Tampa's 5 winning cocktails

The Cafe Con Leche Martini

The Columbia Restaurant    2117 East 7th Avenue  (813) 248-4961

As one of Florida's oldest restaurants (with seven other locations around the state), the Columbia Restaurant’s post-prohibition bar serves cocktails that date back to the 1940s, like the classic Columbia Collins.  Led by Richard Gonzmart, the fourth-generation family owner, the Columbia manages to be classic and contemporary at the same time.

The Café Con Leche Martini ($9.95) is more potent than sweet.  The Van Gogh Double Espresso Vodka packs quite a punch, and Drumgray cream liqueur provides just enough sweetness to make this cocktail perfect.  A couple roasted coffee beans float on the cocktail's surface.

The menu features cuisine inspired by Spain, Cuba, and Tampa’s mixed Latin community.  There are also several other excellent drinks, including one of the best mojitos in town.