By Jack Smith
I was recently asked to be a judge at the Tequila and Taco Festival. It was tough work, but I took one for the team. Equipped with a designated driver, I was ready to sample some of the best tequila drinks on the beach. The competition was between some of PCB’s finest bars and restaurants, and they did not disappoint. My previous tequila experience was limited to shots with salt and a lime wedge chaser: sipping critically with taste in mind was all new.
Tequila, a Mexican spirit, is made from tequila agave and it’s been around for centuries, which is plenty of time to get things right. Like American bourbon, tequila distillers have a stringent set of rules they must abide by. These include ensuring that each bottle is made in the proper location from the correct ingredients and that it’s aged for the correct amount of time. Who knew? Once, on a trip to Cozumel, I was overserved and could not look at tequila for several years, but as they say, “that’s another story.”
Barefoot On The Beach
11073 Front Beach Road, PCB | (850) 249-2442
barefootrestaurants.com
Stop on by Barefoot On The Beach for one of the best margaritas in Panama City Beach! In addition to lime and strawberry, all Barefoot Restaurants offer a White Lightning Margarita, which is made with 100 proof moonshine. Grab your choice of margarita, lounge at Barefoot’s onsite pool and enjoy the view of the Gulf of Mexico.
Schooners
5121 Gulf Drive, PCB | (850) 235-3555
schooners.com
The Grand “Blue” Lagoon is a salient top shelf margarita that is ALMOST as alluring as it is delectable. Made with Don Julio, Grand Marnier, Blue Curaçao, and Agave Nectar. You can’t be shy while enjoying it because everyone will want to know what you’re drinking.
Boon Docks
14854 Bay View Circle, PCB | (850) 230-0005
boondocksfl.com
Nothing better than a Boon Docks Margarita! We squeeze fresh juices daily, concoct our own sour mix and add Patron. Enjoy! Relax, sip, look out over the water and watch the barges go by, the occasional dolphin swim by, even an alligator or two, and our mascots, the ducks and geese, who come in for their favorite – hushpuppies.
Capt. Anderson’s Restaurant
5551 N Lagoon Drive, PCB | (850) 234-2225
captandersons.com
Enjoy $6 Margarita Specials every Tuesday night in the Capt. Anderson’s Lounge! Blood Orange Margarita, Midori Margarita, Skinny Margarita, Italian Margarita… the list goes on! The best Margarita special on the beach!
The Wicked Wheel
10025 Hutchison Boulevard, PCB | (850) 588-7947
thewickedwheel.com
Fill up your tank at The Wicked Wheel with their famous Gasoline Tea! This version of the traditional Long Island Iced Tea is made with clear 100 proof moonshine, rum, gin, tequila, triple sec, sweet & sour and a splash of Coca-Cola. Get your engine revving with a 32-ounce Gasoline Tea served in an insulated souvenir cup!
Christo’s Sports Bar & Grill
2903 Thomas Drive, PCB | (850) 708-1878
christossportsbarandgrill.com
Christo’s margarita features fresh squeezed citrus juices, your choice of tequila, and a splash of Solerno orange liqueur. Then it’s shaken to get all the flavors for a nice blend and topped with Grand Marnier. We are featuring $5 Top Shelf Margaritas every Thursday for the month of April!
Sisters of the Sea
3901 Thomas Drive, PCB | (856) MER-MAID
sistersofthesea.net
Sisters’ margarita is a delight, but a bit of a mystery. Finagling a recipe out of bartender Scott for this fine beverage was like pulling teeth. Suffice to say, the fruit is fresh and there may or may not be a splash of Sprite.
Paparazzi Gourmet Deli
2810 Thomas Drive, PCB | (850) 588-8244
Paparazzideli.com
Paparazzi Gourmet Deli has some refreshing, equally satisfying alternatives to a Margarita perfect for the first warm days of summer! Top picks include a chilled glass of Prosecco, or a delightfully fresh California Rosé.
Mike’s Cafe and Oyster Bar
17554 Front Beach Road, PCB | (850) 234-1942
mikescafeandoysterbar.com
Our family opened Thomas’ Donuts on the west end of Panama City Beach in 1971 and we have been serving old friends and making new ones ever since. Mike’s Diner was opened in 1986 with a commitment to providing friendly service and the best quality food. In 2011, we changed Mike’s Diner into Mike’s Cafe & Oyster Bar.
