Emerald Coast mixology favorites
Emerald Coast locals and seasoned visitors know that the month of August brings two safe bets: 1) waning tourist numbers; and 2) plenty of summer heat. The good news is that lighter crowds offer an excellent opportunity to take in some of the region’s celebrated happy hours and cocktail exclusives.
Mixology is alive and well in all the communities served by The Premier Property Group. In fact, our team has uncovered some of the area’s most popular and innovative adult beverage creations that are sure to help cool down summer’s big finale.
Walton County’s 30A neighborhoods will find a novel take on the Tequila Sunrise at Trebeaché in Blue Mountain Beach’s Redfish Village. Developed by Bar Manager Shawn Somerset, the creation— Trebeaché Sunrise—replaces the grenadine used in the traditional drink with La Pinta Pomegranate Liqueur, a relatively new flavor to the Emerald Coast. The drink’s popularity led to the creation of the Trebeaché Sunset, a vodka-based cocktail with Ketel One’s Citroen or Oranje as the foundation accompanied by St. Germain, a French liqueur. Happy hour at the restaurant runs from 5-6 p.m. daily.
The “723” Happy Hour at 723 Whiskey Bravo runs from 4-6 p.m. daily on 30A in Old Seagrove. Patrons can enjoy uniquely crafted drinks like the Angel Flight on the restaurant’s one-of-a-kind roof patio and in the downstairs bar. The Angel Flightcombines Angel’s Envy Whiskey, an uncommon Kentucky bourbon aged in port wine barrels, with honey, ginger beer and fresh lime.
In Panama City Beach, the award-winning Firefly restaurant offers an array of exclusive cocktails, including The Firefly, a refreshing blend of Parrot Bay Rum, melon liqueur, pineapple juice and orange juice, and a Firefly Manhattan that combines Michters Single Barrel Straight Rye, Warres Otima Tawney Port and Angostura Bitters.
In Destin, residents and visitors can indulge in a Cocodrie Old Fashioned at 790 on the Gulf, located inside the Inn at Crystal Beach on Scenic Highway 98. Created by Jeremy “JJ” Johnson, the cocktail draws its name from the Cajun word for “crocodile.” The uniqueness of the drink if found in Johnson’s use of syrup created from cane sugar, brown sugar and honey instead of sugar water. Happy hour at 790 runs from 3-6 p.m. daily.
Destin is also home to Dee Dee’s Strawberry Lemondrop, a favorite at Boshamps Seafood and Oyster House. Named after the mother of restaurant owner Miller Phillips, the concoction blends fresh strawberries and lemon wedges with Effen Black Cherry Vodka and sour mix.
For those looking to put a little creativity into their entertaining, mixology classes are offered periodically a little further east on 30A at Havana Beach Bar and Grill, located in Rosemary Beach’s famed hotel, The Pearl. But, you need to act quick, the next class is scheduled for August 16 from 2-4 p.m.
Trebeaché Sunrise
In a 12-ounce Collins glass, mix:
1¾ ounces Don Julio silver tequila
Fresh-squeezed orange juice
¼ ounce La Pinta Pomegranate Liqueur
Garnish with maraschino cherry or orange slice.
Dee Dee’s Strawberry Lemondrop
1 ½ strawberries
1 slice lemon
2 ounces Effen Black Cherry Vodka
2 ounces lemon sour mix
Muddle strawberries and lemon together in a glass. Fill with ice, and pour in vodka and sour. Cover with a cocktail tin and shake. Garnish with lemon slice.