By Jack Smith
The daiquiri’s origin goes back to an actual cocktail recipe card signed by a “Jennings Cox” in 1896. This original recipe underwent an important transformation in the 1920s and 1930s when, with shaved ice and an electric blender, Constantino “Constante” Ribalaigua Vert, bartender and owner of a little bar called Floridita in Havana, Cuba, perfected the drink. The frozen daiquiri was born. Ernest Hemingway happened into the bar soon after and sampled the frozen creation, then requested it without sugar and with double the rum due to his diabetes. The cocktail became conducive to epic drinking sessions and Hemingway became a regular. In one account, Hemingway put away 15 frozen daiquiris in one sitting. The “Hemingway Special” has a permanent spot on the menu.
Frozen Mason Jar Daiquiris: While researching this month’s “Best Frozen Drink” section, I came across an article from The Yummy Life that showed a recipe, an easy one, for flavored frozen daiquiris. Each daiquiri contains frozen fruit (I guess you can say that’s the healthy part), and they taste great. The best part is that you can mix several ahead of time and pour them into 16 oz. mason jars (now available at Michaels in Pier Park) and freeze them until needed. Here’s a helpful hint: leave some room at the top of the jar as they expand while they freeze! The alcohol keeps them from freezing completely, so just remove them from the freezer about 10 minutes before serving.
Capt. Anderson’s Restaurant
5551 N Lagoon Drive, PCB | (850) 234-2225
captandersons.com
Capt. Anderson’s has an extensive and award winning wine cellar, but if you’re looking to “cool down”, try a frozen Strawberry Daiquiri, Pina Colada or Margarita with your Oven Broiled Stuffed Filet of Grouper! For something tropical and luscious, try a frozen Kahlua Colada… in a FREE souvenir glass you can take home with you!
Pineapple Willy’s Restaurant
9875 S Thomas Drive, PCB | (850) 235-0928
pwillys.com
Pineapple Willy’s has been serving up the best frozen daiquiris in Panama City Beach since the 80s. Made with their proprietary “Chilly Willy’s Daiquiri Co.” mix, these daiquiris are packed with flavor and available in three different sizes. Drink one on their historic pier while you dine, or grab one to-go!
Señor Frogs
15005 Front Beach Road, PCB
senorfrogs.com/panama-city-beach
Señor Frogs is a synomym for fun. It is considered the best restaurant and bar because the staff make it their duty to make sure you’re having a great time every minute. Enjoy the music, the colors, the amazing atmosphere it offers and order your favorite dish, because the menu is huge. Try our assortment of frozen drinks. They are delicious and a guaranteed brain freeze.
Schooners
5121 Gulf Drive, PCB | (850) 235-3555
schooners.com
The Last Local Beach Club is perched right on the beach and it can get HOT! Quench your thirst with a frozen Pina Colada, Margarita, Bushwacker, Rum Runner or Daiquiri. For something more exotic try a frozen Key Lime Pie or Banana Baileys Colada… take the souvenir mug to go! Great food and refreshing cold drinks… Schooners serves it all with an amazing view of the Gulf!
Boon Docks
14854 Bay View Circle, PCB | (850) 230-0005
boondocksfl.com
Boon Docks now features a fully stocked bar with specialty drinks, wine and cocktails. Located under the mighty oaks on the Intracoastal Waterway just 5 minutes from the beaches in West Bay, Boon Docks offers you a delicious array of local and regional seafood using a blend of spices that gives it a taste like no other! Thank you to all of our wonderful customers for 22 years. We look forward to many more!
Rudy’s Country Store and Bar-B-Q
14501 Panama City Beach Pkwy, PCB | (850) 588-1996
rudysbbq.com
Known for it’s two popuar bbq sauce varieties, folksy decor and a devotion to smoked proteins, Rudy’s was born out of a small Leon Springs, Texas gas station just north of San Antonio along I-10. It’s the one with “the worst bar-B-Q in Texas” in big block letters on the sign outside. The original location has a special charm, as well as every location that came after.
