Havana Beach Bar & Grill’s handcrafted “Wheyt a Minute” cocktail distinctly changes with the seasons, drawing inspiration from the flavors of each. We think its warm notes of spice and fruits make it the perfect companion for a wintertime toast – but don’t just take it from us. Peter DeRosa, The Pearl Hotel’s Assistant Food & Beverage Manager agrees.

“This cocktail is intentionally crafted to evoke the warmth and nostalgia of a holiday family dinner, while warming your spirits on a cold winter night with well-rounded flavors of fruit and spice.”

So what makes the Wheyt a Minute the ideal winter cocktail? The base is Big 5 Spiced Rum (a rum local to Florida), which emphasizes warm spice notes of nutmeg, vanilla and clove. It’s complemented with cherry liquor and calvados (an apple brandy) reminiscent of a fresh, homemade apple pie, and garnished with fresh cranberries. But that’s not all – what further distinguishes the cocktail its its unique preparation. As a type of “clarified milk punch” dating back to the 1600s, the handcrafted cocktail is pre-batched, beginning by combining warm milk with the spirits. Once poured, the whey blends in with the other ingredients (hence its name), as the milk curds separate and settle. Once chilled (for more than an hour), the mixture is carefully strained (a minimum of three times with a cheesecloth), so that what remains is a translucently clear yet delectable cocktail ready to be served over a giant ice cube.

Pretty neat huh?

Warm up with us on your next visit to Rosemary Beach® or give the Wheyt a Minute a try at home. Havana Beach Bar & Grill’s bar, located at The Pearl Hotel, is open daily, from 9 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.; Happy Hour is from 3-6 p.m. Hours may vary seasonally. For more information, visit Havana Beach online.

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Details included in this story were accurate at time of publication but are subject to change based on seasonal schedules, amenity and/or operational updates. For the most current information, please visit the respective property’s website.