LIBAATRITONS
Speciality Cocktails
Popular Drinks at Popular Spots
Everyone seems to be talking about
cocktails, even those who never
drink them. Speciality cocktails are
being served at fundraisers as part
of their theme, and most restaurants have
developed a few unique concepts of their
own. The classics, such as martinis and
margaritas, come in their own style of
glass and in as many variations as you can
imagine. Therefore, we thought it would
be interesting to ask some of our local
restaurants about their speciality drinks. We
hope that you will find it as interesting as
we did.
At Bob Heilman’s Beachcomber
Restaurant on Clearwater Beach, their most
iconic cocktail is a Vineyard Margarita.
The recipe includes Milagro Reposado
Tequila, Rhum Clement, house-made sour
fusion, organic agave nectar, a sprig of fresh
rosemary and a splash of Oregon Pinot Noir.
This cocktail originated in Oregon to
showcase Williamette Valley Pinot Noir,
which is where the Heilman’s vineyard is
located. The drink has become a classic at
the Beachcomber, as Oregon Pinot Noir
is the integral ingredient, and the sprig of
rosemary reminds everyone of the grape
vines.
At The HONU restaurant in Dunedin,
their Kimmie Mae Tai cocktail is a tribute
to the chef/owner’s wife Kimberly. When
creating the menu for the Hawaiianthemed
restaurant, the traditional Mai Tai
became the Kimmie Mae Tai in honor of the
nickname her aunt had bestowed on her.
The recipe for the Kimmie Mae Tai is 4
ounces of pineapple juice, 4 ounces of fresh
orange juice, 2 ounces of coconut milk, 2
tablespoons agave and 3 ounces of sake.
Add the first five ingredients and shake well.
Pour over ice and top with soda water and
a dash of cherry juice. Garnish with a lime
wedge and two maraschino cherries.
At Casa Tina in Dunedin, The Tina Rita
is their signature cocktail. Many margaritas
are made with sour mix, but owners Tina
and Javier Avila believe that fresh organic
products and a high-quality tequila are the
best accompaniment for their 100% natural
fresh made Mexican dishes so they followed
the same rule for their Tina Rita.
78 TAMPA BAY MAGAZINE
| MAY/JUNE 2016
Casa Tina -
The Tina Rita
Bob Heilman’s
Beachcomber -
Vineyard
Margarita
Besa Grill -
Acai Blueberry
Martini