8 minute read
Great escapes
Cafe La Trova, Miami
This cocktail bar located in Miami’s vibrant Little Havana neighbourhood is as close to drinking in Cuba as you can get without actually being there. Cocktails are served by traditional Cantineros – a rigorously trained breed of Cuban bartender, of which there are just over 1,200 remaining in the world, and about 100 of them work in the US. It makes each Daiquiri, Mojito and any of the other 200-plus Cuban classic cocktails that they have memorised that more special.
Advertisement
On nights where there’s live music, the talented Cantineros trade their cobbler shakers for instruments, pretending to play along as they shimmy and step in unison, demonstrating to guests that they’re more than bartenders: they’re entertainers. In 2020, Cafe La Trova was awarded Best American Bar Team at the bar industry’s illustrious Spirited Awards, in addition to being ranked 28th in The World’s 50 Best Bars 2021 – a testament to not only the exquisite Cuban cocktails served, but the experience curated at the bar, led by the charismatic Cantineros. For imbibers who love cultural drinking experiences, look no further. cafelatrova.com
Avecita and the beverage programmes at the Kimpton Seafire Resort + Spa aren’t what you’d typically find at your average Caribbean resort – there are no saccharine serves here.
GREAT ESCAPES
The hottest holiday destinations don’t always offer the coolest drinks spots – unless you know where to look says Tyler Zielinski
Above: Not your average Caribbean resort, Avecita at Kimpton Seafire Resort + Spa; Below: Julio Cabrera (centre) and fellow charismatic Cantineros at Cafe La Trova in Miami
At Avecita, expect the most flavourful and freshest of juices – all of which are prepared daily, some from fruit that actually grows on the property – and cocktails that strike the perfect balance of approachable and contemplative.
The Escape (If You Like Piña Coladas) – a Ramos Gin Fizzstyle take on the Champagne Piña Colada that marries rums, coconut, fresh pineapple and bubbly – is an elevated take on the cult favourite tropical classic that exemplifies what the bar programme is all about. If you’re lucky enough to experience a sunset at Avecita, then you’ll know there are few better places in the world to drink during golden hour. The nautically designed bar’s floor-to-ceiling glass walls allow the space to be enveloped by a copper-gold sheen that, we say, pairs perfectly with the Escape. In tandem, the experience is a feel-good overload; no wonder nobody ever wants to leave. averestaurant.com
El Patio at Marbella Club, Marbella
El Patio is an all-day, indooroutdoor Mediterranean dining and drinking option located at the heart of the illustrious
MIAMI
Sweet Liberty
With Naren Young formerly of Dante in New York taking on the baton of his great friend, the late, muchloved and lauded beverage director John Lermayer, you’re guaranteed great drinks and tip-top hospitality. Its tagline ‘Enjoyed by tourists, loved by locals’ tells you everything you need to know. The food is American – no-nonsense and comforting while the cocktail list runs from Martinis to New Skool, Spritzes to Highballs and has a section dedicated to Lermayer, called John’s Legacy First. mysweetliberty.com
Broken Shaker
There’s a reason why Broken Shaker is regarded as the coolest backyard in Miami – it is. Just fiveminutes walk from Miami Beach, this incredibly hippy-chic outdoor terrace is bursting with colour and energy – think of it as the ultimate garden party. There’s a pool, restaurant and two bars with seasonal cocktails made from herbs picked from the garden. freehandhotels.com/ miami/broken-shaker
Left: Instantly calming, gloriously inviting El Patio, Marbella
Marbella Club – the luxury hotel that is the bedrock of modern Marbella as we know it. In the botanical-filled sheltered garden, cocktail lovers can satisfy their hunger with some exceptional tapas-style bites – the wood-fired pizzas are particularly delightful to share while tippling – and impeccably balanced cocktails designed by head mixologist Nelson Gallo, all of which are there to satiate your thirst and spark your curiosity.
The Traveller Paradise – a blend of Irish whiskey, lemon juice, Galliano, sumac cordial and za’atar tincture – demonstrates the bar’s ability to create simple, classic-driven serves to near perfection. Follow up with an Alfonso Meets Frida, a corn cordial-laced mezcal Margarita served in a unique rocks glass that tapers at the rim; it’s so spot-on that it’s difficult not to order a second. Once you’ve had your fill, meander through the lush gardens down to the beach and get your Instagrammable moment on the Marbella Club pier – one of the only remaining piers left in the area; we promise it’s worth it. marbellaclub.com
SantAnna, Mykonos
SantAnna offers guests all of the luxurious pleasures of a fullservice beach resort, beachside cabanas and all, except there’s no hotel; guests simply get to play all day, without the stay. (Very Mykonos indeed). There are three bars on the property, which means that there’s no shortage of drinking options, but all of the bars serve similar drinks so it’s just a matter of where you’d like to enjoy them. While sitting at the stylish outdoor restaurant is nice, ordering some cocktails while on the cabanas or deluxe sunbeds set along the golden sands and calming beachfront is absolutely the move.
