Summer Cocktails, Fresh from the Farm

With summer months upon us, we expect plenty of humidity and lots of rain, and cool summer cocktails made by some of the best bars in South Florida.

As temperatures reach an average of 84 degrees and humidity upwards of 74 percent, it’s time to search for local ingredients to bring these refreshing libations to life. At Ariete in Coconut Grove, they’re sourcing their guava from the Redland through PG Tropicals to create the Ariete Daiquiri. The handpicked guava at Guavonia Guava Grove is a perfect match to this refreshing and perfectly balanced daiquiri.  Casa Florida, one of Miami’s popular bars off the Miami River, has also used the Redland Guava as well as locally sourced mint for a different take on their mojito.

Local Love 

Bartenders are turning to local farmers and growers for inspiration and freshest fruit and herbs to bring to life farm-to-table cocktails at their bars. At The Anderson Bar, on 79th Street just east of Biscayne Boulevard, the team uses oranges and basil to create the cocktail, “On A Mission from Elad.” Vodka and melon liqueur is mixed with fresh basil and house-squeezed orange juice, then topped with Campari to create a delectable citrus cocktail.  

At Eden Roc’s new Malibu Farm, they search for organic and locally sourced whenever possible. These guidelines also translate to the bar where the cocktail Watermelon, uses a cucumber-infused vodka, local watermelon that is cold-pressed with homegrown basil.  

One interesting ingredient you don’t see often in cocktails is local snap peas. They’re found in Matador Bar’s “Hey Sweet Pea” along with Pisco, gin, Suze, Pernod Absinthe and local cilantro, for a shaken, vegetal drink akin to sipping a savory salad.

Garden-to-glass 

Bartenders have gone above and beyond to continue to bring local ingredients to the forefront of their cocktail menus. Spirit brands have also taken noticed. Casa Noble Tequila recently took bartenders to local nurseries to see fresh fruit and talk about the importance of harnessing the flavors of local ingredients. The local bartender’s guild has also gotten into the act, organizing presentations on local ingredients and sustainability. Casa Florida is also hosting upcoming bartenders to feature local ingredients and Wynwood Yard’s Charcoal Garden Bar + Grill will be hosting “Cocktail in the Garden” where director of community and culinary chef Julie Frans will take guests through a tour of their urban organic garden while they sip on cocktails made with ingredients on property. The team will also demonstrate how to use fresh-picked herbs and edible flowers to create eye-catching cocktails.

See you at the local farmers market!