Cheers! Spirit of Flight, TPA’s own signature cocktail, now being served

The soul of a pirate, heart of the Hispanic culture, and the citrus-y goodness of Florida oranges - all shaken up and strained over ice. Can the essence of the Tampa Bay region be captured in one beverage? Tampa International Airport thinks so.

On Sept. 13, TPA rolled out The Spirit of Flight, a WaypointeTPA signature cocktail, available at all restaurants and bars Airport-wide. The one-of-a-kind cocktail is the perfect mix of refreshing and fruity with a blend of guava, white rum and orange. From its inception, the drink was meant to leave travelers with a taste of Tampa Bay.

"The Airport is the first and last chance to showcase our region, so we wanted to leave our passengers with something to remember," said Kate Webb, Director of Concessions. 

To create the drink, TPA called in mixologists from Ulele, Mise en Place and Cigar City Brewing – three of Tampa Bay’s most well-known concepts.The beverage gurus collaborated to concoct the perfect blend of smooth, tropical and refreshing.

“We wanted to create a drink that would represent the area,” said Ulele Manager Phil Cacciatore, who helped craft the drink. “We wanted guests to think ‘Wow this is unique.’”

Guests who order the drink will receive a Spirit of Flight coaster with the ingredients listed on the back, so whenever they see it, they’re reminded of their trip to Tampa.

The drink is also available in non-alcoholic version.

2 oz Guava Nectar

1 tbsp Guava Marmalade

1 oz Florida Orange Juice

1.50 oz White Rum

0.50 oz Orange Liqueur

2 dashes Angostura Bitters

Shake all ingredients and strain over ice into a Collins glass.

Garnish with a slice of orange and mint leaf.