National Cocktail Day: Here’s Where I’m Going In Florida

I invite you to pull up a seat at this Florida restaurant that makes my favorite drink in the state. This Sunday, March 24, is officially "National Cocktail Day." That means it's all the more reason to head to your favorite local establishment and order your drink of choice.

First, on this day that tributes such a spirited beverage, it's more than acceptable to treat it respectfully by not grabbing any of the most convenient cocktails. Better yet, take a moment to sip something that you truly enjoy.

So, what does that entail? There are certainly the non-negotiable basics. A cocktail that has a foundation consisting of something you like to have. In addition, what else goes hand-in-hand with a great cocktail? It should be relaxing, smooth, and enjoyable to sip.

With all due respect, we are not aiming for a shot here. A great signature cocktail can accompany your seating for a long duration of time. Sometimes, the first pour is so good that you prefer to nurture the glass instead of rushing to have a second one.

Think about that first sip. After a long week of work, your perfect drink to unwind and perhaps celebrate your efforts greets you with a smile.

We're going for an animated and lively atmosphere here. There's always a celebratory vibe to Tacos and Tequila even when it isn't  National Cocktail Day.

Here's what you need to know about the T&T Rita. It's made with El Jimador tequila, Combier liqueur,  agave, and fresh lime juice. It's served on the rocks only. This is important because it allows the combination to settle and then perfectly chill over ice cubes.

The fresh lime juice squeeze is subtle but sets this margarita apart. Typically, a mixed margarita or pre-prepared variation struggles to avoid having the sugar level take over. That is not the case here, with agave and fresh lime balancing it out. Furthermore, it can be enjoyed pulling up a stool at the bar or at your big party table filled with food.

Tacos and Tequila has four locations in South Florida. Three are in Naples, and one is at 10952 Eagle Village Drive, Fort Myers.

If you want to spice up your T&T Rita National Cocktail Day experience with even more joy, add a Mom's Taco to your order.

Do you want fries with that? Tasting Table recently published a list of restaurants with the best French Fries in the country and two New Florida establishments were named.

"From high-end steakhouses and neighborhood brasseries' to fast food restaurants and even grocery store freezer aisles, fried spuds can be found in just about every type of restaurant or shop across the country," Tasting Table explains. Their feature is specific to non-fast food restaurants.

French Fries are always a fan-favorite whether a side dish, an appetizer, or just a snack. They come in all shapes and sizes. Shoe strings crispy versions, thick-cut steak fries, seasoned curly fries, waffle fries, and even tater tots (are those considered fries, though?).

In a 2019 story published by the Daily Meal, they discussed unique facts on French Fries in America. Two of the most fascinating have to do with McDonald's. "Approximately 7 percent of the potatoes grown in the U.S. meet the same fate: they become McDonald's french fries," they said. They later stated that this fast food chain sells one-third of the French Fries consumed in the United States.

French Fries are like music. They are a common bond, and they are subjective. What one person prefers may be completely different from another. Better yet, both choices are correct.

For example, Best Things Florida released their list of best French Fries in the Sunshine State. It is completely different from Tasting Table's. However, Tasting Table went and explored all corners of the country to crown their French Fry kings.

The two restaurants in Florida that were recognized for having some of the best French Fries in the country serve two very different styles. One of them is part of a restaurant that has expanded to other markets. The other is served in a restaurant where fries compliment BBQ.

Located on 2727 Indian Creek Dr. in Miami Beach, Broken Shaker has fries that are so good, they even get their own line item on the menu. These are Shawarma Fries, served with Harissa ketchup. You can order them on their own or have the fries paired with any of their burgers or sandwiches. Although Broken Shaker does also have restaurants in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, and Madrid, their menus show a some different takes on their hand-cut fries in certain markets. For example, Los Angeles has Carne Asada fries. New York and Miami both have the Shawarma recipe.

"In terms of meaty all-American food pairings, french fries go just as well with barbecue as they do with burgers," Tasting Table exclaims. The Polite Pig is located in Disney Springs. They describe their menu by saying, "Our menu is inspired by the best seasonal food that Florida has to offer, bringing new twists to local flavors and BBQ." They serve waffle fries with a polite rub. They can be selected as a side to any dish or in a giant platter to accompany your catering order. In addition, sweet potato tots are on the menu as well.