Gator Bar, Hotel Floridan Jacksonville 1950s

It must be thirsty work frightening the living daylights out of people in parks, ponds, lakes and golf courses in Florida.

So, who could blame the state’s largest native reptile for wanting to relax by throwing back a cocktail or two?

This cheerful fellow was on the front cover of a 1950s drinks menu at the Gator Bar and Cocktail Lounge at the Floridan Hotel in Jacksonville.

The artist has cleverly used the apex predator’s tail - designed for efficient swimming and packed full of criss-crossed muscles – to pick up the stem of a cocktail glass and pour the booze into its jaw.

The Floridan Hotel was a downtown landmark in Jacksonville and was designed by architect Henry Klutho. It opened for business in 1910, operated until 1967 and was demolished in 1974. The Bank of America Tower now occupies the block where the hotel stood.

There are an estimated 1.3 million alligators in all 67 counties of Florida so keep your distance from these impressive creatures - especially if you see one propping up a cocktail bar.

NB we found this menu with writing scribbled all over it, probably written by the person who took it as a souvenir.