In Miami, it's summer cocktail weather year-round. To get you inspired for happy hour outdoors, we talked to our Soho Beach House Miami Beverage Manager, Rick Nani, about his favourite flavours and the perfect warm weather drink.
What makes a great warm weather cocktail?
'In my humble opinion, a summer cocktail needs to be light, fresh and crisp with lots of flavour. Our own Eastern Standard is a great example.'
What are your favourite summer cocktails at the Houses and why?
'For me, the most summery cocktail ever is a Mojito - maybe it's the Miami in me. I love the Eastern Standard, and I'm also a huge fan of our Island Negroni and Spiced Lemon Spritz - or any spritz for that matter. These are all very light and tasty cocktails that you can drink all day.'
What key ingredients do you like to have on your bar cart for summer?
'Believe it or not, the most important ingredient for me is the garnish, especially a zest of some sort. It really brings out everything in the cocktail, and gives you that extra sense of flavour on the nose. Fresh clipped mint, orange, lemon or grapefruit zest will complement any summer cocktail.'
Which flavours represent summer for you in a cocktail?
'Mango and passion fruit. Anything fruity, really, but those are my two favourites. Lychee is also a good choice.'
Looking for a soundtrack for your next outdoor gathering? Check out our Summer of Love playlist here.
Island Negroni
Ingredients
1oz Banks 5 Island Rum
.75oz Cocchi Rosa
.5oz Lady A Rosé
.25oz Campari
Method
Combine all the ingredients, plus a large ice cube, in a rocks glass and stir gently before serving. Garnish with a slice of orange or grapefruit.
Spiced Lemon Spritz
Ingredients
1.75oz Amass vodka
.5oz St. George Spiced Pear Liqueur
.75oz lemon juice
Top with East Imperial ginger soda
Method
Build the cocktail in a tin, then shake and strain. Serve in a wine glass and garnish with a mint sprig.
