Miami's Best Eats and Drinks This Week: National Beer and Empanada Day and a Lesson in Cocktail Making

Overdid it on the Peeps yesterday? Get back on track by forgoing mastication for the day and going full throttle with juice from Wynwood's newest juice bar. Then throw it all away tomorrow at Michael Mina 74's new social hour, where you'll consume $8 Manhattans, $5 beers, and free bar bites.

The happy-hour fun continues Wednesday at the District's celebration of National Beer and Empanada Day, when you can knock back local brews for half off. 

Prepare for the weekend with a lesson in cocktail making. Learn to muddle, mix, and shake your favorite libations at Lilt Lounge's first monthly interactive cocktail class.  

Week starts now. 

Monday

Get Your Juice on at Jucy Lu
There's a new juice bar on the Wynwood block, and it's called Jucy Lu. The grab-and-go 100-percent organic eatery opened last week and proffers items like cold-pressed juices, shots, milks, smoothies, sandwiches, salads, and wraps. There are even some treats. Think mango passion coconut pudding with hibiscus and basil seeds ($9). Eating healthfully has never tasted to sweet.

Tuesday

Social Hour at Michael Mina 74
The only thing better than small-batch, barrel-aged drinks and house-made punches for $8 during happy hour is when those drinks are accompanied by gratis bites from one of the city's top toques. Well, Michael Mina 74 has introduced its version of happy hour, dubbed "social hour," and that's pretty much the gist. Sip signature cocktails like the Pimm's 74 (MM 74's version of a Pimm's cup) and classic libations such as martinis and Manhattans from 6 to 8 p.m. for only $8 while noshing on daily bites, courtesy of chef de cuisine Thomas Griese. Beer more your style? Get any of MM 74's options on tap for just $5. 

Wednesday

National Beer and Empanada Day at the District
We know it's tough to keep up with all of these national food holidays, but Wednesday is a good one — beer and empanadas. To celebrate this match made in heaven, the District invites beer drinkers and empanada lovers for half off local brews (think Wynwood's La Rubia, Miami Brewing Co.'s Miami Weiss, And Funky Buddha's Floridian) during its happy hour from 5 to 7 p.m. As for the empanadas, chef Horacio Rivadero will offer chicken, beef, and veggie varieties to go help you absorb all that beer. Did we mention empanadas are on the house? Consider it mentioned. If you're still hungry and really want to outdo yourself, cap off your holiday with an empanada de pabellon from nearby La Latina. It's the best in the city.

Thursday

Cocktail Lessons at Lilt Lounge
Not sure when to stir or shake a cocktail? Learn at Lilt Cocktail lounge's new interactive monthly mixology class, kicking off this Thursday from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Mixologist and beverage director Dean Feddaoui will share his industry secrets and tips and teach students to make three cocktails. Not only will attendees get to drink the fruits of their labor, but they'll also enjoy light appetizers and champagne upon arrival. Tickets cost $35 per person are available via eventbrite.com.

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