This month, I’ve got drinks on the brain. I’m giving you cocktails of all kinds y’all! So, what are we waiting for?
On the first day of the workweek Baybes Who Brunch gave to me… if you were thinking a partridge in a pear tree, alas I’ve yet to see one hanging around in the wilds of the ‘Burg. My gift to you today is caffeine in a pretty little mocktail served up at new addition, Datz. I give you the “Cinny Bunny,” a tall glass of cold brew with almond milk, cinnamon bun syrup, topped high with whipped cream and a vanilla-iced mini cinnamon bun. It will have you hopping into the office ready to tackle your week.
On the second day of the workweek Baybes Who Brunch gave to me…Test Kitchen Tuesday at The Mandarin Hide. Every Tuesday, they create themed specialty cocktails. I ventured in on Phantom of the Opera Tuesday and though no one popped out with any masks to whisk me away, I did get to sip on this lovely. Named “Through the Mirror,” this drink packs a punch with Plymouth Gin, Wheatley Vodka, Lillet Blanc, and Orange Blossom Water. Brunchers do not fret thinking you missed out! Order a Vesper (James Bond’s cocktail of choice) with orange blossom water on other days. Check out Mandarin’s Facebook page for future Test Kitchen themes. Ask for our friend Nilson at the bar. Tell him Baybes Who Brunch sent you.
On the third day of the workweek I give to you… a boozy Dole Whip sundae. Head on down to Beans & Barlour for their boozy treats. I went for the Piña Colada Pineapple Dole Whip Float with silver and coconut rum, cream of coconut, pineapple juice, and pineapple Dole Whip soft serve. Bring a buddy because this treat is best shared. I dare you to see if you can race to the bottom before it melts in this Florida heat.
On the fourth day of the workweek I’m going to have you walkin’ into the party like you were walking onto a yacht… or a small boat in Saigon circa 1967. On Thursday, we venture to Saigon Blonde for the “Shiso Vain,” a refreshing blend of Deep Eddy Grapefruit Vodka, lime, shiso, crystallized ginger, and grapefruit soda. If you love the dark tropical vibes here as much as I do, you should also check out their Tropical Tuesdays and Whiskey Wednesdays each with a specialty cocktail for $6. Check out their Instagram for details.
On the fifth day of the workweek Baybes Who Brunch granted me a reader’s mecca, a bar with a wall of books. I might have squealed when I entered Room 901. The “Swizzle Me This” is a great choice combining St. Pete Oak and Palm rum, ginger syrup, lime, grapefruit, and an Averna Float. This is the perfect spot to decompress with friends to celebrate making it to Friday.
On the sixth day of the week, we’re heading down to the islands at Trophy Fish. Though I’m not a big fan of getting caught in the rain, the “If You Like Piña Coladas” is one of my favorite drinks in town. A whole pineapple filled with Appleton Reserve Rum, tangerine, vanilla sea salt coconut cream, caramelized pineapple, and garam masala topped with the cutest umbrellas slightly too small to protect you from the aforementioned rain, but adorable nonetheless.
As we limp into Sunday, I think a pick-me-up is in order and what better place to provide it than Thirsty First. Is it brunch? Is it a cocktail? When you order the “Roaring 20’s” you get the best of both worlds with a black pepper and smoked bacon infused Hangar 1 Vodka Bloody Mary topped with a buttermilk fried chicken slider, cheese stuffed tater-tot wrapped in bacon, steak tip slider, pickled veggies, beer battered onion ring, pickled egg, and celery. You’ll be ready to start your week all over again! (Note: that this drink is only available at brunch Saturday and Sunday!)
[…] St. Pete? If you haven’t passed out from heat exhaustion yet, you’re in luck. We’ve got cold beverages, the best ice cream in town, youth-friendly theater, live music and a few other ways to escape the […]