May 2017   |   77  

T

here’s nothing better than hitting 
the open water on a hot summer 
day. Enjoying the feeling of the 
breeze ruffl ing through your 

locks as you gaze out onto the enchanting 
open ocean waters can only be matched with 
the perfect libation for your well-deserved 
day in the sun. I don’t know about you but 
I immediately think of Jimmy Buffett when 
pondering my island style refreshments. 
Whether you’re sailing the Caribbean or just 
hanging locally admiring the gorgeous Gulf of 
Mexico, I have some suggestions for your next 
day out on the deep blue sea. 

Hands down, cold beer is one of the most 

popular choices while boating. It is easy to 
carry onboard and is nice and refreshing 
while baking underneath Florida’s ample 
sunshine. Try one of the local brewers like 
Grayton Beer. They make an unbeatable 30A 
Beach Blonde, ideal for enjoying beneath the 
summer’s sun. Make sure you buy cans for 
your boat trip as glass on a boat is not always 
the wisest choice. Take plenty of ice and 
restock as needed so there will always be a 
cold one waiting for the next person to pop the 
cooler top. 

Another hugely popular boating libation 

is any mixed drink containing rum. For ease, 
I wouldn’t recommend blended drinks like 
Jimmy Buffet’s preferred piña coladas or 
daiquiris, although both sound pretty tasty 
right about now. However, both require use of 

a blender and that may or not be an option on 
your outing. I like to keep things super simple 
when I am fl oating about on the iridescent 
emerald waters of the Gulf. 

One of Ernest Hemingway’s favorite 

cocktails was the Mojito. He would sip on this 
delicacy while lounging about in one of Old 
Havana’s bodenguitos. Traditionally, mojitos 
are made with fresh lime juice, sugar, gently 
muddled fresh mint, sparkling water, ice, and 
high quality white rum. Not a mojito fan? 
No worries at all, take some soda along and 
make a classically delicious rum and Coke or 
a Bermudian dark and stormy made with dark 
rum, ginger beer, and lime juice. 

Not into beer or rum? That’s okay, too! 

How about Tequila? Margaritas on the rocks 
are a perfect choice for boating. To make them 
extra special, add some orange-fl avored Triple 
Sec or Grand Marnier Cognac to add to that 
irie island feel to your day. Another great 
option for tropical chasing tequila lovers is a 
Tequila Sunrise. This magical spirit is made 
with fresh pineapple, orange juice, grenadine, 
cherries, high quality tequila, and ice. Mix 
well, sit back, and enjoy a sunset or sunrise 
along the sugary shores of the Emerald Coast. 

Most importantly, when reveling in a day 

of boating and sun sports, hydration is the 
key, so don’t forget to drink plenty of good ol’ 
water. After you properly hydrate, imbibe on 
one of the more popular potent potables and 
relax on the waves. Soak up the sun and have 
some fun, whatever drink you choose, I’m 
sure it will be one amazing day on the water. 

Cheers, friends! 

Tequila Sunrise

The Tequila Sunrise is a cocktail made of 

tequila, orange juice and grenadine syrup, 

served unmixed in a tall glass. 

DIRECTIONS:
• 3 oz (6 parts) Orange juice 
• 1 1/2 oz (3 parts) Tequila 
• 1/2 oz (1 part) Grenadine syrup

DIRECTIONS:

Pour the tequila and orange juice into glass over 

ice. Add the grenadine, which will sink to the 

bottom. Do not stir. Garnish with orange slice, 

star fruit slice, cherry and serve.

XX-XX Swizzle.indd   2

4/24/17   11:56 AM