Weekend Cocktailian: Where to Imbibe in Miami

This weekend, balance your holiday to-do list with plenty of opportunities for cocktail cheer.

Miami Twitterati Get Social 
The lovely Web City Girls are back to host a holiday party for a wonderful cause. Join them tonight (Thursday Dec. 16th) at the Bleu Moon Lounge for cocktails, light bites, networking and holiday cheer. Your $20 donation at the door benefits Children's Home Society of Miami. The fun begins at 6 p.m. You can RSVP through Twitter or Facebook. 

Bossa Nova Happy Hour

The Brazilian-American Chamber of  Commerce has found a way to make happy hour even happier: add bossa nova. This Friday (December 17th), get to the National Hotel at 7 p.m. for a special Young Professionals Bossa Nova Happy Hour. Bring a toy for Projecto Decolando as admission and head in to network, grab signature drinks and listen to live bossa nova. Reduced-priced happy hour continues throughout the night. 

Early Arrival
Typically scheduled for the last Friday of the month, Viernes Culturales takes place tomorrow (Friday, Dec. 17th) in order to catch the Christmas spirit. Instead of hitting up yet another mall, get some fresh air over at Calle Oche between 13th and 17th Avenues. Pick up last minute presents from vendors, play a game of domino, enjoy the live music. Options for drink and food are plentiful, but don't forget to check out the new addition Quiereme Mucho...Morena while you're in the area. 

Now Open...

This Saturday (December 18th), Sustain Restaurant + Bar opens its doors at 5 p.m. Focused on sustainability and seasonality, Executive Chef Alejandro Piñero has crafted a menu with fresh, regionally sourced items and has filled the bar with fresh cocktails and craft beer. Head over to 3252 NE 1st Ave Saturday or Sunday after 5 p.m. 

Vino e Olio e Libri
Sunday evening, Vino e Olio hosts a holiday book drive benefiting Amigos for Kids. From 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., bring new books for children up to 14 years of age and receive a free cocktail and light bites from the kitchen. Just let them know you plan to attend by sending an email to rsvp@amgwagency.com.

Eat, drink, play and just call the damn cab: 305-444-4444.

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Weekend Cocktailian: Where to Imbibe in Miami

The weekend is finally here. Get your holiday game face on and head out for merry-making all around town.

Happy Hour Heaven
Shake off a long workweek with AtlaMare's new happy hour. The beloved South Beach staple is offering beer, wine (including bubbly) and handcrafted cocktails for the gracious price range of $3-$6 Monday to Friday from 5 p.m.- 7 p.m. Order a good drink, grab a fresh bite and warm up the weekend.

Get Your Smoke On
Cigars, we mean, of course. Head over to Neptune Cigars Superstore near Dadeland Mall at 6 p.m tonight to test out the latest stogies from Guillermo Leon. Not to forget Miami's other bbf, Zafra Rum will be served along with the cigars. The event runs until 9 p.m.

Weekend in Wynwood (again)
Saturday, get some of your Christmas shopping knocked out at Launch Arte Miami Market. Located at 121 NE 36th Street, the market features artists, artisans and antique vendors selling unique wares. Join them from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. to pick up one-of-a kind gifts, then prowl around the neighborhood's many excellent cocktail opportunities including newly opened options Wynwood Kitchen & Bar and Blue Piano Music Lounge & Wine Bar.

Paradisal Imbibing
Dinner in Paradise returns this Sunday (Dec. 12th). The five-course menu (six with hors d'oeuvres) is prepared by local star chefs using local, organic food. Prior to the 6 p.m. dinner is a cocktail reception and a gorgeous sunset tour. Tickets can be purchased with Paradise Farms for $165; a portion of the procedures benefits the amazing Urban Oasis Project.

Monday Night Spillover
Miami mixologists are throwing down Monday night at STK in the Gansevoort Hotel. Join Svedka vodka and Miami Magazine at 7 p.m. to sample handcrafted cocktails and vote for your favorite. Let them know you'll be bringing your cocktailian taste buds by emailing your RVSP to RSVPmiami@modernluxury.com.

Drink, eat, play and just call the damn cab: 305-444-4444.

Pour serious cocktails right into your feed. Subscribe to the newsletter or join Cocktail Mia on Twitter. 

Drink Culture's Finest: The Bombay Sapphire Artisan Series Finale with Russell Simmons and Mark Ecko

Cocktails follow us around in ways we often do not think about. Yes, of course, they are with us at the club, they relieve us at 5 o’clock and they love hanging out with food. There are, however, other occasions where they make a quiet yet valuable presence: when we converse with friends, meet new connections or try to slow time on a Sunday afternoon. Certainly, they were with us last week through Art Basel. “Art, food, drink, there is a thread running through them,” said Bombay Sapphire Brand Manager Rich McLeod on the eve of the Bombay Sapphire Artisan Series finale.

