Quick Drinks: Gin Cocktails
We normally run a monthly column here called Quick Bites. However, now that Dry January is over, we thought we’d whet your whistle with a quick look at drinks – in this case, the booze that brought down the British Empire. Or did it save it? Here are some local variations on gin for you to decide.
BAIRES
The Temptation Spritz is one of our favorite cocktails, perhaps because it’s made with gin from a local company: Tempt. In this spritz, the citrus-flavored gin combines with tonic and grapefruit, which activates the liquor to bring out its strong flavors. A dash of Chinola passion fruit liqueur for extra fruitiness and a garnish of rosemary for smell (smell is 80 percent of taste!), and you get the perfect locally made gin cocktail.
180 Aragon Ave
bairesgrill.com
CEBADA
The Found Myself a Cheerleader cocktail at Cebada is meant to be a frozen drink, but it’s also just fine over ice. The beautiful pink ombre color comes from watermelon, which is the prominent flavor here, but with lemon, ginger beer, and Italicus liqueur, there’s plenty of sharp citrus as well. Italicus, a type of aperitivo, has a distinct bergamot taste. Finished with Hendrick’s gin, this is a sour zip of a drink softened only by watermelon.
124 Giralda Ave (second floor)
cebadarooftop.com
BULLA
Bulla’s take on the classic Tom Collins recipe, the Lemongrass Collins, takes Puerto de Indias citrus gin and adds a healthy dose of lemongrass syrup. To balance it, they add some elderflower for a fruit-forward, floral finish, and then top everything off with a sprig of rosemary and some cucumbers. The most refreshing drink on the menu for sure, and perfect for hot summer months.
2500 Ponce de Leon
bullagastrobar.com
LUCA OSTERIA
With an entire dedicated list of negronis at Luca Osteria, there’s no shortage of gin drinks here. We love the classic Negroni Sour for its simple beauty and elegant flavoring. No surprises here: just take Campari, vermouth, Bombay gin, and add a bit of citrus. In our opinion, a perfect negroni doesn’t need to be dressed up.
116 Giralda Ave
lucamiami.com
AMERICANA KITCHEN
The bar menu at Americana Kitchen is dominated by classic cocktails and one of the best is the gimlet, a slightly elevated take on the traditional drink. Made with the usual Hendrick’s gin and lime cordial, Americana takes the libation a step further, adding cardamom tincture and cucumber. The cardamom and lime combination is almost overpowering, giving the drink a uniquely bold and almost spicy flavoring that you’ll either love or hate.
2950 Coconut Grove Dr. (Loews Coral Gables Hotel)
americanakitchen.com