Whether it's tequila, mojitos or margaritas that get your tastebuds dancing, nothing compares to a good Miami cocktail. Be it straight-up, super spicy, fresh and fruity or intricately infused, there are as many drinks to imbibe in as preferences.
Let's toast to the local bars and restaurants stirring it up with libations that pay homage to Miami's weather, locally sourced ingredients and decadence.
Bleau Bar
Located in Miami’s iconic Fontainebleau Miami Beach hotel, this cocktail at Bleau Bar is as hot as the establishment that serves it. With “heat” being hot in current cocktail culture, Fire in the Hole delivers spicy goodness. Poblano pepper-infused Corralejo tequila, Chichicapa mezcal, and muddled Jalapeño raise the heat; tropical passion fruit vanilla syrup and lime juice take the edge off. 4441 Collins Ave., Miami Beach, 305.674.4760.
Ball & Chain
History buffs, style mavens and cocktail connoisseurs unite at this 81-year-old bar and nightclub in Little Havana, Ball & Chain. Mixologists here take advantage of Miami’s bountiful harvest by mixing fresh-squeezed red grapefruit and lime juice with tequila blanco and topping it off with local brand, Jupiña pineapple soda. The result is a totally sweet-tart treat. 1513 SW 8th St., Miami, 305.643.7820.
The Bar at LVL 25
The Bar at LvL 25 at Conrad Miami features a decked out Don Julio tequila bar where guests can sip on traditional margaritas including the Açai-Rita, made with Don Julio tequila, Cedilla açai liquor and fresh berries or sample the Mexican-inspired margarita’s ‘sister’ cocktail, Paloma, made with Don Julio tequila, grapefruit soda and fresh lime juice. 1395 Brickell Ave., Miami, 305.503.6500.
The Local Craft Food & Drink
“Cocktail craftsman” Will Thompson at Coral Gables haunt, The Local Craft Food & Drink, uses fresh and unusual ingredients to create original recipes indicative of Miami. His newest, Remedio del Don, is a mixture of sweet, spicy, and tart ingredients including lemon and ginger juices, ginger liqueur, honey and Boy Drinks World Passion Fruit and Serrano bitters. To finish it off, a local beef jerky spice rub rims the glass. 150 Giralda Ave., Coral Gables, 305.648.5687.
NaiYaRa
When you think of Miami, frozen fruity drinks often come to mind. The folks at NaiYaRa, a hip Thai eatery in Miami Beach, have taken a perennial favorite and added a new twist—spice. Introducing the Killer Bee—thick, slushy and made with organic ingredients including Kelvin lemon, Thai chili, lemongrass, ginger and Beefeater gin. “Bee” careful—it looks innocent, but packs a lip smacking finish. 1854 Bay Rd., Miami Beach, 786.275.6005.
Radio Bar
Head south to the South of Fifth neighborhood in Miami Beach to find a bar that makes it possible to party without pretense while sipping trendy craft cocktails. Back in the day, partiers on South Beach would sip Champagne. But Radio Bar has stepped it up a notch with their twist on the bubbly treat. Mix Veer acai spirit, lemon and mint to create their tasty new cocktail, Ze Pequeno. 814 1st St., Miami Beach, 305.397.8382.
Sugarcane Raw Bar & Grill
When you think of the quintessential Miami cocktail, what comes to mind? If you thought “mojito” you are definitely not alone. It’s almost impossible to visit South Florida and not order one (or two or three) mojitos. Muddled mint, lime, soda water—so light and refreshing. Generally made with rum, Sugarcane in Midtown Miami, transforms the drink staple by infusing beets into Bacardi Superior rum, and voila, a delicious twist on a perennial favorite. 3252 NE 1st Ave., Miami, 786.369.0353.