 In collaboration with Russell and Danny Simmons’ Rush Philanthropic Arts Foundation and Mark Ecko’s Complex Magazine, the Bombay Sapphire Artisan Series set out to discover the next big names in urban photography and multi-media art. Giles Woodyer, VP Brand Managing Director of Bombay Sapphire commented on the partnership: “We don’t see ourselves as separate from art. When we sponsor, we don’t just sit back. We get involved. We see Bombay Sapphire and cocktails as being interwoven into the program, into the arts.”  

Setting its pace with Rush Philanthropic's commitment to supporting emerging artists in urban areas, the Artisan Series began its nationwide search in June. Six months, 10 cities and 20 finalists later, the finale came to Miami during Art Basel. After showing at Verge Art Fair, the works were judged by an expert panel that included visual artists Danny Simmons and Andre Guichard, designer Mark Ecko and photographer Eric Henderson. Two finalists (one multi-media artist and one photographer) were selected to have their work shown at Manhattan's Rush Arts Gallery in January. 

Saturday night marked the final showing and the announcement of the two winners. With Sapphire Armature in hand, we had an early opportunity to browse the finalists’ fine work.  “What’s been really amazing to see is the passion that they have, the love of the craft,” Rich McLeod had said the night before; he was not exaggerating. The artists’ dedication to their craft showed through brilliantly. Taking a sip of the juicy, stone fruit cocktail, we moved among pieces, lingering over loving surrealistic visions, beautifully textured nudes and haunting photography. Expert skill, thoughtful conception and fine execution covered a range of subject matter: tender memories, movement in stillness, heavy social commentary and radiant, natural beauty.

Picking up a pair of clean, crisp Artist’s Proof cocktails, we walked with photographer and judge Eric Henderson. Stopping at his beautifully soft black and white photography captured exclusively on his beloved 1950 Kodak Brownie Hawkeye, he spoke about “the infinity between supposedly outdated parameters”. “You know, there’s a tendency to think that when one black artist is discovered, everything’s been covered or that the possibilites have been exhausted. It’s a misconception; there’s so many people not being seen; there is an infinity in between those parameters.” We moved to artist and judge Andre Guichard's work full of intricate lines more akin to a base relief sculpture than to traditional painting. Sipping our drinks, we realized Guichard has figured out how to rework Pollack in a way, not imitative, but utterly fresh, individual and inventive.

Our attention was turned to the stage, where Russell and Danny Simmons began speaking about their deep love of the arts and Rush's absolute commitment to artists. “You know, when we started [Rush]15 years ago, we really just wanted to focus on artists, on getting artists exposure, and to help children in New York tap into their creative voices. Not that they’re all necessarily going to become artists but they all have creative voices...It’s about a way of thinking,“ said Danny Simmons

Russell Simmons continued on his brother’s thoughts, “Supporting the arts and giving back to the community are things I’ve always cared about deeply.  Each one of us has creativity inside of us; it’s in everything we do, and we’re working on getting kids to tap into that, into their imaginations. Given the times that we’re in, I can’t imagine how we’re going to get out of it without young, creative minds.”

The Simmons brothers’ love of the arts and commitment to supporting undiscovered artists had set the tone for the evening. As the bartenders were mixing up the fragrant Sapphire Sea Salted Watermelon Collins, we looked over the crowd and saw something palpably special. Approachable, grounded established artists were talking shop, emerging artists were eagerly sharing their ideas with interested curators, and celebrities were mingling with the crowd. Without pretension. Without exclusivity. There was only finely crafted art being shared, celebrated and toasted among a group as beautiful in personality as in appearance.

This passion for the arts resulted in a difficult judging as well.  “You know, it's really hard to judge which are the best because art is so subjective. But, we have come up with a decision," Danny noted before the winners were announced. Representing the 305, multi-media artist Jorge Cavalier was selected for his intricate Laberinto while D.C. photographer Stan Squirewell was selected for his striking Carbon Anomaly.  Commenting on his concept, Squirewell reflected: “I wanted to use it as a way of talking about how we categorize people. Really, there’s no green or yellow or red people. That’s been a little bit of an issue for me: these division lines.” We toasted to his success, to the night and to the blooming of the Artisan Series.

As the event began to close, we took one last, long look. Fiercely independent viewpoints were on the walls; below, their creators were in discussion with the receptive crowd. They were laughing, conversing, clinking glasses. We snapped one last shot, capturing drink culture at its finest: seamlessly intertwined into celebration and the joyful exchange of ideas. 

Holiday Cocktails: The Sparkling Sleigh Ride at Morton's Steakhouse

'Tis the season for festive cocktailians, and drinks will be freely poured from now until the New Year. There are many, many cocktail options, but not all make Santa's nice list. Be wary of the super-sugary, the heavily weighted and the just plain terrible. As you traverse the wild world of holiday cocktails, a few good suggestions can cut out wasted time and wasteful libations.

