It's officially winter. Sure, we're wearing shorts and flip flops here in South Florida, but honestly, that doesn't mean that locals should stick to the frozen piña coladas and mojitos.
Now is the time to pretend like it's freezing outside and have a delicious winter cocktail. These libations, made with spicy ryes, anejo tequilas, and American bourbons,are sweet, rich, spicy, complex and oh-so-satisfying.
Here are our favorites and where to get them.
6. Haven's CoVet
Crisp apple cider is spiked and spiced with ginger.
Cocktail? $15.
Channeling Charles Dickens in a South Beach gastro lounge? Priceless.
5. Lantao Social Club's Beet Me In St. Louis
Every time we've been at Lantao Social Club's bar, we've seen someone come in, ask for a suggestion and heard the question, "do you like beets?" Most people wrinkle their noses...until they try it. This burgundy-colored cocktail, made with beet-infused Beefeater gin, honey-tarragon syrup, Domaine de Canton, and lemon, brings out the sweetness in the root vegetable. It's comfort food in a glass ($13).
4. Sazerac at The Corner
This classic cocktail hails from New Orleans, where it was first used for medicinal purposes...sort of. This combination of spicy Bulleit Rye, old-school Peychaud's Bitters, potent Absinthe, and a hint of lemon makes for a bittersweet libation that warms you from the inside out and cures whatever ails you ($12).
3. Sicilian Manhattan at The Dutch
What turns an ordinary
Manhattan Sicilian? A touch of Solerno Sicilian blood orange liqueur,
and a hint of Averno amaro (also from Sicily) are added
to Hudson Manhattan rye, then topped with a Filthy cherry ($15).
2. Hakkasan's Warm Tea Punch
The scent gets to you even before the porcelain teapot arrives. An intoxicating
aroma of apple and spice that invoke winter evenings by a roaring fire.
This warm punch mixes Milagro Select Barrel Reserve Reposado, fresh
lime, agave nectar, hand pressed apple juice and lemongrass, garnished
with green apple and cinnamon. A beautiful drink that warms the body and
soul ($19).
1. Spiked Frrrozen Hot Chocolate at Serendipity 3
Is it a cocktail? Is it a dessert? We don't care. It's frozen hot chocolate spiked with vodka and Kahlua, served with a shot of rum crème from St. Lucia in an edible chocolate cup. It's a grownup take on our favorite childhood classic -- made frozen just for Miami winters ($14).
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