Sippin’ in Southside
As the weather heats up, nothing sounds better than a cool, refreshing cocktail on a patio or in the comfort of some A/C. Veronica Fish & Oyster nails it with their happy hour cocktails served from 4 to 6 p.m. Veronica gets its name from the Elvis Costello song of the same name—about a woman who fell in love as a young girl and is now old, with dementia, waiting for the return of her lover who was lost at sea. Th e oyster bar is decorated with coastal-inspired vintage memorabilia and the walls are adorned with local artists’ images of the fictional Veronica.
If the balmy evening air is welcoming, grab a seat on the side If the balmy evening air is welco patio or cool off in the oyster bar and lounge areas. The three tantalizing cocktails on the happy hour menu are all named after ships. Mike Yoder, part owner and bar manager, is responsible for these concoctions. If you look up while sitting at the bar you’ll notice Yoder’s infused spirits including char-grilled jalapeño tequila, pineapple and lemongrass vodkas, and a house-made limoncello. You’ll also see his white uniform jacket from when he served in the U.S. Navy, set off by mermaid light fixtures.
Happy hour cocktails include The Golden Hind, which Yoder describes as a “juiced up mimosa”; it’s made with vodka, elderflower liqueur, simple syrup, Aperol, and a splash of orange juice, topped off with French sparkling wine. Topa Topa Tea is made with iced tea, house-made pineapple vodka, an Italian brandy called Tuaca that has flavors of citrus, vanilla, and spice, and a Spanish liqueur called Licor 43 with flavors of vanilla, cinnamon, and citrus. The Tasajera combines reposado tequila, grapefruit juice, and a touch of both lime juice and agave nectar to add a slight sweetness. The full happy hour menu includes these cocktails, house wines, draft beer, and small plates. The bar opens at 4 p.m. for cocktails; seating and small plates begin at 5.
Veronica Fish & Oyster: 1830 S. Osprey Ave, Sarasota
941-366-1342; veronicafishandoyster.com
