Is there anything more iconically Florida than savoring a frozen cocktail under the blazing summer sun? When the heat is at its peak and the humidity clings like a second skin, there’s no better way to cool down than with a frosty, flavor-packed drink in hand. Whether it’s a tropical twist on a classic or a creative new concoction these frozen delights are the ultimate way to chill out.
Invented by Harry Yee in 1957, the Blue Hawaii cocktail has plenty of panache thanks to its vivid blue hue and retro appeal. “People just love that drink,” says Taylor Escobar, marketing coordinator at Oysters Rock Hospitality. “It’s like tropical vibes in a glass.” Made with Don Q Coconut Rum, pineapple juice, housemade pina colada mix, and the blue curacao that gives it its signature color, the Blue Hawaiian at Anna Maria Oyster Bar is reminiscent of a pina colada, with lots of coconut flavor balanced by bright citrus notes.
Cool off with Columbia Restaurant’s Tango Mango frozen cocktail. “When we originally put this drink on the menu you didn’t see mango in many places,” recalls Andrea Gonzmart Williams, a fifth-generation member of the Hernandez/Gonzmart family who originally founded the restaurant. “My parents were vacationing in Spain and my father said, ‘We have to replicate this.’”
You can’t talk about frozen drinks in the Sarasota area without talking about Daiquiri Deck. They’re so good at making daiquiris, they’ve patented their systems. The result is frozen flavorful drinks that are consistently high-quality—and highly in-demand. “We have caffeinated daiquiris, we have creamy daiquiris,” adds Matt Grover, Daiquiri Deck’s President and co-owner. “My favorite is the Beach Coffee, which is a blend of roasted coffee, coconut and chocolate with gold rum.”
“You don’t have to chase the ice cream truck anymore!” says Amy Blair, manager at The Old Salty Dog of their frozen Dreamsicle cocktail. Made from Tippy Cow Orange Cream Rum, Wicked Dolphin Vanilla Rum, and homemade pina colada mix, this frosty blended treat has the nostalgic appeal of an orange Creamsicle ice cream bar with a grown-up twist.
If you’re the kind of person who always has trouble deciding which drink to get, Sharky’s on the Pier is the destination for you. They have a fantastic frozen cocktail program, with drinks like the tart Lemonberry Razzonade, the tropical Mango Bango, and a traditional Pina Colada, and they’re making it easier than ever on those of us who are chronically indecisive. “We’re now offering frozen flights, where you can choose your three favorites from behind the bar,” says Michael Gross, Director of Operations. “You can kind of mix it up, do a little bit of everything.” What could be more quintessentially Florida than a slice of key lime pie? Perhaps a Key Lime Colada.
Siesta Key Oyster Bar’s take on this frozen drink features Captain Morgan Rum. Blue Chair Key Lime Rum and pina colada mix. Served in a coconut-rimmed tulip glass, this sweet drink is as pretty as it is tasty.
Located a short walk from the beach, Whitney’s in Longboat Key is a stylish yet casual eatery serving creative takes on American fare. One of their best-known menu items though may be their Frosé, a light and refreshing wine-based slush with a silky-smooth texture. Garnished with a palm leaf umbrella and a dehydrated orange slice, this picture-perfect blush-pink cocktail is made for sipping outside on a summer day.
Anna Maria Oyster Bar UTC, 5405 University Parkway Unit 110, Bradenton, 941-491-2662, oysterbar.net. Columbia Restaurant, 411 St Armands Cir, Sarasota, 941-388-3987, columbiarestaurant.com. Daiquiri Deck Siesta Key Village, 5250 Ocean Boulevard, Sarasota, 941-349-8697, daiquirideck.net. The Old Salty Dog, 1601 Ken Thompson Parkway, Sarasota, 941-388-4311, theoldsaltydog.com. Sharky’s on the Pier, 1600 Harbor Drive South, Venice, 941-488-1456, sharkysonthepier.com. Siesta Key Oyster Bar, 5238 Ocean Blvd, Sarasota, 941-346-5443, skob.com. Whitney’s, 6990 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, 941-383-4606, whitneyslbk.com.
