9 Refreshing Florida Cocktails You’ll Love
Florida has made a mark for itself as a top vacation spot with its nearly year-round sunny days and warm weather. Everyone knows there’s nothing that goes better with a vacation on the beach than an array of Florida cocktails.
It should be well-known that Florida is the king of cocktails and mixed drinks, based on the number of songs involving Florida and alcoholic beverages.
If you’re looking for refreshing Florida cocktails, you’ve come to the right spot! Try them out and see which ones you enjoy.
9 Amazing Cocktails that Define Florida
Explore Florida’s long cocktail history by learning about its most popular cocktails. Check out these delicious Florida cocktails that have become a staple in bars and on the beaches in the Sunshine state.
Mojito
The Mojito originated in Cuba but appeared in Miami in the early 2000s when more Cubans were immigrating to the area.
Hence why it’s still very popular in Miami. Rum, club soda, muddled mint leaves, and a lime slice combine to create a classic mojito. Add some muddled blackberries to create a more Florida-esque cocktail.
Rum Runner
If you’re looking for a drink created in Florida, try the Rum Runner. While popular in the Florida Keys, a bartender who had too much rum and liqueur created this cocktail in Islamorada.
This fruity-tasting drink is a Key West signature cocktail made from rum, banana liqueur, brandy, and grenadine.
Hurricane
Taking inspiration from the New Orleans’ Hurricane cocktail, Florida decided to create its own, naming it the Category Five Hurricane. Light rum, dark rum, spiced rum, coconut rum, and 151 rum floating on top help create this strong yet delicious drink.
Some versions also use orange juice as an ingredient, giving a nod to Florida’s orange production.
Miami Vice
A Southern Florida bartender curated the Miami Vice cocktail. It incorporates a refreshing frozen strawberry daiquiri with a sweet pina colada for a tropical, fruity, sweet frozen drink.
This signature drink includes rum, strawberries, lime juice, and pineapple juice. Sometimes, it’s topped with a piece of fresh pineapple.
Margaritas
The history of margaritas is a little fuzzy, but it’s said they were invented in 1938 in Tijuana. This drink is a global staple, making it a classic drink to enjoy in Florida.
Take this classic Mexican beverage to the next level with Florida’s fresh fruits. For a refreshing cocktail, blend Cointreau, tequila, lime juice, oranges, and ice to create a frozen margarita that screams Florida.
Serve it in a chilled martini glass with lemon juice instead of lime juice for a slightly sweeter beverage with flair.
Related: Strawberry Margarita on the Rocks
The Fuzzy Navel
As Florida produces 14+ billion oranges yearly, any cocktail (like the Fuzzy Navel) that includes this citrus fruit is an instant Florida Staple. Invented by a bartender named Ray Foley in 1980, the standard recipe includes vodka, peach liqueur (like peach schnapps), and orange juice.
Top it off with an orange wedge for a more tropical appearance. It’s a sweet, simple, delicious cocktail.
Caribbean Rum Punch
Caribbean rum punch has a history that dates back to 1632 when the initial version was consumed. By 1655, the current rum punch recipe had been established.
Caribbean rum punch includes light rum, dark rum, grenadine, orange juice, lime juice, pineapple juice, and a pineapple wedge. It offers a pretty pink color and a delicious, sweet flavor.
Daiquiri
The daiquiri is another cocktail that is said to originate in Cuba. This popular Florida cocktail is simple, sweet, and refreshing. For a daiquiri recipe, you’ll only need three ingredients–cane sugar, lime juice, and white rum.
Add the ingredients to a shaker with ice, shake, then serve in a cocktail glass with a lemon or lime twist. Including a twist of citrus helps add a bit of Florida to the drink.
Piña Colada
The piña colada is another must-try drink. It originated in San Juan, Puerto Rico. It’s everything a Florida drink should be–fruity, sweet, frozen, and boozy. This drink became a popular option in Florida in no time.
To create a piña colada, you’ll need fresh pineapple, unsweetened coconut milk or coconut cream (for a richer taste), heavy cream, rum, pineapple juice, and ice. Blend it all and add a maraschino cherry or fresh pineapple on top as the piece de resistance.
Bottom Line
Have your own happy hour at home! If you can’t make it to the sunny state of Florida for one reason or another, you can bring Florida to your home by recreating Florida’s signature cocktails.
These cocktails include fruits from Florida like citrus, berries (including strawberries), and more. By using fruits that typically grow in Florida in your drinks, you’re giving a nod to the beautiful sunshine state.
