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Tampa Named One Of Most Expensive Drinking Cities In U.S.

Buckwheat January 31st

I’m not going to lie, this isn’t too surprising for me. Any time I go out in Tampa I expect to drop at least $50 on myself just for drinks/food. I’m only shocked it’s not more since Tampa was listed as one of the most expensive drinking cities in the U.S.. According to a study by Drug Rehab Services, Tampa ranked in the top 20 for most expensive drinking cities. The only other Florida city that ranked higher was Miami. The study says it costs the average person in Tampa $82 “for a typical night out of drinking.”

The study defined a “night out” as an evening with a roundtrip Uber ride, two drinks at dinner, and two cocktails at a club. I know there are a lot of financial factors to consider when planning a night out on the town. You have to set money aside for food, drinks, Uber/Lyft, or parking if you have a DD, and cover charge to some bars. And I know some ladies factor in money for a new outfit. This study says that average cost of a domestic beer, like Bud Light, is $6, which sounds about right unless there’s a happy hour. It also says the average price of one (1) cocktail is $14, and I know I’ve seen those crazy prices at places in Downtown Tampa or Hyde Park.

See where Tampa ranks for most expensive cities for a night out

  1. Seattle, WA
  2. New York, NY
  3. Boston, MA
  4. Washington, DC
  5. Portland, OR
  6. Philadelphia, PA
  7. Miami, FL
  8. Atlanta, GA
  9. Columbus, OH
  10. Las Vegas, NV
  11. San Francisco, CA
  12. Tampa, FL
  13. Minneapolis, MN
  14. Baltimore, MD
  15. Denver, CO

On the bright side, there is a way to save money when going out in Tampa. But it requires cutting out alcohol. Tampa was ranked #8 for cities you’d save the most if you cut out drinking alcohol. Thankfully the mocktail trend has taken over Tampa Bay. Whether you’re trying to save money, or just want to live a healthier lifestyle, you can find refreshing mocktails all around Tampa.

9 Tasty Mocktails In The Tampa Bay Area And Where To Find Them

  • The Sophia At Counter Culture

    One of the trendiest places in Tampa offers two tasty mocktails on their menu! The Sophia features Seedlip spice, blueberry-rosemerry shrub, lemon, and ginger beer!

  • Emerald at Velvet Gypsy

    Velvet Gyspy is a great little dive bar located in Seminole Heights. Their mocktails are named after gems/crystals! Try the Emerald, made with jalapeno, pineapple and ginger!

    9 Tasty Mocktails In The Tampa Bay Area And Where To Find Them

    Photo by: Glorioso/BBGI

  • Found Weekend at Wild Child

    The Found Weekend mocktail at Wild Child in St. Pete has the best reviews we’ve found! It’s made of watermelon juice, lime, agave, and mint!

  • Bird Of Paradise - Rox Rooftop Bar At Current Hotel

    The Rox Rooftop Bar at the Current Hotel in Tampa has 4 different mocktails to choose from! From coffee flavored to tropical tastes, each one sounds so delicious! Each mocktail is made with Lyre’s White Cane Spirit, a non-alcoholic white rum. The Bird of Paradise is made of Lyre’s White Cane, Hibiscus syrup, Fresh Lemon, and Sparkling water!

  • Strawberry-Basil Refresher at Shaker & Peel

    Shaker & Peel have 3 delicious zero-proof mocktails to choose from! They each sounds so refreshing and delicious but our favorite is the Strawberry-Basil Refresher.

  • La Llorona at Spook Easy Lounge

    Spook Easy Lounge located in Ybor is the best place to go for non-alcoholic beverages because well, that’s what they dedicate their menu to! They serve everything from kava, kratom and Delta 8 (all non-alcoholic substances, but still cause some mind-altering effects) as well as botanical teas! Try the La Llorona, A mango-pineapple-chipotle, drowned in bubbles that will haunt your spicy dreams.

  • Blackbird at Rooster & The Till

    Make your way from Velvet Gypsy to Rooster & The Till for your mocktail tour around Seminole Heights. Try the Blackbird, made with blackberry, sage, lemon, and sparkling water!

  • Ginger "Bourbon" Smash at LaLa Bar In St. Pete

    St. Pete’s prime karaoke bar offers 5 tasty mocktails on their menu! For those who really miss the taste of mules should try the Ginger Bourbon Smash! Made with Spiritless Kentucky 74, ginger syrup, lemon, sugar, and mint!

  • Cinny Bunny at Datz

    The Datz location in Tampa has 2 mocktails on their menu to choose from. The Cinny Bunny is apparently Instagram-worthy as well! It’s made with almond milk, cinnamon bun syrup, cold brew, whipped cream, vanilla icing and a mini cinnamon bun! Sign us up!

  • Honorable Mention: Lucid Zero Proof Lounge - Opening soon!

    This one-of-a-kind cocktail bar is set to open in January of 2023. Located at 3102 Lithia Pinecrest Rd, Valrico. Their menu will feature elevated takes on classic cocktails WITHOUT the alcohol. The Apple Pie Old Fashioned and Cocoa Espresso Martini are two drinks we can’t wait to try!

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