MiAMI

Miami-bound? Here are five of the top bars well worth making a beeline for

There’s a saying coined by Sweet Liberty former creative beverage director, the late, much-respected John Lermayer that’s still very much at the heart and soul of this revered hotspot: Pursue Happiness. It’s there in the bones of the place and if for some bizarre reason you don’t feel it in the ultra-relaxed, super-friendly vibe, the words are writ large in glorious pink neon. The philosophy also makes its way into the cocktails, now under the creative direction of Naren Young. Our picks include John’s Strawberry Daiquiri and a contender for our favourite Martini EVER, The Spaniard. mysweetliberty.com

Don’t you just love the name: Medium Cool? Not super cool, or even cool – just a very understated, tonguein-cheek ‘medium cool’, just like the movie. The latest venture from the Sweet Liberty crew had just opened when we visited but it already felt bedded in. Bop along to the feel-good, unashamedly poppy soundtrack as you sip on the fabulous drinks. Everyone’s a winner but we loved the Piña Colada Daiquiri, House Martini and clever range of Shots For The People – mini cocktails created for shooting. @mediumcoolmiami

Beverage

“My favourite cocktail hack is what I call a split base. For any sour, take your favourite ingredient –bourbon, rum or gin – and instead of using the full pour, cut it in half and substitute it out with either fino or amontillado sherry, or even vermouth. Depending on the recipe, I usually use a little less citrus with the sherries and less sugar with the vermouth. Split bases create a more complex drink and save you lots of money with your base ingredients.”

For more cocktail hacks from industry experts, tune into The Cocktail Lovers podcast via the QR code below