An upscale new cocktail bar opening in downtown St. Pete will already be among the best in the country from day one, at least by one metric. Tequila Daisy, officially opening July 1 at 120 1st Avenue North, is going to feature more than 500 tequilas and agave-based spirits, making it one of the biggest tequila bars in the United States.
Owner/operators Monique Grespan and Melissa Powell had an initial goal of a 100-150 bottle collection of tequila, mezcal and sotol, but in the months they’ve spent getting Tequila Daisy ready, their collection has grown exponentially thanks to helpful distributors. As a result, the new bar will have spirits you can’t find anywhere else in St. Pete, and will regularly feature small batch bottles you’d be hard pressed to find no matter what city or state you’re in.
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Of course, Tequila Daisy will offer much more than straight tequila. We got a sneak peek at some of the featured tequila cocktails, and they are truly bringing something new to downtown. Even their margarita, the “Maiz Margarita,” is unlike any margarita we’ve seen before, made with Mezcal Vago Elote, Nixta Licor de Elote, honey, lime, baby corn, and a chili salt rim.
Their take on an espresso martini is equally unexpected (and visually stunning): Siempre Reposado, St. George Nola Coffee Liquer, Faretti Biscotti Liquer, agave, espresso, star anise, and a cinnamon-sugar bruleed banana. Sign us up.
However, while tequila will be the highlight of the new concept, Grespan says Tequila Daisy will also carry a full lineup of bar standards, including a wide selection of whiskeys and gins, as well as a long list of bottled Mexican beers.
The interior of Tequila Daisy is full of pops of color, as the light and airy space seeks to counter the traditionally dark cocktail bars. Owners had the goal of providing a venue that showcases the brightness of tequila and the colors of the Sunshine City. Tequila is a fun spirit, they believe, and they want an atmosphere that matches it.
“We’re really tapping into that brightness,” Grespan said. “For me, the tequila buzz is bright and fun. You’re happy and giddy, and we wanted to bring that into the bar.”
Grespan and Powell are leading the woman owned and operated concept, combining their respective passions for mezcal and tequila (as well as their extensive hospitality experience) to create a bar that truly celebrates the agave spirits in a way that few concepts do. Powell is also a partner in the nearby Pour Judgement, and through the entire team behind the concept, Tequila Daisy is also sister bars with Whiskey Exchange and One Night Stand.
Along with partners Mike Jennings, Joe Moledo, Jerrad Atkins, Miles Duncan, and Billy Orfanakos, there are decades of experience that have gone into Tequila Daisy (and nearly a year of planning). Grespan said the team is expecting a late June opening, and they plan to have a full grand opening celebration on National Tequila Day, July 24.
Stay tuned to I Love the Burg for more updates, and be sure to follow Tequila Daisy on Instagram.
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