Adventurous cocktails are always a good idea. And when it comes to broadening your palette and wetting your whistle, go east, far east. Thankfully South Florida is filled with watering holes that serve up creative concoctions inspired by Asia. Think lychee, basil, black pepper, citrus and lemongrass.
Kaido
Chef Bradley Kilgore’s newest stroke of genius? An intimate Asian and Japanese-inspired cocktail lounge coming soon to Miami’s Design District. His mixologist Nico de Soto creates concoctions that are as innovative as they are delicious. The cozy space will also serves up Asian eats. De Soto recommends the Hokkaido Sour. "The Hokkaido sour is purely influenced by Japan as the whisky is washed with soy milk to give a smooth taste, we use kurisstu, a dark Japanese sugar and a bit of kombu to give a Seaweed note,” he explained.
ETARU
With a focus on Robata-grilled seafood, the menu at this contemporary Japanese restaurant showcases a wide range of sushi, sashimi, raw dishes, salads, tatakis and tempura, as well as cooked Japanese specialties. Wash it all down with one of the many creative cocktails including a Rita Okinawa (yuzu kosho, Maestro Dobel tequila, yellow chartreuse, lime & agave) or Lychee & Blossom (cherry-blossom- tea infused-Hangar One vodka, lychee, lemon, umami bitters).
NaiYaRa
Located in Sunset Harbour, executive chef Piyarat Potha Arreeratn (more affectionately known as Chef Bee) serves up Thai street food and Japanese specialties. House favorites include the Panang Curry with Seabass, Beef Jerky, and Whitefish Truffle spoons. Pair any one of the many cocktails with the modern Thai fare including Shi-So Fine (muddled shiso leaves, Grey Goose vodka, fresh pressed lemon, cane syrup and egg whites).
Novikov
What better place to enjoy cocktails from the Far East than this recently opened Russian import and celebrity favorite. Our picks? The Kiri Old Fashioned (Japanese whisky, Novikov Kola, double orange bitters, double dash whisky barrel bitters—served in a rocks glass with applewood smoke) and the Wasabi Martini (vodka, pineapple puree, lemon, Novikov wasabi syrup, yuzu, and freshly muddled basil).