Cocktails to try right now

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Fall flavors may be moving in across the northern United States, but Castillo Craft Bar + Kitchen in sunny St. Augustine is keeping the summer vibe going.

Castillo’s summer cocktail menu, available through October, features a selection of bright seasonal drinks crafted with local liquors, aromatics, fresh juices and house-made infusions. Whether stopping by for a bespoke cocktail or pairing drinks with the seasonal menu of ingredient-driven chef creations, summer is still in full swing at Castillo Craft Bar + Kitchen.

Enjoy these cocktails created by Marcus Morris, restaurant manager at Castillo Craft Bar + Kitchen.

TOURIST TRAP

1.5 oz. St. Augustine Distillery Gin

0.5 oz. Lemon Juice

1.5 oz. Pineapple Juice

1 oz. Avèze

0.5 oz. Simple Syrup

Instructions: Add all ingredients to a mixing tin, add fresh ice, and shake until well chilled. Strain into a Collins glass with fresh ice, garnish with a dehydrated lemon wheel and a mint bouquet, and mist the absinthe with a torch.

Photo credit: Brandon Munoz

RASPBERRY REBEL

1.5 oz. Four Roses Bourbon

0.5 oz. Elderflower Liquor

2 oz. Raspberry-Rose Petal Shrub

0.5 oz. Lemon Juice

Club Soda

Instructions: Add the lemon juice, raspberry-rose petal shrub, bourbon and elderflower liquor to a mixing tin. Add fresh ice and shake until well chilled. Strain into a Mason Jar with fresh ice, top with club soda and garnish with a lemon wheel and sprig of mint.

Photo credit: Paige Allsup

BANANA REPUBLIC

2 oz. Kasama Rum

0.5 oz. Crème de Banane

1 oz. Lime Juice

0.25 oz. Demerara Syrup

Instructions: Add all ingredients to a mixing tin, add fresh ice and shake until well chilled. Strain into a chilled coupe glass and garnish with a banana chip and mint leaf – attaching with a clothes pin.

Photo credit: Paige Allsup

CASTILLO’S ESPRESSO MARTINI

2 oz. Fresh Espresso

2 oz. Absolut Vanilla Vodka

1.5 oz. Kahlua

0.5 oz. Crème de Cacao

Instructions: Add all ingredients to a mixing tin, add fresh ice and shake until well chilled. Strain into a martini glass and garnish with three espresso beans.

Photo credit Paige Allsup

BLOSSOM & AGAVE

2 oz. Corazón Blanco

0.5 oz. Lime Juice

0.75 oz. Hibiscus Syrup

0.25 oz. Agave Nectar

Instructions: Rim a quarter of the rocks glass with hibiscus salt. Add all ingredients to a mixing tin, add fresh ice and shake until well chilled. Strain into a rocks glass with fresh ice and garnish with a dehydrated lime wheel and a pansy flower.

Castillo Craft Bar + Kitchen is located at 6 West Castillo Drive, St. Augustine.