St. Augustine in a New Light

Cocktails by local mixologists inspired by the spring season featuring St. Augustine Distillery spirits

To celebrate our exhibition St. Augustine in a New Light: American Impressionism from the Collection of the Lightner Museum, we’ve partnered with our friends at the St. Augustine Distillery Company to create a series of spring-themed cocktails artfully crafted by local mixologists. Enjoy a cocktail made with world-class spirits from the St. Augustine Distillery, inspired by the bright colors and bold palette of the Impressionist artists featured in our exhibition.

The final cocktail in the series is titled Picnic at Project Swing and was created by local mixologist Sarah Karl. We’ve paired the drink with Felix F. de Crano’s 1906 painting, Courtyard of the Alcazar Hotel. The datil peppers featured in the cocktail are as exclusive to St. Augustine as the iconic hotel commissioned by Henry Flagler. Visit the Lightner Museum to see the painting in person.

Picnic at Project Swing

INGREDIENTS

  • 1.5oz St. Augustine Distillery Florida Straight Bourbon
  • 4-8 mint leaves, muddled
  • 4-8 watermelon cubes, muddled
  • 0.5oz lemon juice
  • 0.5oz datil simple syrup
  • Cultivates BBQ Datil Rub

DIRECTIONS

Add all ingredients into a shaker and shake well with ice. Double strain into a large rocks glass rimmed with Cultivates BBQ Datil Rub over pebble ice. Garnish with mint sprig and watermelon slice.

About the Mixologist

Sarah Karl, Beverage Director at Barley Republic, Social Media Handle @a.little.small

How did springtime in St. Augustine inspire this cocktail?
Growing up in St. Augustine I have prominent memories of spring. Cool crisp mornings with a blazing hot afternoon. I went to Ketterlinus Elementary on Orange St. and I remember celebrating the wonderful weather by having BBQ for lunch, watermelon for a snack, and finishing the day with endless fun at Project Swing downtown. This cocktail hits all the notes of my earliest memories enjoying spring, but with a grown-up twist.

Tell us about your work at Barley Republic
Barley Republic is a small pub with a “Cheers” like essence. A local hotspot tucked away on Spanish street, only a few feet away from the bustling St. George. We are big fans of whiskey and fresh ingredients! From the house made dipping sauces for our delicious chicken tenders, to the specialty syrups in our cocktails, all of the pieces we put out are crafted with love. We are a group of folks who enjoy delicious food, refreshing beverages, and great conversation.