Among the lovely cocktails that honor the spirit of the season is a little number at Morton's Steakhouse known as the Sparkling Sleigh Ride. Delicately mixing crisp prosecco with robust Luxardo and mellow Tuaca, The Sleigh Ride finishes with a light addition of cranberry. The mint leaf garnish adds a holiday touch and gives a freshness to the nose, but it is best to remove before imbibing. The cocktail opens with crispness and a light sweetness. Expect a merry mix of traditional Christmas flavors: dried fruit, mild herbaceousness and subtle warm spices followed by a clean, short finish. The Sparkling Sleigh Ride's balance of authentic sweetness, gentle bubbles and crispness means this holiday cocktail can be imbibed by itself, with appetizers or after a meal, particularly with a slice of New York Cheesecake.

Available through New Year's Eve, the Sparkling Sleigh Ride is available for $14.50. Order it before 6:30 p.m. or after 9 p.m. and catch the new bar bites for $5 and $6 dollars. Satisfying plates such as the new Smoked Salmon Pizza (smoked salmon, sour cream, capers and red onion on top of a pizza bread mid-way between a cracker and focaccia) or the melt-in-your-mouth Mini Prime Cheeseburgers are offered in generous portions. Just be certain to bring a friend, so you can toast the season.

View the appetizing slideshow here.

Happy Holidays, Cocktailian!

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Images courtesy of Daso Design.

Spirit Review: Ron Atlantico Private Cask

Just past its two-year anniversary, Ron Atlantico Private Cask has hometown love built right into it. The creation of Aleco Azqueto and Brandon Lieb, Atlantico was conceived with Miami drink culture in mind. "With the reemergence of the classic cocktails and our hometown's appreciation of fine products, Miami was a natural market to introduce this exclusive dark rum to U.S. consumers," says co-founder Brandon Lieb. Aww, thanks, Brandon, you're making us blush.

Around this American rum oasis we call home, Atlantico has become widespread, weaving its way into cutting-edge cocktails and coming home from the spirit shop for straight sipping. So, how did the founders develop a rum intended to please America's most discriminating rum imbibers? They found their answer in the Dominican Republic, where Atlantico begins much like a blended scotch, with a choice selection of rums of varying ages. The rums are then introduced to each other for one year to two years in bourbon barrels where they begin to mingle and unify. Continuing in another set of barrels for 15 to 25 years, the spirit undergoes the complex solera process in order to insure consistency and quality. Bottling is done by hand, and quality is carefully insured before the cork seals the deal.

The proof, of course, is always in the performance. With the beautiful bottle in hand, we poured a few to see Atlantico in action.

The Brilliant
Atlantico's time in bourbon barrels comes through from the moment it is poured. Vanilla, cream and caramel dominate the nose; behind these full notes are a very subtle spice and an almost minty freshness. The opening has a golden, creamy body full of warm brown sugar and natural sweetness. The viscous beginning  unfolds into a drier middle with dominant oak notes. The finish, more breath than liquid, is beautifully long with vanilla, caramel and oak notes rising in turn. Rather than burning or biting, alcohol content works to warm and to enhance the rum's profile throughout the sip.  

The Lackluster
The oak that appears in the middle has a moment right before the finish where its strength is almost astringent and fairly peaty. While these notes are not in and of themselves undesirable (particularly for scotch lovers), they are slightly awkward next to the rum's vivid cream and caramel character.

In Cocktails
While the slight astringent moment appears in the straight sip, Atlantico's balance of richness, viscousity and dryness offers a complex, high-quality base for a wide range of cocktails. A general rule of thumb for home-mixing:  Ingredients that benefit from the addition of vanilla will sing when mixed with Atlantico, so think nuts, warming spices, stone fruits, cream, chocolate, and fresh citrus. Trade up that watered-down vanilla vodka and coke for Atlantico and Iron Beer. Mix it with ginger beer for a perfect Dark & Stormy. Balance it between a dry herbal liqueur and citrus by muddling thyme and lemon then adding a little Luxardo maraschino liqueur and Italian lemon soda.

Its flavor similarities with bourbon offer easy variations of many bourbon-based cocktails; use it in an Old-Fashioned or an Algonquin with fresh pineapple juice. Just in time for this week's severe temperature drop, its mellow alcoholic warmth makes it an ideal candidate for hot drinks. Select it for hot buttered rum or pour Atlantico into hot apple cider or hot white chocolate. The one category with which to be cautious is tiki drinks. Under the weight of multiple, thick ingredients, Atlantico's subtlety may be disguised. You need not avoid the whole category, but be certain to use only fresh-squeezd juices poured with a light hand and the tropical classic Velvet Falernum to add complex, layered spice.

