Highlights of St. Pete’s Crafty Squirrel include two roll-up garage doors that provide an open-air feel. Credit: Courtesy of The Crafty Squirrel

If you’re not sure what cocktails and teapots have to do with one another, look no further than The Crafty Squirrel. Launching with a limited menu next week, the high-energy sports pub will introduce downtown St. Pete to its specialty drinks served in teapots — alongside artisan pizzas and 60-plus beers from around the globe — at 259 Central Ave.

The Crafty Squirrel is inspired by the fearless nature of the bushy-tailed tree dweller in its name. Aussie owner Josh Cameron has transformed the building occupied by Fortunato’s Italian Kitchen for years into a communal destination that’s all metal, hardwood and brick. Highlights of the pub include a 3,000-square-foot L-shaped bar and two industrial roll-up garage doors that provide an open-air feel.

“It was around 2008 when I first visited St. Pete. I felt so welcome here… the city gave me a nostalgia for home and I immediately saw the growth potential,” said Cameron, who also owns the 200 block’s Oyster Bar and Lucky Dill, in a statement.

Unlike the other downtown concepts that Cameron operates, however, The Crafty Squirrel will serve as his own vision come to life (Cameron shared preliminary plans for the old Fortunato’s space with CL back in 2016).

“I was just fascinated by how adventurous the squirrel is,” the restaurateur said. “With 60 crafts on the menu, naming the concept ‘The Crafty Squirrel’ just felt right.”

So, um, here they are. Credit: Courtesy of The Crafty Squirrel

A nod to Cameron’s Australian roots, the teapot cocktails — offered in more than 15 varieties — are designed for groups to share. They’re poured alongside 15 Long Island iced teas and the beer, which also shines a light on local breweries.

Patrons are encouraged to pair their beverages of choice with pizza, yes. But reimagined bar bites, too, including street tacos and slow-cooked wings. The Crafty Squirrel will use its state-of-the-art kitchen to give the food some “sophisticated edge” — roasting meats for 24 to 48 hours and developing signature sauces with one-of-a-kind flavor mashups, among other things.

The Craft Squirrel’s full menu is expected to roll out next month, with a grand opening reception to follow from 7 to 9 p.m. Sept. 17. Its hours of operation are 11 a.m. to 3 a.m. daily.