a bar from the outside. The unassuming building has a small sign on it that reads ‘No Name Pub…You Found It!’ Once you get inside, however, you can marvel at the interesting décor – the pub has floor-to-ceiling dollar bills strewn across the walls, an old tradition born back in the days when the area was a hotspot for illegal dealings. There is none of that now, of course. Instead the bar remains popular for its classic food options, great beer and its simple cocktail menu – Mimosa, Pina Colada or Bloody Mary?
Champagne glass
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<p>The mimosa recipe is believed to have been invented at the Hôtel Ritz Paris by Frank Meier around 1925.</p>
Ingredients
Method
How to make a Mimosa
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- Add orange juice to the bottom of a champagne flute before topping up with chilled Prosecco
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- Garnish with an orange peel twist and serve
Lowball / rocks glass
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<p>Love it or hate it, the Bloody Mary is a staple of any good cocktail bar.</p>
Ingredients
Method
How to make a Bloody Mary
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- In a mixing glass with ice add all the ingredients
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- Stir gently to mix before pouring into a lowball glass
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- Garnish with a stick of celery and serve
Hurricane glass
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<p>The Piña Colada is a popular tropical cocktail that originated in Puerto Rico. It is a refreshing and creamy drink that is perfect for sipping on a hot summer day.</p><p>The name Piña Colada means "strained pineapple" in Spanish and the cocktail is made with a combination of pineapple juice, white rum, and coconut cream. The flavors of this drink meld perfectly together to create a balance of sweet and tangy notes.</p><p>The pineapple juice adds a tropical fruity taste, while the white rum adds a hint of spice. The creaminess of the coconut cream adds a smooth and velvety texture to the drink.</p><p>With its iconic blend of flavors and island vibes, the Piña Colada has become a beloved classic in the cocktail world.</p>
Ingredients
Method
How to make a Piña colada
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- Add all ingredients to a blender with ice and blend until smooth
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- Pour into a hurricane glass
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- Garnish with a slice of pineapple and a cocktail cherry before serving
Wally’s, Orlando
A pub with a long and interesting history, Wally’s has been in the same spot since before Mickey Mouse was even a twinkle in Walt Disney’s eye! With a focus on low prices and great drinks, it is a typical American dive bar, making it a must-visit if you are a tourist looking for a proper authentic experience! Cocktails tend to be classics – why not try an Old Fashioned?
Whisky glass
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<p>The Old Fashioned is a classic cocktail with a rich history and a bold, complex flavor profile. Originating in the mid-1800s, it is one of the oldest known recipes for mixed drinks.</p><p>The traditional recipe calls for just three ingredients: sugar, bitters, and bourbon. The sugar cube provides a touch of sweetness, while the Angostura bitters add a depth of flavor with their complex blend of spices and herbs.</p><p>The bourbon, with its smooth, smoky character, is the star of the show, providing a warm and comforting kick. When mixed together with ice and stirred well, the Old Fashioned is a perfect balance of sweet, bitter, and boozy, making it a timeless classic that continues to be enjoyed by cocktail enthusiasts around the world.</p>
Ingredients
Method
How to make a Old Fashioned
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- Muddle the sugar with the Angostura bitters and a few splashes water in an old fashioned glass
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- Fill the glass with ice and add the bourbon
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- Stir gently
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- Garnish with an orange slice and a cherry and serve
Waterworks, Tallahassee
This fun tiki bar is like no other in the vicinity! With eccentric details like men dressed in gorilla suits, traditional tiki decorations and a back bar dedicated to space exploration, there is always something here to look at when the music stops! The cocktail list is extensive too – try a Fuzzy Navel, you won’t regret it!
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Cocktail glass
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<p>The Fuzzy Navel is a sweet, fruity cocktail that blends the rich essence of peach with the bright citrus notes of orange juice, creating a refreshing and easy-to-drink mix. Traditionally served in a cocktail glass, its vibrant flavor profile and simplicity in preparation have made it a popular choice, especially as a summertime refreshment.</p><p>With its inviting aroma and juicy peach overtones, the Fuzzy Navel has a playful quality that has kept it a favorite in the cocktail scene. Its name is a whimsical reference to the "fuzzy" texture of a peach's skin and the "navel" of an orange, perfectly encapsulating the drink’s ingredients in a fun and memorable way.</p>
Ingredients
Method
How to make a Fuzzy Navel
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- Add the two ingredients to a cocktail shaker with ice
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- Shake well for 10-15 seconds or until the outside of the shaker becomes frosted
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- Strain into highball glass and garnish with a slice of orange before serving
Le Tub, Hollywood
If you are looking for fine dining, then you might want to eat elsewhere, but Le Tub is fantastic for burgers and relaxed, easy food. The cocktails are made quickly, so patrons don’t have to go thirsty and there are some unique offerings, including the Chi Chi.
Dos Gatos, Jacksonville
The cocktails in this welcoming bar are amazing, with the bartenders keen to show off their
cocktail-making skills. They offer all of the classics, although they may not
be on the menu, but are also proud of their signature drinks, which include a
Raspberry Lagerita. As the name suggests, it is a combination between a
cocktail and a beer, so that you never again have to decide between the two!
Whether you are visiting Florida for the theme parks, the nightlife, or just for a change of
scenery, these cocktail bars will make you feel right at home.
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