3 Must-Try Cocktails In Ponte Vedra Beach & Nocatee

It doesn't get any better than an outside happy hour in Ponte Vedra Beach and Nocatee where the drinks are good and the views are better. If you’re looking for a break from the action, here’s 3 family friendly places where the best bartenders know how to make a memorable spritz!

:: JULEP ::

An apothecary of ingredients match the luxor vibe at Julep, a bar right next to the Ponte Vedra Beach (Palm Valley) location of famed V Pizza. The pizza has regularly been voted “best of” by Buzzfeed and Food Network, and the bar concept by owner Paul Scott, who is a Ponte Vedra native, is ranking just the same.

The bar aims to have the largest bourbon and whiskey selection in the southeast according to V Pizza Director of Operations David Villmow. Walk into Julep and you won’t miss it. The liquor wall stretches from the floor to the top of the vaulted ceiling. It’s so tall, a built-in ladder is used to pull down some of the most rare and elite bottles.

“This is the crown jewel of our bar concept,” Villmow told the Ponte Vedra Recorder before the bar opened. “It’s paying homage to the area of Palm Valley. There are tons of horse farms here. When people think of horses, they think of the Kentucky Derby, they think of Julep.”

When you’re there, you should try a … Julep.

:: :: :: :: VALLEY SMOKE ::

Newly constructed on the Intracoastal Waterway, Valley Smoke boasts more than good BBQ. Tucked inside, you’ll find a cozy, lounge style tasting room and bar inviting good conversation and good drinks. The decor is Instagram worthy with large plush chairs, setting the space apart from the rest of the restaurant.

"You don't have to walk in there and feel like it's stuffy," manager Fawn Turner told the Ponte Vedra Recorder. "You can come in flip flops and shorts, you can come for a date night in a nice dress, however you're feeling. What we want is that you make sure you know this is a home away from home and when you walk in here you feel comfortable and welcome."

When you’re there, try anything on the cocktail menu with bourbon.

:: PALM VALLEY OUTDOORS ::

Palm Valley Outdoors, or PVO, is part fish camp, part block party on the water. As boats cruise by in the Intracoastal Waterway, a tiki style bar serves cold brews and island style cocktails. With live music most nights and tucked right under the Palm Valley Bridge, “PVOs” best offering is a guaranteed good time convenient for residents in Ponte Vedra Beach and Nocatee.

PVO also has a bait shop, kayak launch, outdoors store and plenty of space for kids to run around on a beautiful summer evening. Come by car or boat to grab a snack or a full meal. It’s the kind of place to come if you want life to slow down a little.

When you’re there, try a skinny margarita.

(All photos courtesy of Julep, Valley Smoke BBQ and Palm Valley Outdoors on Facebook.)