Sippin Gypsy Quick Tips for Sippin: St. Augustine

Cheers to my Sppin Gypsy Team Gin and Wine! This post comes to you while enjoying my own Sippin Gypsy Holiday Sangria inspired by my recent trip to St. Augustine and my visits to the St Augustine Distillery and San Sebastian Winery!
St. Augustine to me is the gem of Florida.  A unique treasure of old meets new in a town that surrounds you in history and charm. The pace is relaxed and calm and the people radiate a pride in their city that shapes the presence of good ol' Southern hospitality.  So many of the tourists have been coming back to this city to visit for decades, and there is a new wave of talent in artists that are willing to make quite the drive to the Ancient City to practice their craft until fate affords them the option to move closer. Although compact and easy to conquer within a short getaway, St Augustine is packed with delicious options for sippin' and tastin'!

1.  Ice Plant Bar
In my opinion one of the best bars in Florida.  This hip spot blends just the right balance of craft cocktails and a well edited menu in an environment that embraces the heritage of the building and current trends in a casual chic environment.  The menu rotates seasonally and celebrates unique cocktails crafted by their own talented bar team.  Located adjacent to the St. Augustine Distillery, Ice Plant Bar is a must do in your trip to St. Augustine.

2. The Floridian
Celebrating locally sourced season menu options, The Floridian packs bold flavors into a comfortable casual environment.  Easily missed, this spot came recommended by a local who warned me that her pallet was picky but that the restaurant made everything fresh.  Being a huge fan of local and farm to table concepts, this was a definite on my list to experience in St. Augustine, and I'm so glad I did.  The cocktails were refreshing and well made and the food was well seasoned and packed with flavor. My only regret is that this was discovered on my last evening, and I only had time for one meal here.  I will definitely be back to continue the experience.

3. Odd Birds
Tucked away and easily missed, Odd Birds was the one spot I went back to twice.  Home of mySippin Gypsy Favorite Sips for their Aviation cocktail.  Odd Birds offers a casual eclectic environment with amazing cocktails and a well edited selection of fine spirits and house made tinctures and syrups that make all the difference in flavors and well balanced libations.  This was the spot for locals and specifically a hang out for other bartenders and beverage industry professionals.

4.  Crucial Coffee
Yes it's a tiny wooden hut.  Yes you can sit and sip in that charming outdoor garden.  Yes it is worth the wait in line.  Crucial Coffee is one of those spots you just have to experience.  There are plenty of options ranging from high octane wake you up to refreshing and light to sip and stroll.  

5.  Prohibition Kitchen
What a swanky fun place.  Prohibition Kitchen whisks you back into time with details and cocktails that transport you back to the end of prohibition.  Live music each night adds to the ambiance.  The bar is expansive and inviting,  but I preferred a spot on the second level to easily see the musicians and be able to sit back and relax.  

6. Cellar 6
I love finding cozy spots while wandering and exploring. Cellar 6 is down a charming ally away away from the bustle of the St. George St.  This was one of the most romantic places.  Dark but still inviting, Cellar 6 was the perfect place to unwind. The wine list was interactive on their tablet-menu and offered predominantly American labels.  There is a full bar as well with options for some tempting martinis.