At most of these types of trendy holiday spots, the drinks are often overpriced and not up to par; but while the cocktails may still be pricey, that’s not the case here. At SantAnna, the cocktails are properly done. The Roxanne – a shaken mixture of the Greek Axia Mastiha, Gin Mare, tamarind liqueur, lime and almond – is bright and nutty with a warm salinity that could satisfy any Gimlet drinker (although it’s more akin to an Army & Navy). And, with music headliners such as Tyga and Jason Derulo performing at this fashionable venue during the summer, we’d say that it’s worth the splurge. santannamykonos.com
The Beach Caves at Six Senses Resort, Ibiza
Located on the oceanfront
IBIZA
Bar 1805
When French bartender Charles Vexenat had enough of mixing up great drinks on the London bar scene, he found his dream spot in Ibiza. Those in the know seek out his Club 1805 for its deliciously chilled party vibes – not like the rest of the island, this has a more neighbourhood feel about it. Absinthe is the star here: try Charles’ famous Green Beast cocktail and don’t leave without feasting on the moules frites. bar1805ibiza.com
Chidas Bar + Cantina
Chidas is all about honest-to-goodness Mexican street food and where there’s authentic, locally sourced tacos and ceviches, great mezcal and tequila are never far behind. The fun, funky and friendly set-up includes a dedicated agave bar, which is the perfect place to quaff on the offerings from Andreas Tsanos, Salvatore D’amico and Julien Beceren. Cocktails range from the classics to their signature Micheladas, along with fermented tepaches and daily aguas frescas. chidasbarandcantina. com
Left: Luxxing out at SantAnna, Mykonos and overlooking the scenic Xarraca Bay, The Beach Caves is one of the newest and most sophisticated destinations to drink and party at in Ibiza. While guests can play in the Xarraca Room live music venue or stateof-the-art recording studio, it’s at The Bar and on the terrace where the brilliance happens.
The beverage programme, which has been guided by exNoMad London bar manager Davide Segat, celebrates local produce while marrying it with flavours and spirits from Latin America. The Carnaval – a grassy and green Margarita-style drink that balances Brazilian cachaça with padrón pepper, lemon, lime, salt and agave – is both elegant and simple, appealing to the wide range of guests one could expect at a hot Ibizan destination. It’s well-executed cocktails such as the Carnaval, paired with the stunning views, that make The Beach Caves the serious vibe that it is. thebeachcavesibiza.com
BANGKOK
Tropic City
Things to know about Tropic City: a) it’s a tiki-tastic cocktail bar; b) the team have won a slew of awards, including Hospitality Team of the Year, Bar of the Year and Best Bar in Charoen Krung & China Town and its currently number 17 on Asia’s 50 Best Bars list; c) bar manager Arron Grendon was Chivas Masters Global Champion in 2018. Dreamed up by Swedes Philip Stefanescu and Sebastian De La Cruz, it’s the toast of Bangkok’s bar scene. tropiccitybkk.com
Left: The Beach Caves, Ibiza; Below: One of the delightful drinks on the menu at The Beach Caves; Bottom right: Low-key elegance at Burnt Orange, Brighton
Burnt Orange, Brighton
As much as the Mediterraneaninfluenced Burnt Orange is touted for its Bib Gourmandrecognised cuisine and music programme curated by legendary DJ Fatboy Slim, the all-day destination can also mix a fine cocktail – fine enough that you could easily have a late boozy lunch transform into dinner after a few Burnt Orange Martinis.
Situated within a 16thcentury former coach house, and set close to Brighton’s seafront and the historic Brighton Lanes, Burnt Orange offers guests the opportunity to drink and dine indoors, or, where we recommend, outside in the intimate greenery-filled courtyard. To really channel those holiday feels, the El Toro – a mix of Cazcabel Blanco Tequila, hibiscus syrup, apricot liqueur and lime juice – is the colourful and crushable Margarita that will get the job done. It’s an easy place to spend the day; and that’d be a day wellspent, we must say. burnt-orange.co.uk
MARGATE
Little Swift
Enter from the seafront and you’re straight into the bar, walk in from the High Street and it’s all deli delights and a side order of vinyl. Which means whether you want to stock up on the carefully curated selection of craft beers, natural wines, seasonal cocktails and charcuterie to take away to savour on the beach, or prefer to soak up the atmos (and art) in situ, you’re catered for. facebook.com/ littleswiftct9
DIGESTIF
TIME TO SIP, SAVOUR AND CONTEMPLATE
IN THIS ISSUE
Being inspired by the freshthinking bars working closely with farms; learning how to make the perfect punch; picking out three spots to drink and dine alfresco in London and, ahem, a cocktail with The Queen
p. 62
International
Wind down with a Rabarbra (Rhubarb) Spritz at Svanen, one of our favourite bars on our recent visit to Oslo
