Let’s be real for a second: you can get a “decent” drink anywhere. But for the best cocktails in Orlando that actually make you stop mid-sentence, look at your friends, and say, “Oh wow, you have to taste this”? Those are rare.
While everyone else is flocking to the standard tourist traps, I’ve been spending my weekends running around our local neighborhoods, fighting for parking in Mills 50, and exploring the side streets of Winter Park, Sanford, and Winter Garden. These 17 drinks aren’t just good on paper—they are the ones I text my friends about, the ones I crave on a Friday night, and the absolute best mixology our city has to offer right now.
Grab an Uber, because we’re going on a proper tour of the Best Cocktails In Orlando
The Espresso Martini Obsession
I am admittedly a bit of an espresso martini snob. Everyone makes one, but very few places nail it. These are my current obsession and in heavy rotation for me:
- Forward/Slash (Winter Park): If you think you’ve seen it all, you need to head over to the distillery and order their Tequila Espresso Martini. Swapping the vodka for a high-quality agave completely changes the game—it’s earthy, deep, and honestly hard to stop at just one.
- Wine Bar George (Disney Springs): Look, George is famous for the wine list, but the second you sit at that bar and order their Espresso Martini made with Pisco, you’ll see why it’s a cult favorite. It’s espresso forward, incredibly smooth, perfectly balanced, and my absolute favorite afternoon pick-me-up when I’m walking around the Springs.
- The Rug Room at June (Thornton Park): This is where you go when you want the vibe to match the glass. The space is moody and gorgeous, and their version of an espresso martini is velvety, rich, and feels like a total luxury.
- Southern Buzz at Matthew’s Steakhouse: Heading out to Winter Garden is always a treat, but finding this drink made it a destination. The Southern Buzz is a spin on an espresso martini with a sophisticated, smooth, and enough kick to keep things interesting.
Immersive Escapes
Sometimes you just want a drink that feels like an event. When I need a change of scenery, these are the bars I head to:
- Banana Daiquiri at Permanent Vacation: Tucked away in Maitland, this hidden tiki oasis completely detaches you from reality. Forget the cloyingly sweet, artificial flavors you get at resort pools—their Banana Daiquiri is fresh, complex, rum-forward, and pure paradise.
- The Saturn at Tori Tori: Standing in line at this Mills 50 Izakaya is a rite of passage, and the reward is The Saturn. It’s bright, botanical, gin-forward, and looks like a work of art on the bar counter. Pair it with a few skewers of yakitori and you’re set.
- Lavender Fog at Enchanted Rose: Walking into Disney World’s Grand Floridian Resort always feels fancy, but grabbing a velvet chair here takes it to another level. The Lavender Fog is delicate, floral, and so elegantly presented that it feels less like a drink and more like an experience.
My Neighborhood Go-Tos
This is the heart of my Orlando food journey. These spots are where you’ll find the locals hanging out on a Tuesday night.
- Best Friends at The Wellborn: There is nothing quite like sitting in the courtyard of this historic downtown house with a Best Friends cocktail in hand. It’s fresh, crushable, and feels like hanging out at a secret garden party.
- Milk Punch at The Courtesy: This is Orlando’s oldest dedicated “craft” cocktail bar. This cocktail is on their standard menu, but may change slightly depending on time of year and/or whim! But it’s always delicious! Should be noted they have been in their Winter Park location for several years; yet the bar somehow feels as though its been here for many decades (which makes it all the better!)
- Arsenic & Old Lace at Death in the Afternoon: This is a classic martini with violette liquor and a dash of absinthe. Not for the faint of heart or the inexperienced drinker. (Edgy & Cool: this is one of my favorite bars—Mills 50 district)
- Sumo Dorado at Pisco (Lake Mary): Pisco has 2 locations, Lake Nona and Lake Mary, and has been quietly stepping up its game, and the Sumo Dorado at Pisco is proof. It’s bold, vibrant, and perfectly captures the high-energy, flavor-first Peruvian vibe of the restaurant.
- Grasshopper at The Corner Chophouse: If you love a throw back, vintage-style cocktail, this is a masterclass. It’s minty, creamy, and the only correct way to end a heavy steak dinner.
- Woman in White at The Moderne: Don’t let the provocative name distract you—this is serious mixology. Drinking this inside their stunning, glowing Art Deco space feels effortlessly cool.
- Pornstar Martini at The H: OK, not a fan of the name, but it’s delicious. And pricey $21. The H is a bit of a scene and turns into a high energy experience later in the evening— fit for the young or at least young at heart!
Seasonal Drinks I Wish Were Year-Round Staples
Sadly, these have been some of my “most” favorite cocktails but are only available on a seasonal basis. So, if you see them on the menu, you better get them while you can!!
- Cereal Offender at Lamp & Shade Craft Kitchen: Mills 50’s culinary scene is wildly creative, and this drink proves it. The Cereal Offender is pure, unadulterated nostalgia done with high-end mixology technique. It’s fun, whimsical, and surprisingly complex. (This cocktail was on a brunch menu—FYI)
- Pumpkin Martini at Chroma Modern Bar + Kitchen: The second there’s even a hint of a breeze in Lake Nona, I am on the patio at Chroma with this. It’s autumn in a glass without being overly sweet.
- Velveteen Rabbit at The Basin: Sanford’s waterfront has such a distinct, eclectic energy, and grabbing a Velveteen Rabbit at The Basin (a food hall in Sanford) is the ultimate way to soak it in. It’s smooth, playful, and matches the historic, funky charm of the district perfectly. And don’t be sad if this isn’t available…they always have amazing seasonal specials that don’t disappoint! (A true hidden gem—& shoutout to “Bella” who is my favorite bartender at this spot!)
Planning Your Own Crawl
The best part about Orlando’s current cocktail scene is that these spots are surrounded by incredible food. If you’re heading to Mills 50 for Kaya or The Moderne, you’re right in the heart of our best culinary district. Be sure to check out my Perfect Saturday in Mills 50 guide, so you don’t drink on an empty stomach!
Where to head next:
- Hidden Gems in Orlando —12 Restaurants Locals Love
- How to Do a Weekend Foodie Crawl in Winter Park (coming soon)
- Need the official theme park cocktail map? Check out My 10+ Best Bars & Cocktails In Orlando Theme Parks! (coming soon)
Alright, your turn. Which of these are we ordering first? Let me know down in the comments!
Thanks for reading!
