Matador Room just launched a brand new cocktail menu inspired by the last six decades of life in Miami Beach. Lead bartender, Kip Byrne, is a Miami native whose family lived on South Beach for as long as he can remember. In honor of Kip’s return to his roots, he’s created 11 new cocktails, each with a unique Miami twist.
There’s the French 305, a take on the classic French 75, made with Bombay Sapphire, St~Germain, sauvignon blanc, lemon, grapefruit soda, and a bit of Key lime. It’s light and refreshing, definitely a patio pounder kind of drink that’s perfect for the eternal days of summer in Miami.
It wouldn’t be a true Miami menu without a rum punch. The Ms. Clair Voyant is made with Banks 7 Rum, overproof rum, apple brandy, cognac, green tea, pineapple, pink lemon, orange, milk, aromatic spices that’s then clarified to create a smooth, easy-drinking punch with a single ice cube featuring a fresh flower inside for that little pop of color. Ms. Clair Voyant is a fortune-telling gypsy that’s been roaming Miami Beach since the 1960s.
Those who prefer to drink their dessert will love the Better Than Joe’s, a delicious twist on a pisco sour, featuring La Caraveda pisco, key lime sherbert, vanilla mascarpone, egg white, and lime zest. Made to mimic the infamous key lime pie at Joe’s Stone Crab, this cocktail is light, creamy, and maybe even better than Joe’s.
For the imbiber looking to perk up, the Stay Woke is just what the doctor ordered. Made with Havana Club Añejo, St. George Coffee cold brew, cardamom demerara, toasted peanut, banana foam, nutmeg, house made chocolate bar — Kip says:
“Late rising or post-disco nap, this delightful kick in the culo will elevate and motivate.”
The Health Nut is Kip’s take on a margarita that’s made with Don Julio Blanco, Campari, watermelon, lime, pistachio foam, and black sea salt. The pistachio foam is made in-house and adds an extra bright touch that balances the bitter notes of the Campari, while the watermelon keeps the cocktail fresh.
Other cocktails include the Sundial Martini, Chairman of the Board (a Manhattan inspired cocktail), The Castaway (Kip’s take on a Negroni), The Local GT (a gin & tonic with a kumquat surprise), Fresh Gesture (a mezcal Paloma), and House of Friends (made with Casamigos Reposado).
Until you can imbibe all these for yourself, check out the pictures below.
