Drink Miami Hostel Turns Freehand Miami Into a One-Day Cocktail Staycation

If you're looking for the ultimate boozy staycation this weekend, why not check into the Drink Miami Hostel?  

Unfortunately, it's not a real place where you can spend a glorious weekend killing brain cells (though it should be). It is, however, an event happening at the Freehand Miami this weekend, essentially turning the upscale hotel/hostel into a spirited getaway without having to leave Miami Beach.

This Saturday, June 4, from 1 to 4 p.m., the Freehand Miami will transform into the Drink Miami Hostel, taking up most of the property and 17 rooms. At check-in, guests will be handed a 24-page passport — your guide to the dozens of spirits that await as you explore the various rooms, halls, pool area, and gardens — each hosting a different spirit or cocktail.

The afternoon is presented by cocktail enthusiasts and industry professionals Gabriel Urrutia, Giovanny Gutierrez, and Matt Hirsch, who wanted to host an event that was as informative as it was fun. Says Gutierrez, of Chatchow: "We've been to a lot of food events, and cocktails are always taking a back seat. Imagine having cocktails as the focus of the day."

The cocktail experience will be enhanced by brand ambassadors and spirits professionals who will be on hand to educate guests about what they're drinking. Urrutia says that's what's lacking in so many consumer cocktail events in Miami. "It's the education that the consumer wants. We've made sure that we have the knowledgeable people when it comes to mezcal, tequila, rum, and other liquids."

Of course, that's not to say you won't have fun at Drink Miami Hostel. After all, you'll be able to cocktail-hop and drink libations from a host of participating brands, such as Absolut Elyx, Afrohead, Ancho
Reyes, Atlantico, Avion, Bacardi, Dillon’s Distillers, Disaronno, Dos Maderas, Fernet Branca, Herradura, High West, Jägermeister, Jameson Black Barrel, Jameson Caskmates, Milagros, Montelobos, Old Forester, Peroni, Richland Rum, Reyka, Rum Diplomatico, Tequila Chamucos, the Irishman, Toki, Tullamore D.E.W., Williams Humbert, and Zucca. There will also be a Peroni beer garden and Broken Shaker punches. 

Each brand is also encouraged to go all out with themes and decorations. If you've ever been to Tales of the Cocktail in New Orleans, you'll know that these spirits companies get mighty creative with events (even incorporating a drink-serving monkey at one party).

Whether or not a monkey shows up at the Freehand, checking into the the Drink Miami Hostel is bound to be an interesting way to day-drink your Saturday away and maybe learn a thing or two.

Tickets for Drink Miami Hostel cost $35 in advance and $45 at the door. Purchase tickets at mixstir.com.