Final Insight
At a suggested retail of $35, Atlantico is a fine selection for slow, straight sipping as well as for high-quality cocktails. Highly flexible, Ron Atlantico works with an incredible range of libations. Its careful crafting has yielded a spirit in which alcohol accentuates rum's richness rather than make a biting statement of its own. With the holidays upon us, Atlantico partners perfectly with traditional holiday spices and will produce an egg-nog to die for. The best way to find Atlantico is to check out the purchase option on the website. Add your zipcode, and its map shows the closest locations to buy a bottle or order a cocktail.

Cheers, Cocktailian!

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Weekend Cocktailian: Where to imbibe in Miami

The beautifully cool weather has arrived just in time for a massive weekend in Miami. Break out your best off-summer clothing and order warming bourbon and brandy cocktails all weekend long.

Cookbook Preview
Star Chef Michael Schwartz may not be publishing his anticipated cookbook, Michael's Genuine Food: Down-To-Earth Cooking For People Who Love To Eat, until February, but tonight you can get a taste of the culinary adventure. At Michael's Genuine Food & Drink (140 NE 40th St.), a short film on the book's production will be shown from 7 p.m. to midnight. Casa Dragones Tequila will be there with complimentary drinks, or you can order lovely cocktails like the Sonny Rollins (Basil Hayden Bourbon, chilled tea, orange blossom honey and lemon) from Michael's skilled bartenders.

'Tis the Season for Local Produce
Great cocktails start with beautiful spirits and fresh ingredients, and it doesn't get much fresher than our farmers' markets offering produce from down the street. As farmers' market season kicks off, two new weeklies join the ranks: Liberty City and South Miami.

Running from noon to 6 p.m., the Liberty City Market features Redlands produce, honey and cheese as well as Southern favorites like pecans, sweet potatoes, peanuts and greens courtesy of regional farmers in Southern Georgia. Focused on making fresh food accessible, the market offers dollar-for-dollar matches up to $10 for SNAP users. Expect activities for the kids and music for all. Find them at Talcolcy Park at the Tacolcy Center (6161 NW 9th Ave).

South Miamians need not travel down to the Redlands anymore because the Redlands is coming to them starting this Saturday at 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. This year-round farmers' market offers in-season produce, eggs, dairy, artisanal products, edible and native plants and green technology vendors. Meet your neighbors at the South Miami City Hall at 6130 Sunset Drive.

Friday Night in Coral Gables
Coral Gables sets off Friday night at 7 p.m. with two great events. Giralda Under the Stars closes off Restaurant Row between Ponce de Leon and Galiano and pours food, drink and entertainment into the street. Best stops for cocktail lovers: Talavera for delicate cocktails and The Bar for pure and simple mixes.

Or, cross Miracle Mile and head to the Ponce Circle Park for the Art in the Park free concert series. Tomorrow features a range of music from Cuban, classic rock, R & B and jazz. The event is accompanied with an all-night happy hour, vendors and a boxing ring with Don King waiting for you inside (which should be extra-fun after a cocktail warm-up).

New Cocktailians on the Block
Right in time for the art, two great cocktail opportunities opened this week in the Wynwood Arts District.

Headed by experts in their fields, both aspects of the Blue Piano Music Lounge & Wine Bar are set to live up to expectations. Aniece Meinhold (aka Epicurous Chic) has crafted a beverage program that blends heritage and creativity. Expect carefully selected craft beers and a wine list focused on sustainability. For the adventurous, there is a playful selection of "wine mocktails" and beer punch. Keeping with the old adage to eat when you drink and drink when you eat, small plates are offered including a rotating selection of cheese and cured meats. Under the direction of five-time Grammy Award Winner Jorge Villamizar, the entertainment consists of a fine mix of salsa, jazz and blues. Expect a warm atmosphere in which to share drink, food, conversation and great music. Find the Blue Piano Music Lounge and Wine Bar at 4600 NE 2nd Ave from 4 p.m. to midnight (Wednesday to Saturday) or Monday and Tuesday from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m.


Across from the Wynwood Walls, the Wynwood Kitchen & Bar has opened its doors. Inspired by the creativity around it, the contemporary American restaurant has original local art on its walls as well as a Shepard Fairly mural. So loved is art that it even made it into the cocktails, which play tribute to the creatives behind the Walls. Meet them Monday to Saturday between 11 a.m to midnight; the bar stays open an extra hour.

A Touch of Basel
Going beyond quiet sponsorship, Bombay Sapphire has launched the Bombay Sapphire Artisan Series along with the Rush Philanthropic Art Foundation and Complex Magazine. From 2,000 nationwide entries, the team has narrowed down 20 finalists in the search for the best of upcoming urban photographers and multi-media artists. Before the final judging, check out the final twenty's work at the Verge Art Fair at the Catalina Hotel and Beach Club from today (Thursday) to Saturday. Two overall winners will be selected to have their fine works shown at the Rush Arts Gallery in New York.

