Updated February 2022.
When traveling, I always try to enjoy the local tastes and flavors. This includes checking out the local and regional beers I can’t get at home. Capturing Captiva’s Sanibel Captiva Beer Guide covers the best local and regional beers.
Thankfully, the Florida beer scene is booming.
Sanibel Captiva Beer Guide: Florida Beers
If you’re looking for local Florida brews, you’ll want to be sure to try these on your next Sanibel or Captiva vacation.
Captive Blonde Ale
Captiva Blonde Ale, the latest beer to hit the island, is the signature brew crafted specifically for Sanibel Captiva Beach Resorts and it is best enjoyed poolside at ‘Tween Waters Island Resort.
Captiva Blonde Ale is only available at Sanibel Captiva Beach Resorts properties; on tap or in 16-ounce cans. You can find it at:
- Crow’s Nest Steakhouse
- The Shipyard
- Oasis Pool Bar
- Old Captiva House
Cigar City Brewing
Jai Alai IPA from Cigar City is a staple beer on Sanibel and Captiva. This is the easiest Florida beer to find on Sanibel and Captiva. It also happens to be one of the most popular beers at the Mucky Duck during sunset. Although no longer available on the patio, you can still get Jai Alai on draft inside at the Mucky Duck
Where To Try: Jai Alai is available in most stores on Sanibel and Captiva, as well as many of the islands’ bars and restaurants.
If Jai Alai isn’t hoppy enough for you, then you need to try Cigar City’s Florida Man double IPA.
Where to Try: You can get it at Jerry’s Foods and Bailey’s General Store, The Island Store and area liquor stores.
For my money, the best Cigar City beer to enjoy on Sanibel and Captiva is Frost Proof, a Belgian-style witbier. I am a huge fan of Belgian-style beers due to the combination of flavors from the yeast and spices. If you like Hoegaarden, this is a must-drink beer for your next vacation. You will certainly find Frost Proof in our vacation rental fridge. This used to be known as Florida Cracker.
Where to Try: You can get it at Jerry’s Foods and Bailey’s General Store, The Island Store Captiva and area liquor stores.
Ft. Myers Brewing Company
Ft. Myers Brewing Company has been making inroads on the islands in the past year. While Cigar City has been running the tables as the Florida beer available on tap on the islands, Ft. Myers’ cans have been making inroads on the islands’ stores.
Ft. Myers Brewing Company’s American Wheat Beer is a wither brewed with orange peel. The beer accurately attests to be the “perfect beer for staying refreshed in the hot Florida sun.”
Their flagship beer is High 5 IPA is a classic pine-forward IPA with back notes of citrus.
Where To Try: Bailey’s General Store, Jerry’s Foods and the Island Store. On tap on the Muck Duck’s patio.
Islamorada Beer Company
Named for an island a part of the Florida Keys, Islamorada’s titular beer, Islamorada Island Ale, is my new beach beer when traveling to Captiva Island. It is a clean, crisp ale, with citrus added. It is available in cans and bottles.
Where To Try: Bailey’s General Store, The Island Store, Jerry’s Foods.
3 Daughters Brewing: Beach Blonde Ale
Stopping for lunch at the Lighthouse Cafe (which you REALLY need to try if you have not yet been) I enjoyed a St. Pete’s Beach Blonde Ale. This classic blond ale was perfect for getting me through the next 25 miles of biking we did that day.
Lighthouse Cafe does not have tap beers, so this was only available in a can.
Where to Try: Lighthouse Cafe Sanibel
Did we miss your favorite go-to beers for your Sanibel-Captiva Vacation? Drop us a line.
