The end of summer has arrived, and we say it needs a tropical send-off. Luckily, there seems to be a holiday for just about everything, and August 16 is National Rum Day. It’s the perfect excuse to get fun and fruity with our evening libations. St. Augustine has all the delicious summery rum drinks that you need to alleviate the pain of the passing our favorite season. From classic rum punches to cocktails topped with nutmeg and a little bit of cream, there’s no end to the tropical flavor.
The World Famous Goombay Smash
The Conch House
The Conch House is known for two things: Reggae Sunday and their famous Goombay Smash. Say goodbye to summer with one more Sunday dancing to some good music with one of these delicious drinks in hand, two if you can handle it! It has Coconut rum, Dark rum, and 151 rum all mixed in it. If those weren’t enough, there is also Apricot brandy and the perfect blend of orange and pineapple juices. They are only $7 during happy hour so stop by and enjoy!
www.conchhouse.com
The Shark Tank
Meehan’s Irish Pub
Served in a huge glass that resembles a fishbowl, hence the local nickname, “The Fishbowl”, this sweet cocktail is combined with Captain Morgan Spiced Rum, Cruzan Coconut Rum, pineapple, cranberry, and orange juice is a crowd-pleaser. Easily shared between 3-4 people, this drink is summery, fun, and definitely hits the spot. It comes topped with a Gosling’s Rum Floater, a blue and white shark that makes the adult drink just a little more fun. Stop by and have one with friends. Be sure to order any of the delicious bar snacks they have there as well!
www.meehansirishpub.com
Paddle Club Cocktail
The Floridian
Drift away from summer with a Paddle Club Cocktail from The Floridian. It is concocted of a slew of different rums and mixers, including Hibiscus-infused Mt. Gay Rum, Cruzan Black Strap Rum, and passionfruit juice. All the flavors of summer can be found in it, including banana and pineapple. Mixed with cinnamon syrup and other additions, this drink is one of the best found in St. Augustine. Enjoy it alongside any of the delicious plates found at The Floridian or by itself, it is good either way!
www.thefloridianstaug.com
The Fountain of Youth
Scarlett O’Harra’s
Named after the historic landmark in downtown St. Augustine, the Fountain of Youth absolutely pays homage to the freshness of life. The liquor that it is composed of is rum and it is mixed with peach bitters, delicious pineapple, and fresh local honey. Scarlett’s is a local favorite and this drink is a favorite amongst many as well. Enjoy the view of downtown as well as any of the delicious bar snacks served there with one of these icy drinks!
www.scarlettoharas.com
Rockin’ Tini Martini
Tini Martini Bar
Say your goodbyes to summer with this delicious martini! Mixed with Malibu coconut rum, Midori, pineapple juice and sweet orange juice, this martini is the perfect drink to have midday or late afternoon overlooking the picturesque Bridge of Lions. One of my favorite things about Tini is the fact that they give you the shaker with your martini once you order it so the value is just as good as the yummy taste. Stop by and get one this weekend!
www.tinimartinibar.com
The Bodak Yellow
The Ice Plant Bar
Named after Cardi B’s summer hit, “Bodak Yellow”, this fun drink is comprised of rum, Aquavit, pineapple, sage, honey, and fresh lemon which gives it that summery flavor. One of the favorited cocktails on the menu, it is the perfect summer send-off drink! Enjoy one at the beautiful bar since it is one of the best places to catch the sunset on the weekends! The food is good, the service is better and the experience is one that you should not miss!
www.iceplantbar.com
The Painkiller
A1A Ale Works
Coconut and pineapple are one the best flavor combos ever made. Celebrate National Rum Day this Friday with a cocktail that combines that flavor with Pusser’s rum, coconut cream, orange juice, and a sprinkling of nutmeg. It is shaken, not stirred, and the light foam that sometimes rims the glass can remind someone of the froth of receding waves, sort of like how summer is slowly slipping away from us! Enjoy the view of the water and the Bridge of Lions at this scenic restaurant!
www.a1aaleworks.com
Featured image via The Ice Plant