Elevated Experiences
Elevated Experiences
Ben Winiarczyk
Sean Norris visits a few of his favorite coastal establishments, where everyone knows his name—and they certainly know their cocktails
Photography by Heartbeat Branding Co.
When I’m not busy mixing up cocktails for my guests, you can find me treating myself to a couple rounds at my local bars. It’s a pleasure running into former regulars and friends who are happy to catch up. Inevitably, one of the most common questions I receive is: “What bars are your favorite to drink at?” That’s a tough question!
Over the years, I’ve come to love many of the various bars and restaurants here at the Delaware Beaches—but like anyone, I do have my favorites as well. There’s nothing like spending a few hours on the sand and then taking a short stroll to a local watering hole. The closer to the ocean, the better! You can find a ton of talented bartenders and fabulous cocktail programs along the coast. Allow me to highlight a few that you should absolutely tie into your next beach day!
Pura Vida
Yuzu Bloom
Shorebreak Lodge
Let’s begin with a town we’re likely all familiar with—Rehoboth Beach. Once upon a time (in 2020), I was fortunate enough to live right above a wonderful establishment called Shorebreak Lodge. I would often stop in on my way back from the beach, eventually meeting my future colleague and friend Ben Winiarczyk, a fellow cocktail nerd. As it turns out, he loved bartending and hospitality so much that he bought the restaurant in 2024. Since then, he has completely overhauled the cocktail program as well as the bar itself. I left it to Ben to mix up one of his favorites.
Yuzu Bloom
High West Double Rye
Yuzu juice
Simple syrup
Angostura bitters
Egg white
Notes: Dry, complex, tangy, herbal, creamy, sipper
Yuzu is a citrus that is a hybrid of sorts between grapefruit, lemon and mandarin. The juice is tart, floral and slightly herbaceous. I love the way it complements the spiciness from the rye. The egg white is the key here, though, as it smooths and rounds off the entire cocktail.
One Coastal’s Matt Kern with Sean Norris
One Coastal
The bar program here, headed by Ryan Johnson, closely follows the principles of the culinary program built by Matt Kern, One Coastal’s owner and executive chef. The establishment was a James Beard finalist last year, and they clearly have intentions to aim even higher this time around. As always, the ingredients
in the restaurant are farm-fresh and locally sourced. As an aside for wine drinkers, you’ll be delighted to know that One Coastal has built their wine program in collaboration with Sam Anderson of Ouro Wines, a wine importer that focuses on high-quality natural wines—organic, clean, and delicious. Here’s what Ryan recommended for me!
The Dutchess
Rock Town Basil Vodka
Grapefruit
St. Germain Elderflower
Lemon
Simple syrup
Club soda
Notes: Light, fizzy, half-sweet, refreshing, floral
This is the perfect cocktail to begin your evening with. The basil vodka base makes it aromatic, inviting and easy to drink, while the elderflower and grapefruit complement it with mild sweetness and acidity. The club soda adds pleasant effervescence and simultaneously creates a lovely low-ABV cocktail that won’t leave you buzzed before your next round.
Nantuckets
The moment you enter the bar space, you’ll be captivated by the ornate woodwork throughout the entire room. Nantuckets has one of my favorite backbars, aesthetically and in spirit selection. Like me, you’ll find yourself shifting to see all the goodies they have to offer. The program itself is headed by Delaney Twining, another colleague and friend of mine. Not only is he a seasoned bartender, but also a certified sommelier. Look out for both a killer cocktail list and wine list while you feast your eyes on what is one of the most beautiful bars on the coast.
Delaney Twining
Beast of The East
Codigo Rosa
Triple sec
Cilantro-jalapeno simple syrup
House sour mix
Lime
Notes: Smoky, spicy, herbaceous, half-sweet, sour
My favorite part about this margarita variation is the smokiness imparted by roasting the jalapenos. While cilantro tends to be a “love it or hate it” flavor, its subtle nature in this cocktail is something that any palate will appreciate. It’s not overbearing in any manner. CS
Old Scout and Codigo Rosa
Beast of the East
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