In Memoriam: John Lermayer

Hundreds of John Lermayer’s closest friends and colleagues from around the world celebrated his life at the Miami Beach Botanical Garden. One of them was Gabe Urrutia, who wrote this:

Earlier this month, we lost one of Miami’s cocktail pioneers.  John Lermayer not only brought one of world’s best bars to Miami Beach, he brought a movement. In 2004, John left an established cocktail community to help develop South Florida’s scene. What he did is seen in every cocktail and bar as he brought to the forefront fresh ingredients, classic cocktails and education. When John became bar manager of Florida Room in 2008, he brought world acclaim to our cocktail culture for the first time. John served education as well as cocktails, and made that a priority in each of the bars he managed and owned.  His dedication to the spirits world brought world-famous bartenders and brand ambassadors who helped the cocktail revolution spin into full swing.  In 2017, Sweet Liberty Drinks & Supply Co. garnered numerous awards, including being listed as number 27 in the World’s 50 Best Bars. 

John will be remembered for his hospitality behind the bar, his never-ending search for education, and for being a mentor, a bartender and, most of all, a true friend of the industry.  John will never be forgotten.