Where to Go Out on Vacation in Naples FL: Top 5 Cocktails

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Where to Go Out on Vacation in Naples FL: Top 5 Cocktails

You've made it the Naples and want to enjoy all there is to offer in the restaurant scene, but there's just one problem—too many options! The restaurant and bar scene in Naples is unbeatable, and luckily, The Naples Florida Review has rounded up some of the best cocktails to try. These drinks are crafted by Naples' best (and often friendliest) bartenders, in hot-spots that make for a special evening. 

Whether you need as escape from the heat or you're looking to turn a night into a memorable evening, here are five cocktails where the restaurants are as cool as the drinks: 

1. Queen's Road Cocktail at Tigress Rooftop Bar 
🍸 Tigress Restaurant & Rooftop Bar
📍 12155 Tamiami Trail N, 7th Floor, Naples
🌐 perryhotelnaples.com
The Queen’s Road Cocktail has rum, orange, lemon, ginger, and honey. A classic but oft forgotten cocktail similar to a daiquiri, it calls for aged rum instead of gold rum. You’ll find this cocktail at Tigress, a great new addition to Naples perched above The Perry Hotel. The rooftop feels luxurious without being uptight, and it might just be the perfect locale to enjoy golden hour and introduce the start of summer.

2. Key Lime Martini at Nosh on Naples Bay🍸 Nosh on Naples Bay
📍 1490 5th Ave S, Suite 101, Naples
🌐 noshonnaplesbay.com

A Key Lime Martini feels like summer in a glass. Tart, creamy, and rimmed with graham cracker crumbs, it’s basically a slice of Key lime pie without the fork. You’ll find variations of this cocktail around Naples, but I particularly love the one at Nosh. This drink pairs particularly well with gazing out on Naples Bay and catching up with a friend you haven’t seen in a while. 

3. The Last Dragon at Bar Tulia
🍸 Bar Tulia
📍 Two locations:
  • Fifth Avenue: 462 5th Ave S, Naples
  • Mercato: 9118 Strada Pl, Suite 8150, Naples
No matter what cocktail you’re getting at Bar Tulia, you can’t go wrong. But for the purposes of this list, I invite you to try The Last Dragon, which combines gin, passion fruit, lime, and sage in a delicate balance. The passion fruit and lime combination especially tastes like the luscious fruits of summer with a punch. Plus, the bartenders are incredibly personable. Don’t be afraid to chat—they might also recommend something off the menu.

(As a reminder, the Fifth Ave location is only open Thursday-Saturday through September).

4. Watermelon Special at FUSE
🍸 FUSE Gastrobar
📍 2500 Tamiami Trail N, Ste 115, Naples
🌐 fuseglobalcuisine.com

If you’re familiar with FUSE, you should know that this restaurant is all about creativity. The husband-and-wife team run a killer restaurant: Chef Greg works his magic in the kitchen, while Monica crafts inventive drinks at the bar. Lately, she’s been making an addictive watermelon cocktail with grilled watermelon, fresh basil, lime, and vodka. I’m calling it the “Watermelon Special” but it doesn’t have a name (as I’m writing this). Monica is running an Instagram contest to decide the winner, with contenders like “The Flamingo Fuse” or “Call an Uber.” Not up your alley? Go anyway. Monica has an uncanny ability with flavors, so I’m sure you’ll find something delicious. 

5. Piña Colada at Gumbo Limbo at The Ritz-Carlton Naples
🍸 Gumbo Limbo at The Ritz-Carlton, Naples
📍 280 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, Naples
🌐 ritzcarlton.com
There’s a reason some drinks never go out of style. Their piña colada is the real deal and not an achingly sweet, artificial slushie. Sip your coconut delight slowly and cool off while the sun sets. Gumbo Limbo is one of the few places you can sip drinks right on the beach, and they don’t take reservations, which is perfect for spontaneous plans to make an evening memorable.
Originally published on The Naples Florida Review.