SAPAL (Soho Arts Pavilion and Lounge) is offering a perfect end to your cocktailian prowls through the Arts District this weekend. In the chic lounge space complete with full bar, join them Friday for the Maya Swimwear Fashion Show or Saturday for the official Art Asia after-party. Both events begin at 10 p.m. and feature the Red Cross's thoughtful "Our World. Your Move." exhibit.

For more Arts Weeks events, The Cultured Cocktailian is available to guide you to the best cocktail opportunities.

Drink, eat, play and just call the damn cab: 305-444-4444.

Pour serious cocktail events right into your feed. Subscribe to the newsletter or join Cocktail Mia on Twitter.

Happy Hour Heaven: Talavera's Margarita Lab

Known and loved for authentic Mexican cuisine, Talavera in Downtown Coral Gables has raised the bar on happy hour with the recently introduced Margarita Lab. Offering six super-sized shots (about 3 1/2 ounces), this Wednesday evening deal serves up creative variations on the standard Margarita. Recently, this cocktailian had an opportunity to experiment with the Lab.

The Brilliant

Good sippers start with good spirits. Rather than making a strong tequila statement, mellow Jimador Tequila is used to boost the flavor of the Lab's fresh ingredients. In the passion fruit offering, its subtle baked agave grounds the dominant, vivid citrus and natural sweetness. Instead of building heat, the shot's spiced rim adds a clean finish that makes this selection a fitting opener after a long day at work.

Moving into rounder flavors, the cilantro variation is a unique gem. Incorporated into lime juice, the herb lends a satisfying medium body while bright lemon notes and, of course, tequila keep the finish light. Paired with homemade sopa de chilorio, the shot’s cooling qualities tame the pork’s warm spice and enhance its slightly smoky qualities. 

Deeper into the lab, the fresh mango variation is well executed. Pulpy by nature, fresh mango juice can sometimes drown out other flavors, but Talavera strikes the proper chord. Round and full, the mango still makes room for a robust smoke on the nose and a spiced finish, which, together, render one satisfying, complex cocktail. 

The Lackluster
While gently sweet, the tamarind shot is a bit thin; an additional component that gives more body could amplify the tamarind's quiet play between sweet and sour. Yet, overall, this sipper is mellow and subtle with the tequila's agave and the tamarind offering a gentle, earthy combination.

Final Insight

A prime cocktail opportunity, the Margarita Lab offers novice cocktailians a gentle opportunity to try new flavors and creative variations with a familiar cocktail. For more experienced drink lovers, the focus on fresh, bright flavors paired with complimentary authentic bites (definitely try the delicate cactus salad) is an equally valuable experience.

For the adventurous who wish to take drink discovery a step further, the one missing element is the Paloma, Mexico's most consumed tequila cocktail. However, the quality selection of tequila and mezcal matched by the staff's first-hand knowledge makes Talavera an excellent location to learn more about all things agave. .

Generously priced at $16, the Margarita Lab is intended to be shared with others, so bring a friend, a coworker or a loved one who is ready to have the middle of their week brightened.

Talavera Cocina Mexicana
2299 Ponce de Leon (at the corner of Giralda in Coral Gables)
Margarita Lab
Wednesdays 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
$16 with complimentary bites from the menu

Cheers, Cocktailian!

Pour heavenly happy hours right into your feed. Subscribe to the newsletter or join Cocktail Mia on Twitter.

Cultured Cocktailian: Where to Imbibe during Miami Arts Week

Art and drink have long been bedfellows. With Art Basel and a rich variety of satellite fairs dominating the landscape this week, be sure to head to a few events where fine art and good drinks are beautifully blended and perfectly balanced.

The Grove Calls Shotgun.
Coconut Grove is not waiting for Wednesday. Art Starts in the Grove begins today (Nov. 29th) in the Coconut Grove business district. Local bar and restaurant specials begin at 5 p.m. served as a warmup to exhibitions and gallery openings at 7 p.m. Expect a diverse range of fine art from local and emerging artists, then stay for the after-party at the Mayfair Atrium Sculpture Garden for more food, drinks and music. Admission is free and open to all. Meet the Grovehouse Artists at 3390 Mary Street in the Mayfair Promenade.


Red Fair. Green City.
Red Dot Fair starts Wednesday (Dec. 1st) with an opening reception benefiting Green Miami, which seeks to increase our city's diminished tree canopy. Join them between 6 p.m. and 9 p.m to view carefully curated art. The $25 ticket covers the opening reception and the full week. From Thursday to Sunday, pick up a day pass for $15 and be there between 6-8 p.m. for complimentary cocktails provided by Camarena Tequila. Red Dot runs until Sunday December 5th at 3011 NE 1st Avenue in the Wynwood Arts District.


