The Vinoy Renaissance St. Petersburg Resort is switching up its seventh annual Global Day of Discovery. This year, the celebration — which kicks off inside the downtown hotel at 5:25 p.m. Tuesday and is observed by more than 160 Renaissance properties around the world — whisks Vinoy guests and local residents off-site for an unexpected experience.
But first: Attendees will sample the signature Aymer’s Punch (a refreshing blend of fruit juices, peach nectar, vodka, rum and sparkling water) in the lobby — where displays from local artists and live music performances are also planned.
When the private charter bus arrives at 6 p.m., Global Day of Discovery really gets started. Attendees who hop aboard are then transported (they’ll get a ride back, too) to St. Pete’s American Freedom Distillery, which aims to premiere in the Warehouse Arts District over the summer.
The merriment continues at the forthcoming distillery with featured cocktails that spotlight Rekker Silver Rum and Horse Soldier Wheated Bourbon, a couple of house spirits. Beer lovers can partake in suds from 3 Daughters Brewing, too.
Accompanying the adult beverages are inventive, booze-infused dishes prepared by the Vinoy culinary staff. Their menu includes wahoo ceviche with kaffir lime and rum marinade, a grilled bourbon-and-chipotle-marinated ribeye, and Krispy Kreme bread pudding with peanut butter whiskey sauce.
American Freedom Distillery was founded by some of the former Green Beret soldiers depicted in the recent film, 12 Strong.
“These patriots have turned their military retirement attention towards making amazing spirits,” reads a news release from The Vinoy. “This will be a sought out destination in St. Petersburg for years to come, and The Vinoy is delighted to be able to provide their guests of Global Day the chance to be among the first to enjoy it.”
Tickets to Global Day of Discovery cost $45 per person and are available at the door.
This article appears in May 31 – Jun 7, 2018.