Rose Bar serves up a refreshing and potent South Beach Punch. (
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The city that already boasts a terrific dining scene, Vegas-worthy clubs, and some of the finest oceanfront in America now ranks as a cocktail destination, as well. Miami’s expanding crop of cool drinking spots — including newly opened the Flat (500 South Pointe Dr., 305-531-3528), Cedric Adegnika’s lounge designed to resemble a boozehound’s stylishly furnished loft, complete with a Carrara marble bar — keeps drink-lovers satiated. Here are a few more South Beach places where we like to stop and sip.
THE BROKEN SHAKER, Freehand Miami
The Broken Shaker’s hibiscus-patterned interior, backed up by a shrine of alcohol and homemade tinctures, was inspired by a 1960s Cuban pharmacy. The sprawling alfresco area feels like the generous backyard you’d have if you were happening and wealthy and didn’t really give a damn. Initially launched as a spontaneous pop-up, Elad Zvi and Gabriel Orta’s retreat at the Freehand hostel has turned into the city’s cocktail experience of the moment, drawing a particularly eclectic crowd. Women in floor-length gowns chat up dudes in board shorts and T-shirts while Sticky Fingers plays at the perfect volume. Ever the accommodating mixmaster, the bearded Zvi asks whether you want your drink shaken or stirred. Then, before you have time for a Bond-like answer, he coaches, “Shaken will be more refreshing” and you know which way to go. Cigar lovers like the Little Havana Old Fashioned, made from stogie-infused grain alcohol. Those with less mature palates opt for bourbon ingeniously laced with the flavors of Cocoa Puffs. They both taste better than they sound. thefreehand.com
THE REGENT COCKTAIL CLUB, Gale South Beach
Old-school jazz oozes from the sound system, well-polished wood paneling covers the walls, and brown leather sofas are strategically angled throughout LDV Hospitality’s Regent Cocktail Club at the renovated Gale South Beach hotel. Completing the illusion of a refined gentlemen’s lair, the bartenders seem to favor neckties and vests, and they often use long, metal swizzle sticks to mix cocktails with appealing flourishes. Retro-style drinks like the rum-based Santiago and rye-heavy Temptation are contained in an ever-rotating database of 400 offerings, which, according to head bartender John Lermayer, change daily. Those who want to enjoy the warm Miami air slip out to a street-side deck where they can indulge in what now seems to be a racy activity from a permissive era: Enjoying a smoke while sipping a perfectly prepared cocktail. galehotel.com
ROSE BAR, Delano Hotel
Notched into the Delano lobby, the Rose Bar is a romantic sliver of a lounge, which dates back nearly 20 years and still has its original glass lighting fixtures in place. But a recent refresh added flowing rose-colored drapes, an expanded bar and a larger emphasis on mixology. Reveal your favorite spirits to head bartender Bernie Waters, and he’ll mix you a tipple on the fly. Depending on his mood and yours, you’ll be sipping something a little different each time, enjoying a game of cocktail roulette that always seems to pay off. For those who prefer to play it safe, the drinks menu for spring and summer will be heavy on rum- and gin-based libations. delano-hotel.com