We know you’ve got a list of Florida watering holes that you wanna experience — or perhaps revisit — while you still can. In no particular order, here are five summertime musts serving up worthwhile specialty cocktails.
1. The Apothecary 330 (Fort Lauderdale)
Hidden inside its sibling restaurant, Pizza Craft, this intimate, speakeasy-style cocktail den is as much of a hush-hush hangout as it is a pit stop for out-of-towners seeking damn fine libations. The Apothecary 330 isn’t the only bar that South Florida keeps on the DL — next time you’re in Miami, walk through the “employees only” door of Coyo Taco. But guests who order The Apothecary’s signature RX (rhubarb tea liqueur, Hendrick’s Gin, charred strawberry, fresh lemon, egg white, vincotto) won’t be sorry. 330 SW Second St., Fort Lauderdale. 954-616-8028, apothecary330.com.
2. Ice Plant (St. Augustine)
Of course, craft ice is the big draw, and cornerstone, of the old-school Ice Plant attached to St. Augustine Distillery. The farm-to-table dining and drinking destination’s delightful mix of timeless and original cocktails, however, also calls for a curated array of various bitters, house-pressed juices and specially created syrups. That’s why they’re so well-made. 110 Riberia St., St. Augustine. 904-829-6553, iceplantbar.com.
3. Broken Shaker (Miami Beach)
Part of the eclectic Freehand hotel and akin to a backyard garden, this is a way-cool getaway-within-a-getaway out back that surprises with its lush surroundings and impressive sippers. The rotating selection of cocktails, which consist of ingredients fashioned in-house from herbs and spices, has something for all sorts of patrons — from seasonal and monthly highlights (strawberry caipirinha, anyone?) to shareable pitchers and bowls. Simply put, the Broken Shaker screeeams summer. Just order one of everything. 2727 Indian Creek Dr., Miami Beach. 305-531-2727, freehandhotels.com.
4. Aku Aku (Orlando)
Cruise along I-4 into one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations, and you’ll find a tiki-bar gem in the unlikeliest of places. Tucked above the equally beloved Stardust Lounge in a big ol’ building in Thornton Park on the edge of Lake Eola, Aku Aku touts itself as Orlando’s only true tiki bar, and it’s tough to argue. Heavy on the decor and vibe, Aku Aku’s cocktail menu balances classic tiki drinks with inspired libations of its own design. Order what used to be the bar’s secret cocktail, but has since made it onto the regular drink list: Tiger Fucker, made with 44 Degrees North Huckleberry Vodka and house-made jalapeño-blackberry syrup. 431 E. Central Blvd., Orlando. 407-839-0080, akuakutiki.com. —Scott Harrell
5. Sidecar (Jacksonville)
You know where this welcoming northeast Florida haunt gets its name from, and, luckily, there’s a menu of 25 classic cocktails to match. What’s more, Sidecar keeps things playful with house concoctions that include Trailer Park Pool Party (High West Double Rye, High Life cordial, Cap’n Crunch, lemon, Jerry Thomas and Bolivar bitters), in addition to build-your-own sours and fizzes, infusions and three kinds of Sidecars. 1406 Hendricks Ave., Jacksonville. 904-527-8990, drinksidecar.com.
This article appears in May 17-24, 2018.