Florida isn’t just about beaches and sunsets – it’s also home to a fast-growing craft distilling scene that’s as diverse and flavorful as the state itself. From rum made with fresh sugarcane to vodkas infused with tropical fruits and whiskeys aged with a Southern twist, each sip tells the story of local farmers, family-owned businesses, and generations of craft. Exploring these hidden gems is a perfect way to add some flavor to your Sanibel and Captiva getaway. Here are a few of our favorite distilleries worth the drive.
Wicked Dolphin Distillery (131 SW 3rd Place, Cape Coral – 239-242-5244)
Just across the causeway from Sanibel and Captiva, Wicked Dolphin Distillery has been crafting “Florida’s Rum” since 2012. Using sugarcane grown only minutes away, this family-run distillery handcrafts its rums in small batches with the largest copper pot still in South Florida. From light tropical blends to rich, oak-aged rums resting in once-used Kentucky bourbon barrels, every bottle captures a true taste of the Sunshine State.
Visitors are welcomed for free tours that run about 45 minutes, where you’ll see the distilling process firsthand, walk through the aromatic barrel room, and learn why different woods influence the flavor of each spirit. The tour ends at the tasting bar, where you can sample cocktails and explore a gift shop filled with fun pirate-themed gear, locally designed t-shirts, and mini rum sampler packs that are perfect for bringing back to your Sanibel or Captiva beach rental.
Kingfisher Insider tip: Ask about their house-made vanilla extract – it’s a favorite among local bakers and makes a unique island-inspired souvenir.
List Distillery (3680 Evans Ave, Fort Myers – 239-208-7214)
Family-owned and operated since 2015, List Distillery in Fort Myers has quickly earned a reputation for creativity and craftsmanship. Founded by husband-and-wife duo Thomas and Renate List, the distillery blends old-world Austrian distilling traditions with locally sourced Florida ingredients to produce Mr. Tom’s Spirits – a playful yet premium line of vodka, gin, rum, bourbon, whiskey, and cream liqueurs. They’re also home to the nation’s first certified sugar- and gluten-free vodka and gin, setting them apart in the craft spirits world.
Visitors can book a guided tour (by request) to see the process firsthand, learn about their innovative flavor pairings, and enjoy a tasting of signature spirits like Apple Pie Rum, Key Lime Pie Rum, Habanero Honey Whiskey, and seasonal releases such as Pumpkin Latte Liqueur or Butterscotch Bourbon. The tasting room doubles as a boutique gift shop where bottles can be customized with engraved designs – perfect for a special keepsake or host gift to enjoy back at your Sanibel or Captiva vacation rental.
Kingfisher Insider tip: If you’re looking for something unique, ask about their small-batch cream liqueurs, flavors like peanut butter-banana or hazelnut are local favorites and often sell out quickly.
From Tasting Room to Sunset View
When you’re touring Southwest Florida’s distilleries, it’s easy to imagine bringing a bottle or two back to enjoy while watching the sun dip below the Gulf. That’s exactly the kind of island moment we love to help create at Kingfisher – where your Sanibel or Captiva vacation rental becomes the perfect backdrop for a local cocktail and an unforgettable evening.
Make your Sanibel & Captiva getaway even more memorable – pair your distillery tour with the comfort of a perfect Kingfisher stay.
Red Horse Distillery (11000 Metro Parkway #23, Fort Myers – 239-888-92621)
Opened in 2022, Red Horse Distillery quickly made a name for itself by winning the “Best of Florida” award in 2023. Founded by Joe and Kelly Semansky, a husband-and-wife duo with more than 40 years of experience in winemaking and distilling, this small-batch distillery brings old-world craftsmanship and modern creativity together in every pour. From their award-winning “Dos Gringos” agave spirits to Sanibel Island Vodka, Fort Myers Beach Vodka, handcrafted rum, peach brandy, and a playful line of moonshines (think Pumpkin Pie, Ginger Snap, and Salted Caramel), Red Horse celebrates Florida flavors while honoring Joe’s Hungarian roots in the craft.
Visitors are welcomed into a warm, family-run tasting room where you can sip signature cocktails, take a guided tour, and hear stories from Joe himself. With every bottle made and bottled onsite, this Fort Myers gem offers both serious craftsmanship and a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere that feels like discovering one of Southwest Florida’s best-kept secrets.
Kingfisher Insider tip: Don’t leave without trying one of Katie’s cocktails – her Moscow Mule has become a local favorite and perfectly shows off the balance and creativity behind Red Horse spirits.
Everglades Distillers (Door #5, 2000 Corporate Square Blvd, Immokalee – 239-601-6971)
As Collier County’s first and only distillery, Everglades Distillers is a veteran- and family-owned gem putting Florida’s agricultural bounty straight into the bottle. Founder Jose Calderon, inspired by his travels through Latin America during his Army service, brings a global perspective and local roots to every spirit he produces. Working with small Florida farmers who harvest sugarcane sustainably, Jose and his family create a lineup of vodkas infused with real fruit flavors like Watermelon-Pineapple, Orange-Passionfruit, Cucumber-Lemon, and Jalapeño. Their whiskeys are equally creative, with options ranging from a bold straight whiskey to Chocolate Coffee, Honey (made with three types of local honey), and even Strawberry Rose.
Guests are welcomed into a cozy tasting room where free samples showcase the full range of vodkas, moonshines, and whiskeys, often accompanied by cocktails that highlight each flavor. A behind-the-scenes tour walks visitors through the vats and stills, with plenty of opportunity to learn directly from the family about their craft. Whether you’re stopping in on a day trip from Naples or making it part of your Sanibel and Captiva getaway, Everglades Distillers offers a unique taste of Southwest Florida’s farmland and culture.
Kingfisher Insider tip: Don’t miss the Watermelon-Pineapple vodka. It’s their top seller, and mixing it with a splash of soda water makes for the perfect poolside cocktail back at your Kingfisher vacation rental.
A Flavorful Addition to Your Sanibel & Captiva Vacation
From Cape Coral to Immokalee, these distilleries offer more than just exceptional spirits – they showcase the flavors, stories, and craftsmanship that make Southwest Florida unforgettable. Whether you’re a rum enthusiast, a whiskey sipper, or simply curious to try something new, planning a stop at one of these distilleries near Sanibel and Captiva is a perfect way to enhance your vacation. Sip local, bring a bottle back to your Kingfisher rental, and make the taste of Florida part of your island getaway.