At The Waterfront Restaurant, we pride ourselves on providing exceptional dining experiences to our guests. Along with our delicious menu offerings and beautiful views, we also offer a wide selection of craft cocktails that are sure to please even the most discerning palates.
Craft cocktails have become increasingly popular in recent years, and for good reason. These specialty drinks are made with handcrafted ingredients, such as small-batch spirits, housemade syrups, and freshly squeezed juices. They often feature unique flavor combinations and creative presentations, making them a treat for both the taste buds and the eyes.
The Waterfront Restaurant Cocktail Options
At The Waterfront, our skilled bartenders have crafted a diverse menu of craft cocktails that showcase the best flavors of Florida and beyond. Whether you prefer something sweet or savory, strong or light, we have a cocktail for every taste. Here are just a few of our favorites:
Kentucky Breakfast
For those who enjoy a little kick to their cocktails, the Kentucky Breakfast is a must-try. Made with Woodford Double Oak Bourbon, Kahlua, cocoa bitters, and fresh espresso, this drink packs a flavorful punch. Served in a stylish coupe glass, it’s the perfect way to start or end your evening.
Witte’s Rye
Named after our co-owner Jason’s grandfather, this cocktail is a tribute to his Dutch heritage. It features rye whiskey, Amaro, Antico sweet vermouth, and Hellfire bitters, giving it a bold and complex flavor profile. The finishing touch? A whiskey cube to keep your drink cool without diluting the flavors.
1944 Mai Tai
Transport yourself back in time with this classic cocktail from 1944. Our version stays true to the original recipe, with a blend of dark and light rum, orange curacao, orgeat syrup, and fresh lime juice. Served on the rocks, it’s a refreshing choice for a warm Florida day.
American Mule
If you’re a fan of Moscow Mules, you’ll love our twist on this popular drink. Made with Tito’s Vodka, fresh lime juice, and ginger beer, it’s a simple yet satisfying choice. We serve it in a traditional copper mug for an added touch of elegance.
The Waterfront G&T
Gin lovers will appreciate the complexities of our signature gin and tonic. Made with dry gin, fresh rosemary and juniper berries, seasonal fruit, and Fever Tree tonic, it’s a refreshing and herbaceous drink. Served in a tall glass, it’s perfect for sipping while enjoying the sunset on our outdoor patio.
Smoked Margarita
For those who like their cocktails with a smoky twist, the Smoked Margarita is a must-try. Made with reposado tequila, pressed lime juice, fresh ginger syrup, and a mezcal-rinsed glass, it’s a bold and flavorful choice. Served on the rocks, it’s a drink that will keep you coming back for more.
Irish Peat
This unique cocktail combines two types of Irish whiskey – RedBreast 12yr and Connemara peated whisky – with bitters and ginger beer. Served with a whisky rock, it’s a strong and savory choice that’s perfect for whiskey lovers.
Snowbird
Escape to the tropics with our Snowbird cocktail. Made with gin, coconut water, fresh pressed lime juice, and ginger, it’s a refreshing and light option. Served in an elegant glass, it’s a drink that will make you feel like you’re on vacation.
Jalapeno Margarita
For those who like a little heat in their drinks, the Jalapeno Margarita is a must-try. Made with blanco tequila, pressed lime juice, agave, basil, cilantro, and jalapeño, it’s a spicy and flavorful choice. Served on the rocks, it’s a drink that will satisfy both your taste buds and your sense of adventure.
Bay Cooler
Looking for a refreshing and light cocktail? The Bay Cooler is the perfect choice. Made with vodka, cucumber, mint, a splash of house sours, and club soda, it’s a crisp and clean option. Served on the rocks, it’s perfect for sipping on a warm Florida day.
The Rise of Craft Cocktails: A Brief History
While craft cocktails have become increasingly popular in recent years, their roots can be traced back to the late 1800s and early 1900s. During this time, bartenders began experimenting with new ingredients and techniques, creating unique and innovative drinks that were a departure from the simple classics like gin and tonic or whiskey sour.
However, it wasn’t until the cocktail renaissance of the late 1990s and early 2000s that craft cocktails truly took off. This movement was led by a group of passionate bartenders who wanted to revive the art and creativity of cocktail making, using high-quality, small-batch ingredients and handcrafted techniques.
Today, craft cocktails are seen as an integral part of the dining experience, with many restaurants and bars offering a diverse menu of unique and flavorful drinks. At The Waterfront, we pride ourselves on staying true to the roots of craft cocktails while also incorporating our own Florida twist.
Florida Flavors: Locally Sourced Ingredients in Craft Cocktails
At The Waterfront, we believe in using the freshest and most flavorful ingredients in our craft cocktails. That’s why we source many of our ingredients from local farmers and producers here in Florida. From citrus fruits to herbs and spices, our drinks are infused with the vibrant flavors of our state.
Not only does using local ingredients add a unique touch to our cocktails, but it also supports our community and promotes sustainability. By sourcing from local farms, we reduce our carbon footprint and ensure that our ingredients are at their peak freshness. It’s no secret that Florida is known for its sunny weather and delicious fruits, so it only makes sense to incorporate these flavors into our craft cocktails.
Elevating Your Dining Experience at The Waterfront Restaurant
Elevate your dining experience at The Waterfront with our carefully crafted cocktails. From classic favorites to unique twists, our menu has something for every taste bud. Our bartenders are passionate about their craft and are always looking for ways to surprise and delight our guests with new creations.
But it’s not just about the drinks – it’s also about the atmosphere. At The Waterfront, our intimate and elegant bar offers the perfect setting to enjoy a craft cocktail or two. Grab a seat at the bar and watch as our skilled bartenders work their magic, or relax on our outdoor patio and take in the beautiful view of Anna Maria Island.
