The southern peninsula of Florida is often thought of as a vacation destination. Known as the sunshine state, it has miles of white sand beaches, excellent all-inclusive hotels, and some of the biggest theme parks in the world. What spirit enthusiasts may not know is that Florida is also home to some talented craft distilleries. Plan your next excursion or vacation and check out the craft distillery scene across the state. Thankfully, many are in some of the most popular tourist destinations. So check out the best distillery tours in this ultimate guide and discover your next favorite spirit.  

South Florida 

Hemingway Rum Company – Key West

Also known as the Papa’s Pilar Rum Distillery, the Hemingway Rum Company is steeped in tradition. Named after the famous writer that called Key West home, the Hemingway Rum Company offers a collection of specialty-crafted rums. You can take a guided distillery tour of the facility that lets you see how the rum is made. Additionally, take a mixology class and learn how to craft delicious cocktails. Visiting the Hemingway Rum Company is a perfect next stop after walking through the famous Hemingway House. 

Tropical Distillers – Miami

Walking into the Tropical Distiller’s location in Miami, Florida, is a sensory explosion. You’re surrounded in classic Miami colors and style as you take a seat at this lively bar. Sample the distiller’s vodka, rum, and gin. A highlight is the rum made using pure Florida cane sugar. The distillery regularly hosts events throughout the year, giving you an opportunity to taste craft cocktails using its craft spirits. 

Shady Distillery – Fort Lauderdale

Focused on crafting small batch vodka and rum, Shady Distillery in For Lauderdale is worth a visit. The vodka is distilled seven times for a uniquely smooth finish. The rum starts with pure Florida molasses. When planning your visit, you could sign up for the dinner experience. It is a four-course meal, with each dish paired with a custom cocktail. Distillery tours and tasting experiences are also available, where you can see how the distillery uses a blend of old-world techniques with modern innovation. 

Central Florida 

Loaded Cannon Distillery – Bradenton

The Loaded Cannon Distillery opened in 2017 in Bradenton, Florida. They were selected as one of USA Today’s top 10 new distilleries- Loaded Cannon Distillery’s flavored vodka was chosen as “Best Flavored Vodka in North America” –  Since opening, this Florida distillery has been serving and producing delicious spirits, impressing the local Manatee County community locals, tourists, and distillery tour guests.

You can tour Loaded Cannon Distillery, taste their award winning spirits at their on site tasting room, and experience their spirits at many local restaurants, pubs, and bars. Drink Local!

Florida Cane Distillery – Tampa

Founded in 2012, Florida Cane Distillery boasts a spirit lineup of over 32 craft spirits and multiple brands. Each craft spirit is distilled with Florida-grown produce. 

• Cane Vodka 
• Cane El Encanto Rum 
• Cane Red Drum Whiskey 
• Cane Sunshine Moonshine 

There are several experiences to add to your must-see list at the Florida Cane Distillery. During the day, it is a retail space and tasting room. Then at night, it comes alive and turns into a hands-on cocktail room. Situated in the heart of Ybor, it is a perfect hotspot for a night out on the town. You could also sign up for a three-day distilling class. 

Siesta Key Rum – Sarasota 

Taste the tropics at Siesta Key Rum in Sarasota, Florida. What makes its lineup of rums stand out is the infusion of flavor. The lineup of rum includes infusions of coconut, spice, and coffee. There are also silver and reserve spirits. Finally, the beer barrel spiced rum is a unique offering that ages in beer barrels. You can visit the distillery and take a distillery tour to see for yourself. And then sample the rums as you relax in the tasting room. 

Fish Hawk Spirits – Ocala

Deep in the heart of horse country in Ocala, Florida, is Fish Hawk Spirits. Its lineup of craft spirits consists of 27 spirits, including whiskey, rum, vodka, absinthe, and brandy. You won’t find a fancy facility here. Instead, you’ll see a large farm where the corn, fruit, and herbs are grown. In the barn, you’ll find the handmade stills and equipment for batch distilling. 

North Florida 

Manifest Distilling – Jacksonville

In the heart of Jacksonville, you will find Manifest Distilling. Its spirit lineup includes potato vodka, Florida citrus vodka, organic barreled gin, and organic rye whiskey. It also distills a specialty line of coffee liquor that is rich in flavor. The cocktail room is an elegant setting that is perfect for enjoying a crafted cocktail or renting for an event. Distillery tours and private tastings are also offered for an intimate experience. There is additionally a private room that is perfect for hosting your next event. 

St. Augustine Distillery – St. Augustine

The Florida tourist attraction and city of St. Augustine is rich in history with Spanish colonial architecture and the 17-century Castillo de San Marcos fortress. Founded by 20 local families, the St. Augustine Distillery is also rich in Florida history. Small batches of bourbon, gin, rum, and vodka are made. Each feature naturally infused flavors from fresh Florida produce sourced from local farmers. The goal is to sustainably produce craft spirits while giving back to the community. When visiting St. Augustine Distilling, you can take the self-guided tour or sign up for a guided experience. 

Rollins Distillery – Gulf Breeze  

The Rollins Distillery was the first licensed distillery to open in the Florida panhandle. A father and son are the team behind this award-winning distillery. They dedicate themselves to finding the perfect flavor balances in their crafted vodka and rum. Additionally, you can see behind the scenes of the distilling process by booking a distillery tour. Then, visit the tasting room and experience the quality of the spirits for yourself. If you’re traveling to Pensacola, plan to take a quick trip down the Gulf Breeze Parkway to visit the Rollins Distillery. 

Frequently Asked Questions

How many distilleries are in Florida?

There are about 40 licensed distillers operating in the state of Florida. Also, the amount of craft liquor that each may distill varies based on the license that the distillery holds. 

What alcohol is Florida known for?

The liquor that Florida is famous for is rum, which is made from the native sugar cane that grows in the state. 

What are drinking times in Florida?

Liquor laws vary throughout the state. Some counties in Florida sell alcohol 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Other counties limit alcohol sales on Sundays to after 11 AM or noon. Finally, some counties do not allow any alcohol sales on Sundays. Bars and restaurants do not sell alcohol between 1 AM and 7 AM. 

Explore each state’s distilleries by heading to Distillery Nearby’s home page.