Florida’s Craft Distillery Scene Is Worth Exploring
When most people think of Florida, they picture beaches, sunshine, and theme parks. But tucked between the coastlines and historic downtowns, a serious craft spirits movement has taken hold. Florida distilleries are crafting whiskeys, rums, moonshines, and more — and doing it with genuine character. Whether you’re a seasoned spirits enthusiast or just curious about what’s being poured locally, these three distilleries represent some of the best the Sunshine State has to offer.
If you’re planning a tasting tour or just want to know what’s near you, start with the full Florida craft beverage directory on PourDistrict.com to see every listing across the state.
City Gate Spirits — St. Augustine, FL
History, Heritage, and Hand-Crafted Spirits
St. Augustine is already one of the most storied cities in the United States, and City Gate Spirits leans into that legacy with a location that’s hard to beat. This distillery sits directly across from the Castillo de San Marcos — the iconic 17th-century Spanish fortress that anchors the city’s waterfront. Few tasting rooms in the country can claim a backdrop quite like that.
City Gate Spirits offers tastings seven days a week, making it an accessible stop no matter when you’re rolling through. The lineup spans whiskey, moonshine, and rum, with an emphasis on approachable, easy-sipping flavors. There’s no pressure, no pretension — just well-made spirits in a setting that adds a layer of atmosphere you can’t manufacture.
- Category: Distillery
- City: St. Augustine, FL
- Open: Seven days a week for tastings
- Highlight: Located directly across from the Castillo de San Marcos
- Spirits: Whiskey, moonshine, and rum
If you’re already exploring St. Augustine’s historic district on foot, City Gate Spirits makes for a natural and rewarding detour. It’s the kind of place that reminds you that great spirits don’t need a lot of ceremony — they just need to taste good.
21st Amendment Distillery — Vero Beach, FL
A Salute to American Craft on the Treasure Coast
Named after the constitutional amendment that ended Prohibition, 21st Amendment Distillery in Vero Beach carries a mission that’s baked right into its identity. This distillery was built to celebrate the everyday American — the workers, the builders, the people who show up. That ethos shows in how they approach their craft: serious about quality, unpretentious in spirit.
Vero Beach sits along Florida’s Treasure Coast, a stretch of coastline known more for its laid-back lifestyle than for big-city buzz. That fits 21st Amendment perfectly. This is a spot where the spirits speak for themselves, and the name alone carries enough history to get any conversation started. If you appreciate a distillery with a clear point of view and a sense of purpose, this one belongs on your list.
- Category: Distillery
- City: Vero Beach, FL
- Highlight: Named for the amendment that ended Prohibition
- Vibe: Patriotic, purposeful, and proudly American
Vero Beach doesn’t always get the spotlight that Miami or Tampa commands, but its craft beverage scene is quietly building momentum. 21st Amendment Distillery is a solid reason to make the drive down A1A and see what the Treasure Coast is pouring.
Red Horse Distillery — Fort Myers, FL
Handcrafted Cocktails on Florida’s Gulf Coast
Down on Florida’s southwest Gulf Coast, Red Horse Distillery is doing things the right way: by hand. This distillery in Fort Myers invites visitors to take a seat in their tasting room and enjoy a handmade drink — no shortcuts, no mass-produced shortcuts, just craft spirits made with intention.
Fort Myers has been evolving rapidly as a destination, with a growing food and beverage culture that complements its natural Gulf Coast appeal. Red Horse fits right into that story. A tasting room with genuine hospitality and handcrafted pours is exactly what a growing craft spirits scene needs as an anchor.
- Category: Distillery
- City: Fort Myers, FL
- Highlight: Handmade drinks served in a welcoming tasting room
- Vibe: Relaxed, Gulf Coast craft culture
Whether you’re a Fort Myers local or visiting the area for the first time, Red Horse Distillery is worth carving out time for. It’s the kind of place where you sit down, slow down, and actually taste what’s in your glass.
Plan Your Florida Spirits Tour
Florida has more going on in the craft spirits world than most people realize. These three distilleries — City Gate Spirits in St. Augustine, 21st Amendment Distillery in Vero Beach, and Red Horse Distillery in Fort Myers — represent different corners of the state and different personalities, but they share a commitment to making something worth drinking.
If you’re ready to explore more of what Florida’s craft beverage community has to offer, the complete Florida directory on PourDistrict.com is your best starting point. Browse distilleries, breweries, and wineries from Pensacola to Key West, filter by city, and find your next favorite pour — all in one place. Visit PourDistrict.com’s Florida guide and start planning your next craft spirits adventure today.
