Spirited Adventures- Discovering Treasure Coast Craft Distilleries
- Inside Track Almanac
- Jan 24
- 4 min read
Updated: Feb 7

The Treasure Coast Wine and Ale Trail has expanded its horizons, rebranding as the Wine, Ale, and Spirits Trail to include several exciting new distilleries, reflecting the growing craft beverage scene along Florida’s Treasure Coast. From elegant taprooms serving handcrafted cocktails to historic lore-infused spirits, these new stops offer unique experiences for adventurous sippers. Whether you’re a fan of smooth bourbons, vibrant rums, or experimental gins, this trail invites you to explore the region’s best beverages in settings as diverse as their flavors.
Modern Speakeasy
21st Amendment Distillery in Vero Beach specializes in whiskey which they sell by the bottle and also serve up in an elegant taproom with a modern speakeasy vibe located in the heart of downtown Vero Beach. Visitors can choose from a variety of unique hand-crafted cocktails, each with a beautifully balanced infusion of flavor and texture. A nicely curated menu offers a variety of reasonably priced, creative appetizers. Crowd favorites include meatballs, their famous bologna sliders, and pizza.
Owner Jeff Palleschi opened 21st Amendment in September of 2023.

He likes the “city feel with local charm” of his distillery and taproom. It’s a popular spot and has been well received by the community from the moment it opened its doors. “I think people love coming to ‘21AD’ because its warm and inviting. People know that we care about them and about providing them with a memorable experience.” He’s a former Marine who fell in love with bourbon whiskey during his time in the service, which ultimately lead him toward this venture, and while his favorite cocktail is still bourbon whiskey neat, he says the best seller at 21st Amendment is “hands down, our old fashioned.”
Moonshine Vibes
Just a few miles away, Indian River Distillery offers a completely different vibe—authentic old Florida charm mixed with a welcoming, neighborhood feel.
“I ask customers all the time what they like best about us. I expect them to say live music or events, but they mostly say they feel welcome and relaxed, like they already knew us before they came in” says owner, Ray Hooker.

Since opening in late 2022, it’s known for its signature Ray’s Old Fashioned, which far outsells their other cocktails. Inspired by Florida history and local lore, Indian River Distillery crafts spirits like Ray Lynn’s Reserve Bourbon, named after a member of the infamous Ashley Gang, along with Notorious Ashley Gang Moonshine Corn Whiskey. Treasure Fleet Rum is a nod to the famed Spanish Fleet, and is distilled in a column still built with genuine 1715 fleet silver, and sugarcane-based Vero Beach Vodka.
A popular taco truck is often on-site and brisket tacos are a crowd favorite. The distillery’s laid-back atmosphere and historic-inspired spirits make it a standout destination on Vero Beach’s growing craft beverage scene.
Florida Keys Flair
Heading south to Fort Pierce, Islamorada Brewery & Distillery has expanded beyond its renowned craft beers to include a range of spirits. Originally inspired by its Florida Keys roots, the distillery brings vibrant island culture to its spacious, colorful taproom, and ample shaded outdoor seating. Family-friendly events like trivia, themed bingo, and craft classes draw patrons of all ages. There is even a game room for kids, and an always-present food truck serves up the bites. Dolphin wraps and burgers are popular fare and reasonably priced.

The distillery produces spiced, silver, and dark vodkas, along with its latest addition, Te-Key-La tequila, hailing from Jalisco and proofed down with century carbon-filtered water. A standout creation is their award-winning Hibiscus Gin, which changes from deep indigo to pink with citrus—earning a bronze at the 2022 Spirit Ratings and a gold by Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America.
Craft Beverage Mega-store
At the southern end of the trail, Frazier Creek Brewstillery in Historic Downtown Stuart is a massive yet welcoming craft beverage destination. Located in The Creek Arts & Entertainment District, it’s Martin County’s first brewstillery, winery, and cidery under one roof. The 9,000-square-foot venue, complete with a 3,500-square-foot taproom and an 800-square-foot lounge, combines cozy rustic charm with spacious comfort, and plush seating.

Award-winning brewmaster and distiller Dan Rogers, the cornerstone of Frazier Creek, takes pride in the process of mashing, fermenting, and distilling from the beginning and producing 20 top-quality spirits on-site from scratch. A craft cocktail specialty is the Smoked Krupnik Old Fashioned, made with Bourbon Barrel aged vodka with honey, ginger, and clove: a traditional polish spirit found nowhere else in Florida. Rotating food trucks, live music, dance nights, and games, make Frazier Creek a lively hub for craft beverage enthusiasts.

The Treasure Coast Wine, Ale, & Spirits Trail was the brainchild of Gary Roberts of Summer Crush, the area’s original winery, and Pete and Lynn Anderson, owners of Pareidolia Brewing, also one of the area’s first craft beer breweries. The growth of the trail is fueled by the same dedication and enthusiasm for the art of crafting unique beverages that these talented entrepreneurs brought to our area with ongoing support from the tourism offices of Indian River, St. Lucie, and Martin Counties.
So, grab your tasting passport and set out on an adventure along the Treasure Coast Wine, Ale, and Spirits Trail. Whether you’re savoring a classic old fashioned, trying a color-changing Hibiscus Gin, or diving into the lore of Florida’s moonshining past, this trail is more than a map of stops—it’s a journey through flavor, craftsmanship, and the spirit of Florida’s Treasure Coast.