Raven-haired Camille Austin is the head mixologist at Hakkasan and she's part of a Miami movement to elevate the cocktail. In a city where "Goose and Bull" is the drink of choice, she has her work cut out for her. But Austin, 25, is out to steal the hearts and taste buds of Miamians, one elaborate cocktail at a time.
Austin originally set out to study performing arts and started bartending as a way to earn some money. Realizing the bar was like a stage and that bartending is an art, she started asking the chef about flavor profiles and combinations and went to Mexico to learn about tequila.
Soon, the talented Austin was creating signature cocktails ($14) for Hakkasan's menu, including hot tea drinks that incorporate the drama of a traditional Asian tea service. Austin shared a few cocktails with us, leaving us wanting to try every single libation on the menu.
The Long DragonThis tall drink is made with sake, Noilly Prat vermouth, lemon juice and ginger ale. Garnished with cucumber and lemon rind, it's a zesty combination of Asian and English flavors. A perfect refresher after a long day at the beach, it was light, fizzy and fresh with just a hint of sweetness.
Warm Tea PunchA blend of Milagro Select Barrel Reserve Reposado, fresh lime, agave nectar, hand pressed apple juice and lemongrass, this is both an after-dinner cocktail and a piece of performance art. The punch is served in a porcelain teapot and the cup is garnished with green apple, cinnamon and lemongrass. The resulting drink can best be described as "golden, spicy, warm". The only regret? Not having a blizzard in Miami that evening so we could come in from the cold to have this pot waiting.Follow Short Order on Facebook and Twitter @Short_Order.