Rest Easy.
Veuve Clicquot has been working hard on the science and design of relaxation. From Tuesday to Sunday at over 40 locations in South Beach, Downtown, Wynwood and Midtown, Once Upon a Dream is offering a full-sensory experience featuring sleep capsules designed to promote relaxation at its most conceptual level. Bedtime stories and a flute of, you guessed it, Veuve Clicquot complete the rejuvenating journey. The experience is available to all Design Miami ticket holders who can RSVP by emailing DesignMiamiVC@LSagency.com.

O Cinema! O Opportunity!
Running Wednesday to Sunday, O Cinema is featuring a daily showing of the special Art Basel cut of Scissors & Glue: The Miami Project. The film takes a deeper look at the South Florida art scene through in-depth interviews with key local players. As the work is still in progress, the Scissors & Glue showing is a unique opportunity to catch a film in its developmental stage. Head to the opening on Wednesday night to meet the filmmakers over cocktails in the O Cinema patio after the film. All screenings are free.

Food and Drink Zone
The Zones Contemporary Art Fair has woven food and drink right into the fabric of the exhibition. This niche fair has always had a strong focus on local, emerging talent, but this year, food-tastings, music, drink and conversation are positioned as part of the fair's experience. Admission is graciously free, and the fair runs from Wednesday Decemeber 1st to Sunday December 5th at 47 NE 24th Street.

Cocktails on the Verge
Opening Thursday December 2nd, Verge Art Fair has set up one serious opening party at the Catalina Hotel starting at 6 p.m. Sip Mamajuana cocktails to the up-close and personal Cirque du Soleil performance. Browse the art then head down to Chillax at the hotel's Red Bar where Bombay Sapphire, Bacardi and Grey Goose are ready to keep the conversation rolling. The reception is $20; the fair continues Friday to Sunday at $10 for general admission.

Cocktail Couture
Deco One Interior invites you to join them on Thursday December 2nd for Artistically Fashioned, an event that blends art, interior design, fashion and photography. Expect a live fashion shoot, free dessert, cocktails and goodies provided by the amazing non-profit Abandoned Animal Foundation. Entry is free but you need to RSVP here.

Pool Hopping
PooL Art Fair opens Friday December 3rd with Vernissage. At this lively opening party, get exposed to brilliant, unrepresented artists showing their best in guest rooms throughout the Carlton Hotel. Check out the live performance by Pocket of Lollipops and grab a specialty cocktail at the Lobby Lounge. RSVP here or via FB. The $20 suggested donation helps PooL continue its work to support unrepresented artists. PooL opens at 3 p.m.; Vernissage begins at 6 p.m.

From PooL, head to NADA at the Deauville Beach Resort for "Manuel Transmission" after sunset on Friday. The pool deck will be lit by analog projections; inside, the ballroom will be filled with NADA's comprehensive cross-section of contemporary artists. Grab a drink at the pool deck to keep the conversation flowing, just be wary of tiki, tourist-trap cocktails.

F it.
When you've had your fill of the art scene, head to the The Electric Pickle in the Wynwood Arts District to get some relief. The quirky cocktail lounge has a three-night Fuck Art, Let's Dance series ready with two-floors of music by local and international acts. All shows begin at 9 p.m.

Welcome to Miami Arts Week, Cocktailian!

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South Florida Drink Culture Recap

Hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving and a sane Black Friday. Kick back and enjoy the long weekend with this week's South Florida drink culture highlights.

Breaking Tradition
The Miami Herald explores the brave new world of Japanese whiskey and gets the distiller's critique of the Scots' traditional approach.

Giddy Up!
Boy Writes Miami moseys into the Lost and Found Saloon.

Honey Just Got Sweeter
Clean Plate Charlie informs us that the brewers of Florida honey beer are opening soon in not-so-distant Orlando.

Lost in a Tequila Sunset
Cantina Beach at the Ritz-Carlton has the largest tequila roll call in Miami, according to Short Order, but there's no word on mezcal.

TGISBS: (Thank God it's small business Saturday)
Orlando cocktailians Drink Up! have a Black Friday cocktail that will compliment (or offset) this clip from yesterday's mad rush at Dolphin Mall.

Happy Reading, Cocktailians!

Pour drink culture Miami right into your feed. Subscribe to the newsletter or join Cocktail Mia on Twitter.

Weekend Cocktailian: Where to imbibe in Miami

Season is on with new restaurant openings, Miami Arts Week and plenty of cocktail possibilities. This weekend, enjoy Miami drink culture in every part of town.

Black Friday Bargain
Today takes many of us to through every shopping mall in town. Ocean Prime at the Aventura Mall is offering sound relief from the maddening crowd with an all-day extension of its Prime Hour coupled with a special $15 pre-fixed lunch. Cocktail offerings vary from standards such as the Margarita and the Lychee Martini to more playful options like the Grand Smash, which incorporates lemon and mint into Grand Marnier, and Whiskey Clover, which tempers Gentleman Jack and Hennessy with honey water, lemon and orange. Featuring options for every imbibing preference, the deal also includes reduced prices on select straight sippers (go for Zacapa or Crown Royal) as well as $7 glasses of wine and $2 off bottled beer.

