Spirits of Tallahassee

Tallahassee has earned a reputation as being a craft-beer paradise– but don’t overlook some of the tastiest cocktails of Florida’s Capital City!

Bar 1903

Easily one of the most Instagrammable locations in Tallahassee, Bar 1903 is a hidden gem of downtown. Built inside a historic library, their cocktail menu is a literal book of recipes that spans generations of crafty creations. Sample a selection from the roaring 1920’s to the hottest drinks of today along with charcuteries, cheese boards and small plates to snack on. Seating is very limited so reservations are recommended.

Interested in making something haunting this fall, mix up Bar 1903‘s Demon Seal, a delicious rum-based drink full of fall flavor such as allspice, maple and chai. The ideal sip to warm the coolest of nights, this lively libation is finished off with cinnamon-infused smoke.

Ingredients:
1 1/2 oz Bacoo 12 yr Rum
3/4 oz Maple Chai Spiced Syrup
1/2 oz Allspice Dram
3 Drops Citric Acid
1 Cinnamon Stick

Instructions: Stir rum, maple chai spiced syrup, allspice dram and citric acid together, then pour onto a hand-cut king ice cube. Then, smoke the cinnamon stick and add to the drink – quickly covering the glass to capture inside. When presenting the cocktail, remove the covering and cinnamon stick.

Charlie Park

In 2021, Ted Lasso provided a much-needed break in order to laugh and have hope. With its London setting, Ted Lasso was a refreshing newcomer to the AppleTV lineup just like this refreshing libation from Charlie Park. The Lavender Lasso features floral Empress Gin, with its distinct purple hue coming from the pigment of the butterfly pea flower – amplified by florality with a house made lavender syrup, house made IPA syrup, in addition to coconut water and pineapple juice. This is all accented with fresh edible flowers, dried lavender on the rim and a sprinkling of Ube Dust to add some brightness to an otherwise lackluster year.

Ingredients:

1.5 oz. Empress Gin
.75 oz. Coco Water
1 oz. Pineapple
1.0 oz. Lime
.25 oz. Lavender syrup
.25 oz. IPA Syrup
.25 oz. Butterfly Pea Flower Syrup

Instructions: Shake all ingredients vigorously with ice and strain into martini glass or coupe rimmed with dried lavender flowers. Lightly sprinkle ube dust over the froth when poured for contrast.

Waterworks

Aloha from Tallahassee! Waterworks is a classic throw-back tiki bar that is a must-visit for a midtown cocktail. Drinks at are served in ceramic tiki mugs, carved out pineapples, coconuts and even a man-eating shark mug! Enjoy the décor inside at the bar, or outside under thatched umbrellas.

Backwoods Crossing

Utilizing herbs, spices and aromatics grown on-site in their garden, Backwoods Crossing takes a fresh approach to cocktails. Dine on the porch and ask for “Uncle Paul’s Porch Sipper” that combines Florida gin, fresh lemonade and garden-grown basil for an unexpected twist on this southern classic.

Blu Halo

Any event that’s worthy of a celebration deserves a stop at Blu Halo. Located on the northeast side of Tallahassee, this chic spot features exquisite libations including their signature Blu Halo Cosmo (pictured) which tastes as good as it looks. Feeling adventurous? Ask about their frozen liquid nitrogen cocktails, you’ll be glad you did!

Township

Cheers! You’re always among friends at Township. This lively beer garden in CollegeTown features long wooden tables, tasty pub-grub and a beer menu that is second to none! Enjoy the fresh-air outdoor seating and catch the game on any number of the large screen TV’s located throughout the hall.

On Top of the World

Well, maybe not the top of the world, but certainly on top of Tallahassee. Rooftop spots offer sweeping vistas of downtown and amazing sunsets that will not soon be forgotten. Check out Level-8 Lounge on top of the Hotel Duval or Eve on Adams at the DoubleTree, both located downtown. Treat yourself to a nice glass of wine from the extensive wine lists or splurge on a bottle of bubbly… you deserve it!

Liberty Bar

There isn’t a cocktail the mixologists at Liberty Bar can’t make! From single shots to citrus-infused creations you will be tempted to try them all at this midtown hot spot. Appetizers, small plates and delicious entrees will encourage you to relax and stay awhile—you’re among friends!

Ology Distilling

Long known for award winning craft beers, Ology has expanded to include the first small-batch, craft distillery in Tallahassee.  Their Potato Vodka delivers exceptional flavor and aromas with a round, smooth, and expressive finish that works great with a variety of cocktails or chilled for straight sippin. Available for pickup only at their Powermill location.