Move Over Margaritas- This Is Florida’s Favorite Cocktail

When you think of popular cocktails in Florida the first thing that comes to mind is either a margarita or daiquiri, or maybe a Piña Colada. But a new survey was recently published that shows each state's favorite alcoholic beverage and Florida's drink of choice is not what we expected.

The study done by Coffeeness tells us what's in demand for every state. Each cocktail has a unique taste profile and aesthetic ranging from classy and sophisticated to spritzy and summery to dark and gloomy. To find each states preference of cocktails, Coffeeness explored Google search data to find the most popular cocktail in each state.

When it comes to the most popular cocktail in Florida, I don't quite get the hype. But many find it enjoyable because of the sweet, citrusy taste, it's low in sugar, and is photogenic and colorful. And it wasn't just the most popular drink in Florida, 22 other states were also found to prefer this summery and European drink: the Aperol Spritz

The Aperol Spritz is a popular Italian cocktail usually served with appetizers. It has a very bittersweet taste and a vibrant orange/pink color. While there have been a few variations of it, the cocktail consists of prosecco, aperol, and soda water. The official Aperol recipe is 3 parts of Prosecco D.O.C., 2 parts of Aperol, 1 splash of soda, and garnished with an orange. It's best served over ice and traditionally in a wine glass.

Because of it's popularity, many places have added the aperol spritz, or some variation, to their menu. Yelp says the top 3 places in Tampa for an aperol spritz are: Forbici Modern Italian, Ash, and Olivia.

Updated February 2024

Ahh margaritas, the perfect drink for any day in Florida. Ever wondered where you can get the best margaritas in Tampa? Pretty much any restaurant you go to will have one on the menu. Because the drink is so universally loved and pretty versatile, they won't be hard to come by. But where can you find the BEST? Well, we're here to help you.

The margarita is made up of 3 simple ingredients: tequila, triple sec, and lime juice. Some places will opt-in to add simple syrup to make their drink a little more sweeter. It's also the drinker's choice if they want a salt or sugar rim on their drink. This is the kind of margarita that you can find basically anywhere. Our list includes the places that take their recipe above and beyond. Whether that means using an infused tequila, playing with different flavors, or serving it uniquely.

We went to Yelp.com to see if our favorites made their list. A few were in the top 10, so we added some of our own personal favorites that Yelp didn't include. If you find yourself searching for "best margaritas near me," look no further! Our list also features places on both sides of the bridge. From Seminole Heights and South Tampa to Downtown St. Pete, this is our guide to the best margaritas.

One honorable mention that didn't make our list is Rocco's Tacos and Tequila Bar. If you're ever at International Plaza in Tampa, be sure to try their Jalapeño margarita made with Tanteo Infused Tequila. If you're not a fan of spicy, try the Black Diamond instead.

Think we missed out on a place? Let us know on social media!

Head to Sparkman Wharf for some great tacos and tequila! JOTORO Kitchen + Tequila Bar has some of the best margaritas in town. The Spicy Watermelon margarita is our favorite, or try the Pretty Boy if you're feeling fancy. Can't choose? You can always try their margarita flight.

Miguelitos Taqueria Y Tequilas is the best place in Tampa for any tequila drink. They are known to serve their tequila on tap so you know it's going to be that perfect cold temperature.

Tampa's hottest new restaurants is perfect for tequila lovers. The menu, curated by Chef Richard Sandoval and Chef Pablo Salas, showcases a fusion of regional Mexican cuisines, featuring an array of bold and authentic flavors. They offer 207 tequila's and 40 mezcal options! Be sure to try the Mercado Margarita. It's made with tanteo jalapeño, lemon, agave, passion fruit, and hibiscus-rosemary foam.

It's right there in the name. Head to Davis Island for your pick of all kinds of margaritas. They have a whole page on their menu dedicated to just different recipes. Be sure to try the French Margarita or Strawberry Mango & Champagne Margarita made with Don Julio Blanco Tequila, strawberry, and mango puree, topped with champagne.

Besitos has some of the best Margaritas in the Tampa Bay area. Our favorite is "The Other Woman" made with Altos Reposado Tequila, Citrus fruit Infused Liquor 43, House made Chipotle Syrup, Fresh Squeezed Lime. Served with sugar or Salt Rim. Plus, they have all day happy hour on Monday with $7 margs all day long!

Nueva Cantina in St. Pete is a great spot for affordable margaritas and tacos! On Wednesdays they have $4 house margaritas and $12 pitchers! If you're a fan of spicy, try the "Caliente Picante" made of Olmeca Altos Reposado Tequila, fresh lemon sour, jalapeño, and mango purée.

Tampa's best rooftop bar is the place to go for some amazing craft cocktails. You can get their classic marg with any of these added flavors: Blackberry, Coconut, Passionfruit, Peach, Pomegranate, Raspberry, or Strawberry. Or venture outside of the box and try their "LA CAZADORA" made of 400 Conejos (mezcal), blackberry mure, Italicus Bergamotto, agave, lime, pineapple, and champagne.