Florida Summer Cocktails: 5 Bartenders Share Their Go-To Drinks

Location: Tampa, Florida 

Place of Work: EDGE Rooftop Cocktail Lounge at Epicurean Hotel Autograph Collection 

A weekend taking in the Tampa skyline from a rooftop bar sounds like a dream, but for Joseph Piller, bartender at EDGE Rooftop Cocktail Lounge at the Epicurean Hotel in South Tampa, this is where he clocks in. 

Piller’s go-to summer cocktail is a floral, gin-based sour with a cloud of foam on top. The key to that lovely blanket of foam is replacing egg white with a bit of aquafaba, AKA the liquid found in a can of chickpeas. It sounds crazy, but it gives the cocktail the same smooth consistency as an egg white without the animal byproduct, for all the vegans and egg-averse out there. 

“My passion for mixology comes from the satisfaction of turning simple ingredients into memorable experiences through flavor and hospitality,” Piller said. “I chose this cocktail because it is light and refreshing, the perfect pairing for these hot summer months in Florida.” 

The Recipe 

Add gin, liqueur, honey syrup, lemon juice and aquafaba to a cocktail shaker. Dry shake (without ice) vigorously for 10-15 seconds to build foam. Add ice to the shaker and shake again for another 10-15 seconds until well chilled and properly diluted. Double strain into a chilled couple glass. Garnish with a dehydrated lemon wheel.

Location: Dunedin, Florida 

Place of Work: Hi-Fi Rooftop Bar and Parlor Bar at the Fenway Hotel 

Years of Experience: 8 

If you’re someone who enjoys tinkering in the kitchen with spirit infusions and flavored syrups, you’ll love the Vanilla Bloom, a bright, floral and herbal cocktail by Korinne Dodson, bartender at the Fenway Hotel in Dunedin.  

“I love bartending because it gives me the chance to experiment with different flavors while meeting people from all walks of life,” Dodson said. “My inspiration comes from creating cocktails that feel both unique and approachable.” 

This isn’t the cocktail to make when you want a yummy drink in a pinch, but it’s certainly the drink to prepare before hosting company to wow your guests.

The Recipe 

*Vanilla Simple Syrup 

For the vanilla simple syrup: Combine the water and sugar in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir until the sugar is completely dissolved. If you’re using extract, simply remove from the heat, let cool slightly and stir in 1 teaspoon. If you’re using a vanilla bean, add the split vanilla bean and bring to a gentle simmer for 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and let steep for 15-20 minutes. Strain (if using a vanilla bean) and allow to cool before using. Store refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks. 

For the cocktail: Add the vodka, vanilla simple syrup, lemon juice and Fee Foam to a cocktail shaker without ice. Shake vigorously until a rich foam develops. Add ice and shake again until well chilled. Double strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with a dehydrated lemon wheel, dried lavender and a touch of pink edible glitter. 

Location: Fort Myers, Florida 

Place of Work: Oxbow Bar & Grill located at Luminary Hotel & Co. 

Years of Experience: 15 

If a drink could capture the feeling of enjoying a Florida sunset by the water, it’s the Moon Over McGreger by Lee Rueda, bartender at Oxbow Bar & Grill at Luminary Hotel & Co. in Fort Myers. This cocktail has it all: fresh ingredients, summery flavors, bright effervescence and showstopping presentation. 

“Mixology, for me, is about creating something that feels both memorable and approachable,” Rueda said. "I’m inspired by fresh ingredients, Florida’s coastal energy, and cocktails that bring people together.” 

Hear, hear! This lovely pink and purple drink will reel you in with its kaleidoscope of colors, but you’ll be hooked on its blend of clean, herbal and tropically fruity flavor profiles. Cheers!

Location: Sarasota, Florida 

Place of Work: Midway and Ringmaster at Cirque St. Armands Beachside 

Years of Experience: 3 

If you’re into complex cocktails with straightforward ingredients, you’ll love this drink by Jansen Hildreth, bartender at both Midway and Ringmaster at Cirque St. Armands Beachside in Sarasota. 

The Cirque Sunset is a fusion and remix of two classic cocktails: the Paper Plane and the Naked and Famous. Mezcal, Aperol, Luxardo and lime create a symphony of sweet, sour, bitter and smoky flavors that must be tasted to be believed. Who knew that just four ingredients could produce such a flavor explosion? 

“As long as I can remember, I've been a showoff and a people person,” Hildreth said. “Bartending [is] the perfect combination of both. There is no better feeling than crafting the right cocktail for the occasion.”

Add mezcal, aperitivo, liqueur and lime juice to a shaker with ice. Shake and strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with a lime twist and cherry. 

Location: Tampa, Florida 

Place of Work: Sal Y Mar Rooftop Bar atop the Dual-Branded Aloft & Element Tampa Midtown Hotel 

Years of Experience: 10+ 

Rounding out this cocktail confidential is another floral gin concoction by Catherine Lagoa, bartender at Sal Y Mar Rooftop Bar in Tampa.  

The Mariposa is Lagoa’s ode to a former manager who taught her the ropes of bartending and inspired her to get creative with her mixing. This cocktail is a balanced, refreshing and elevated drink that’s like falling into a bed of velvety flower petals. If you grow orchids or cut flowers as a hobby, here’s your sign to use those blooms as stunning cocktail garnishes. 

“What I love most about bartending is the creativity and connection with people,” Lagoa said. “There’s something rewarding about being able to turn someone’s day around with great hospitality, genuine conversation, and a cocktail they truly enjoy.”

The Recipe 

Add gin, elderflower liqueur, grapefruit juice, lychee puree and lavender syrup to a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake and double strain into a chilled couple glass. Garnish with an orchid flower.