Wind Down with H Y P E
Bar 721 on Lincoln Lane offers a Black Friday cool-down with its Friday weekly H Y P E featuring DJ Brian Zero and a one-time special performance by Stephanie Carcache. If you over-spent during the day, Bar 721's fairly-priced vintage cocktails, complimentary vodka cocktails from 10 p.m to 11 p.m. and vodka bottle service for $125 will de-stress your wallet. The event begins at 10 pm and runs with no cover charge all night.

The Anticipated Finally Arrives
The wait is over; Pubbelly has finally opened its doors this week and is serving up delicious pork options (like pork belly dumplings and mofongo) alongside carefully selected beer, sake and wine lists. Expect a warm tavern atmosphere and food that blends Asian and Latin (particularly Puerto Rican and Spanish) elements at very reasonable prices. Entrees top out at $25 and bottles of wine at $80. Pass by 1418 20th Street on South Beach between 6 p.m and 2 a.m for dinner, light bites, evenings warm-ups and nighttime cool-downs.

Hangover Helper
Sra. Martinez is serving up brunch in small plate sizes perfect for tender tummies that partied a wee bit too much. Pair dishes with gentle drink options such as the Velvet Underground featuring bubbly cava, bitters and Velvet Falernum and the Brazilian Ballerina with caraway-seed cachaça and lemon soda.

Art Basil Pre-Game
Art Basil may not officially begin until Wednesday but Miami Arts Week kicks off Sunday with the MiMo Art Boulevard Biscayne Art Fest. From noon until 8 p.m., meet, engage and participate with artists and their creative process at stations located between 65th and 77th on Biscayne Boulevard. The festival also includes all-day music, a culinary station and an opportunity to explore the neighborhood's rich history with a guided walking tour. Stop by convenient watering holes like Red Light, Moonchine and Michy's to grab a fresh cocktail or a good glass of wine.

Weeknight Spillover
Gifted Rums cordially invites you to join them for a complimentary Botran Reserva Rum Tasting this Tuesday (Nov. 30th). Between 7 and 9 pm at Big Game Liquors in Coral Gables, sample this Guatemalan rum with 60 years of family experience behind it. With a balance of dried fruit, vanilla cream and warm spices, expect a spirit meant for cocktails and straight sipping. RSVP with Gifted Rums here.

Pouring in soon...
Tuesday December 7th, Morton's on Miami Beach continues its ongoing Brown Bag Evening at 7 p.m. The monthly event is dedicated to sipping, celebrating and learning about wine one varietal at a time through blind tasting with expert sommelier Chad Lipson. For the next event, rsvp early and bring a bottle of syrah/shiraz from any region. Twenty dollars are all you need for a full evening of wine, lite bites and expert knowledge in a warm atmosphere. Call to reserve at 786-454-4022.

Drink, eat, play and just call the damn cab: 305-444-4444

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Digestifs for Thanksgiving Relief

For many of us, Thursday will end with a massive meal followed by long, fitful naps and exhausted stomachs that need days to recover. To counter post-Thanksgiving heaviness, turn to the long-standing tradition of digestifs. Composed of a diverse group of beverages ranging from whiskey to tea, digestifs are imbibed after meals and work to soothe, purify and aid an overworked stomach. So, before dropping off into Thanksgiving comatose, take a sip of one of these to drift off into pleasant dreams.

Applejack
Before there was bourbon, there was applejack, and lots of it. The preferred drink of the Founding Fathers, applejack and its sibling, apple brandy, use hard cider as a base. Underneath a dominant apple perfume, it is slightly sweet and medium-bodied with subtle warm spices that tame an angry stomach. A few varieties exist; however, opt for Laird’s Applejack produced by America’s oldest running distillery for a digestif with the spirit of Thanksgiving built-in. Swing by Total Wine & More or Sunset Corners Fine Wine & Spirits to pick up a bottle for around $22.

Anis del Mono
Under the category of herbal liqueurs is an entire world dedicated to variations of anise. From Greek ouzo to French pastis to Mexican Xtabentún, anise has long been a popular liqueur variation and an international tummy soother. Sambuca may be the best known expression, but its Spanish cousin Anis del Mono features a natural, milder sweetness and a more vibrant liquorice taste for a few dollars less. Widely available in Miami liquor stores, Anis del Mono can be purchased in either a dulce (sweet) for sipping straight or over a few ice cubes or in seco (dry) to round out an espresso.

Harlem Liqueur
Once upon a time before there were frat boys, the German category Kräuterlikör, which includes Jagermeister, was valued for its intense herbal qualities that settled a full stomach. Although not a German liqueur, Harlem is a Dutch relative that offers a far lighter, less cough-syrupy version of this group. Full of orange and cherry notes rounded by a mild spice, Harlem can be chilled and sipped straight or used to replace the sweet vermouth in a Manhattan. Find it at Total Wine & More and ABC Fine Wine & Spirits for around $25.

