What is it about summer that so begets boozing? The sizzling temps, the skimpy clothes, the longer days, and sweltering nights -- all just goad you to get a good buzz going.
So in the interest of summer imbibing, Short Order spoke to mixologists at some of Miami's most creative bars for a few refreshing recipes you can create at home.
Cheers to what's sure to be one hot summer.
Juvia
Juvia is Miami's hottest new resident. Perched atop nine stories on iconic Lincoln Road, this sexy Asian-fusion resto offers creative concoctions, floor-to-ceiling windows, and a jaw-dropping view. This refreshing gin cocktail is a crisp twist on the usual fruity summer fare.
Cucumber Cooler
Ingredients:
2 cucumber slices
1.5 oz Plymouth gin
1 oz fresh lemon juice
1 oz agave syrup
tonic water
Fill a rocks glass with ice and place the cucumber slices over the ice. In a cocktail shaker, combine the gin, lemon, and agave with ice. Shake well and strain over cucumber slices into the glass. Top with tonic.
The Living Room
Known for its intoxicating elixirs and swank setting, this all-white poolside lounge is the perfect place to spend a summer evening under the stars. A vodka cocktail with fruity accents is light and just sweet enough.
The Rubus
Ingredients:
1 3/4 oz. Belvedere vodka
3/4 oz. lemongrass syrup
4 fresh blackberries
3/4 oz. lemon juice
4 mints leaves
1/2 oz. apple cider
Sra. Martinez
The charms of Spanish-style Sra. Martinez are many. Michelle Bernstein's tapas dalliance is known for big flavors and crafty cocktails. Beverage director Julio Cabrera devised this avian namesake for a sweltering summer night.
Flamingo Mojito
Ingredients:
2 pieces fresh ginger, about the size of quarter each
2 pieces fresh watermelon, cut into square 1-inch cubes
1 sprig fresh mint
¾ oz. fresh lime Juice
¾ oz. simple syrup (equal parts of sugar and water)
1 ½ oz. Bacardi Superior rum
1 oz. soda water
In a shaker, muddle the ginger, watermelon, and mint. Add the lime juice, simple syrup, and rum. Shake and add the soda water. Serve on the rocks in a Collins glass. Garnish with a mint sprig and two watermelon cubes on a spear.
FDR at the Delano
One of the newest additions to Miami's luxe landmark, this old-school underground lounge is a glamorous choice for a summer escape. Cooked up by mixologist Justin D' Angelo, the Miami-hued "Missy" is all tropical fun.
Missy
Ingredients:
1 1/2 oz orange vodka
1 oz mango purée
3/4 oz agave nectar
splash of mercey
In a mixing glass add orange vodka, mango purée, and the agave nectar. Add ice then shake and strain into martini glass. Finish off with a splash of mercey.
Garnish with a star fruit and serve in a cocktail glass.
The Corner
This dark, old-world watering hole is Miami's most inconspicuous spot for late-night libations. Co-owner Christopher MacLeod crafted this one-of-a-kind cocktail especially for his speakeasy-style drinking den.
Summer Love
Ingredients:
1 ½ oz Calvados
½ oz Grand Marnier
½ oz fresh lime juice
¼ oz falernum
2 dashes Angostura bitters
2
½ oz mango puree
Shake, pour over ice into 11-ounce Collins glass.Top with soda water. Garnish with a mint sprig.
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