A perfect cocktail is more than the sum of its parts. Imaginative infusions, fragrant fermentations, eye-catching garnishes – the options are endless when crafting a beverage worth savoring. And as any cocktail connoisseur knows, it’s not just the drink, it’s the environment. Soothe the senses with a manhattan at a sultry lounge or get in the mood for dancing with a French 75. Whether you want a classic cocktail or a tantalizing creation, Tampa Bay has bars and lounges to please every palate and vibe.
Copa
1047 Central Ave., St. Petersburg | (727) 623-9199
At Copa, brothers and co-owners Sebastien and Max Thuriere bring Afro-Latin flair to Downtown St. Petersburg. The experience reflects the cultural sensibilities of their Haitian and French backgrounds plus Central American influences. Latin American/Caribbean fusion tapas are served with an international selection of specialty craft cocktails.
“We want people to dress up, feel good, have some tapas, laugh over craft cocktails and enjoy our music,” Max says. “While many guests come on dates, others come to soak up a taste of Caribbean and Latin culture, which is full of color, spice, hospitality and music.”
Groove to the DJ’s beats, enjoy salsa and bachata on the dancefloor and sip mojitos like you’re on an island. Sound like bliss? It is.
Grove Soho
406 S. Howard Ave., Tampa | (813) 251-4433
Exotic, elevated and approachable, Grove Soho is a tiki-inspired oasis rewriting the narrative in the heart of South Tampa. The tropical haven features contemporary expressions of traditional cocktail recipes from the early 20th-century tiki movement. For cuisine, a customizable, fresh food bowl program highlights ingredients with flavors from around the world.
“The tiki movement boldly radicalized the hospitality industry by encouraging exploration of flavor and balance using fresh ingredients,” Brandon Lowe, general manager at Grove, says. “The concept is designed to embrace cocktail enthusiasts, as well as those who are inexperienced, but curious about cocktail culture.”
The one-of-a-kind oasis features cocktails with fire, dry ice, exotic glassware available for purchase, fresh-pressed juices, house-made syrups, fruit and spice-infused spirits, large bowls with trendy and unique garnishes to be shared by groups.
Whiskey Exchange
540 Central Ave., St. Petersburg
You don’t need to be a stock trader to raise a toast at Whiskey Exchange, but being a whiskey enthusiast might help, as there are over 220 kinds of whiskey to choose from.
“The experience is fantastic — from the custom build with one-of-a-kind décor and the interactive ‘drink stock market’ to the amazing and ever-changing specialty craft cocktail menu designed by our talented bartenders,” operating owner and chef Benny Hatfield shares.
The stock market theme is executed in a lively and vivacious atmosphere. To complement specialty craft cocktails prepared with fresh ingredients and aromatic herbs, Hatfield offers an impressive assortment of charcuterie and tapas.
Punch Room
500 Channelside Drive., Tampa | (813) 771-8022
Evocative of old Hollywood glamour, Punch Room is a cozy new space on the second floor of the Tampa Edition, the Bay area’s first five-star experience, in Water Street Tampa. It’s accented with rich jewel-tone curtains and lounge areas, complete with a fireplace. The cocktail menu focuses on the West Indies, highlighting aged spirits, spices, teas and tropical fruits.
“Taking cues from Tampa’s history of 17th-century traders and privateers, Punch Room brings forth a menu dedicated to flavors and spirits of the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico, the cradle to so many contributions in the evolution of punch,” says Gates Otsuji, director of bars for the Edition.
Punch is served in elegant, sterling silver-plated bowls of varying sizes for sharing. Elevated bar snacks are also offered. Reservations are suggested.
Velvet Gypsy
5210 N. Florida Ave., Tampa | (813) 241-886
An unpretentious bohemian haunt in the heart of Seminole Heights, co-owner Mo Pickering describes Velvet Gypsy as an elevated neighborhood craft cocktail bar that is welcoming to all.
“It’s a place you feel at home, a place you can relax and unwind, but turn up if you need to, a place you want to show off your arm candy,” Pickering says. “Our customers are so diverse and unique. We have all walks of life come to our bar. We are proud of what we’ve built and the love we have for this neighborhood.”
Pickering’s favorite drink is called The Lovers. It’s fun, bright and quirky with a hint of sweetness, just like her bar. Decked out with neon signage, painted murals and lush green decor, step inside and expect good times.
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