Averno Amaro
This traditional liqueur is a Sicilian’s go-to source for relief after a heavy meal. Known as a bitter herbal liqueur, Averno is a balance of sweetness and mild herbs that works wonders on an overstuffed stomach. Widely available throughout Miami for about $23, Averno can be sipped straight, although a few cubes of ice help “open” the liqueur. Squeeze in a slice of orange, and let the liqueur work its magic.

Happy Thanksgiving, Cocktailian!

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South Florida Drink Culture Recap

Reviews ruled the roost this week. Pour an afternoon sipper and lean back with informed opinions, a Thanksgiving cocktail and a few good photos.

Although he prefers soda to cocktails, Burger Beast tests out the menu offerings at Coral Gables local watering hole, The Bar.

After sipping liquid inspiration, Live Laugh Snap captures some beautiful images at Fairchild"s Ramble.

The irreverent Boy Writes Miami illustrates the average food, drink and entertainment experience at The Van Dyke Cafe.

Clink! details the Eden's deliciously festival L'Orange Pumpkin Carver.

Soul of Miami walks us through a night at Downtown's Ecco Lounge.

Sunday Night Bonus

The South Florida Beer Blog has the list of local viewing parties for tomorrow night's premiere of the highly anticipated Brew Masters.

Drink Lovers' Options in Downtown Miami

Over the course of the weekend, many of us will be found browsing through books at the MDC Wolfson Campus in Downtown Miami. The culminating event of The 27th Annual Miami Book Fair, the Street Fair runs this weekend from Friday, November 19th to Sunday, November 21st.

Strolling around the fair's many stalls filled with publishers large and small gives way to lingering in Downtown for good drinks and great food over which all things literary can be discussed. Filled with hidden gems and hit-and-miss hours of operation, Downtown is a district best mapped out in advance so that one can separate the diamonds from the rough. To cut out time spent hunting, here are a few drink options to satisfy your epicurean tastes during the literary weekend.

Sip your pisco and eat it too

Winner of the Ceviche Throwdown, CVI.CHE 105 is conveniently located just a few blocks from the fair and is open everyday until 11 p.m (save Sunday when they wrap up at 9 p.m.) Focused on authentic Peruvian food, CVI.CHE 105 offers quiet, modern ambiance for bookworms in need of an authentic pisco sour and a transporting dining experience. Expect to find pisco in uncommon places. Dishes, such as the cream "pisco" ceviche, expertly incorporate the iconic Peruvian spirit in creative and delicious ways. From the fair, head just a few block away to 105 NE 3rd Ave.

Drink in artinsinal ambiance

Soya e Pomodoro at 120 NE 1st St balances homey mom-and-pop comfort with beautiful old-world ambiance. For those on the prowl for a palpable artisan feel, this is a fitting spot for a pre- or post-fair bite complete with a restorative glass of wine and an atmosphere that beckons to book lovers. Just be certain to mind the time. Friday you can catch them for lunch until 4:30 p.m. For dinner, head over on Friday or Saturday from 7 p.m.-11:30 p.m.

On the move to The DRB
Okay, this one requires getting on the Metromover's Omni Loop, but the short ride is well worth the trip. With over 500 beers from every people-populated continent, The DRB is a haven for beer lovers. The beer selection is matched by plenty of entree options and an appetizer menu featuring international appetizer staples such as hummus, tacos, sliders and tostones. Once on the ground at the Adrienne Arsht Metro Station, you'll find The DRB down the block and around the corner at 255 N.E. 14th St.

Enjoy the view

Overlooking Brickell, Area 31 on the 16th Floor of the Epic Hotel offers multiple drinking and dining experinces. Go laid-back and causal at the pool bar, or, if you leave the fair ready for an evening out, head to the outdoor terrace bar for a luxury view. Open until 1 a.m on Friday and Saturday (11 p.m. on Sunday), you have plenty of time to sit back with a few good drinks. Friday, catch them between 5 p.m. and 10 p.m. when cocktails like the 31 Manhattan, featuring Pampero Rum with a dash of maple syrup, run for $5. Head to 270 Biscayne Boulevard Way on foot or catch the mover to the James. L. Knight Center if you're loaded down with fresh reads.

Cheers, Cocktailian!

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Hello to all. This is a simple test to get a feel for the site. Articles posted by Cocktail Mia will be published here first before being repurposed to Examiner.com. This is only a temporary site that will be in effect until January 1, 2011, when the Year of the Cocktailian kicks off at the permanent site. In the meantime, we hope you enjoy these articles. Feel free to get connected with Cocktail Mia at the website, twitter or via email: contact@cocktailmia.com. Cheers to all!