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The Best Cocktails to Try in Miami and Fort Lauderdale

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Every season is cocktail season. But after the heat and drama of this summer, there has never been a better time to sip something refreshing in Miami-Fort Lauderdale. This city has a drink to fit every taste and every budget, from breezy tropical classics to intriguing new creations you can only find here.

The same could be said for the atmosphere. There’s simply nothing like sampling a mezze platter on Biscayne Bay, or taking in the sight of the marina with your martini — which is why the 15 top cocktail spots ahead include quite a few options with killer views.

Read on for the best ways to delight your senses and make your worries disappear. We can all toast to that.

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Joia Beach

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On an island in Biscayne Bay, this Mediterranean-inspired restaurant and beach club offers a taste of the private-island life just a heartbeat away from South Beach. At Joia Beach, you can reserve a blissful spot by the water or make an event of a rustic yet opulent meal. Start your night off with a Turkish octopus appetizer and La Blanca, a frozen rosé drink with GREY GOOSE vodka. For the main event, order lamb chops with oyster mushrooms or go all out with the $180 tomahawk steak.

Hyatt Centric Las Olas Fort Lauderdale

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Before dashing down to Miami proper, pop into Fort Lauderdale for a visit to the pair of bars at Hyatt Centric Las Olas. The Harborwood Bar at street level opens onto bustling Las Olas Boulevard. Harborwood prides itself on mixologist-crafted cocktails with bold flavors and sustainable, local ingredients, like the Kiwi Be Friends? cocktail, which features a mix of GREY GOOSE Vodka, ST~GERMAIN, kiwi, lemon grass, coconut water and fresh lemon juice. After your meal at Harborwood Bar, take the elevator into the sky for a stop at the Hyatt’s second bar, ELEV8 Pool Bar, where you can sip cocktails by the pool and gaze out into the sunset over downtown Fort Lauderdale.

Boatyard

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Off the Stranahan River near Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, you’ll find a waterside restaurant that’s perfect for watching yachts cruise by on the water. Situated by Lauderdale Harbor, the aptly named Boatyard offers a relaxed yet upscale island atmosphere with views of the marina and fresh ocean breezes. Start your meal off with some creamy oysters Rockefeller, then dig into a hearty wood-fired New York Strip for your main course. The perfect cocktail pairing for this classic meal is the fun and fruity Ship-Faced Shelly, a blend of GREY GOOSE homemade lemonade, fresh strawberries and cucumber which you can order by the pitcher for your table.

Redfish by Chef Adrianne

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Almost three years after damage from Hurricane Irma forced the restaurant to close, Redfish made its triumphant return in December 2019 under the direction of chef Adrianne Calvo. Now the restaurant is open for business and offering up some of Miami’s best seafood, from oysters at the rawbar to Florida lobsters caught fresh in the Keys—not to mention gorgeous views of Biscayne Bay from their cabanas and rooftop deck. Order a sampling of seafood and a New White Russian cocktail with its generous GREY GOOSE pour as a boozy dessert.

Big City Tavern

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Another Las Olas staple, Big City Tavern in Fort Lauderdale serves up classic American cuisine, craft beer and cocktails in a folksy setting that’s equally as cool. While you’re at Big City Tavern having a good time with friends and people watching, snag a juicy burger or a pan-roasted pork chop. Pair those homestyle flavors with a refreshing cocktail. We recommend the Swimming Pool with GREY GOOSE L’Orange Vodka, muddled strawberries and fresh-squeezed lemon and lime juices. Pool floats not included.

Sparrow

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Another bar with some epic views, Sparrow brings mid-century picnic kitsch to the sky over Fort Lauderdale. With views of the city all the way down to the shore, Sparrow’s perch atop The Dalmar Hotel offers an adventurous getaway you won’t soon forget. Order some of their Asia-inspired finger foods to share, such as the edamame dumplings and the decadent lobster maki roll. Pair that with a creative cocktail called an A1A, a fusion of PATRÓN Reposado, Lustau Sherry, celery and lime juice.

Just opened this year, Leku puts Basque cuisine front and center. Basque Country is an autonomous community in northern Spain’s Pyrenees Mountains, with its own distinct language and culture, and you can taste the best of it in Leku’s wild mushroom paella or squid in squid ink orzo. Add some spice to your meal with a Gazpacho Bloody Mary mixed with GREY GOOSE vodka.

Black Point Ocean Grill

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Nestled in the mangroves with a patio overlooking Miami’s Black Point Park and Marina, Black Point Ocean Grill in Homestead feels like a tropical outpost far from the rest of civilization. On the tiki-themed outdoor deck, you’ll rub shoulders with a chill local crowd. Order some of the popular smoked fish dip to start then a thick Black Point Burger. You can’t go wrong with a classic BACARDÍ and Coke for your drink.

Back Door Monkey

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While you’re in Miami, venture over to fashionable Wynwood district for plenty of art, the city’s hippest party scene, and inventive new restaurants like Back Door Monkey, a hotspot for Asian fusion flavors and imaginative cocktails, surrounded by swanky neon-light art and decor. Go cold with chilled crudo or maki, or order a hot meal like Angry Curry Chicken or Prawn Lo Mein Noodles. Why not both? Whichever you choose, a refreshing cocktail will bring out your food’s complex flavors. Try a Noise Ordinance, a combination of CAZADORES Blanco tequila, crème de cassis, mango, lime and a hit of wasabi agave. It’ll start your meal off with a bang.

Michael's Genuine Food & Drink

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Locals and tourists alike praise this Design District eatery for its fresh takes on American fusion favorites and serene park-like courtyard. Spend a balmy Miami evening outdoors at Michael’s Genuine with some classic eats that are all flavor and no fuss. Try a housemade pastrami sandwich, a pepperoni pizza or a falafel mezze platter. At Michael’s Genuine, the menu has something for everyone. Match your handheld bites with a cocktail with a kick, the En Fuego, a spicy brew of PATRÓN Silver tequila, watermelon, hibiscus and serrano pepper with a basil-lime salt rim.

Malibu Farm Miami Beach

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This Miami Beach restaurant is the brainchild of model-turned-chef Helene Henderson. As you would expect, it’s just as health-conscious as it is luxurious. Malibu Farm boasts panoramic views of the turquoise blue waters of the Atlantic Ocean and an airy, relaxed beach house vibe. The menu focuses on farm-to-table fare and locally sourced options, from avocado pizza to a seasonal burrata salad. Match that air of simple luxury with a vacation-worthy cocktail, the Frosé All Day, an icy blend of GREY GOOSE, rosé wine, peach, pear and citrus.

Yard House

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At this sophisticated sports bar, you can order more beers than you’ve ever heard of, gastropub fare like fried cheese curds, truffle fries, pizza, tacos, steak, seafood — and any other comfort food you could possibly want. Mix in a fun crowd and large-screen TVs, and you have your new home away from home for game day or any day. Add some zest to whatever day with a GREY GOOSE Strawberry Mule cocktail, a spicy-sweet elixir of GREY GOOSE vodka, macerated fresh strawberries, ginger beer, lime and mint.

Morton's The Steakhouse

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When it’s time to partake in the modern American tradition of steak, head over to Morton’s Steakhouse in Coral Gables and order the manliest steak on the menu, the 42 oz Prime Porterhouse, more than two pounds of all-American beef. You’ll need an equally classic beverage to match that mountain of meat, so order a HAVANA CLUB mojito, with muddled mint, sparkling water, lime and HAVANA CLUB Rum.

Hooters

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Wing aficionados swear by the wings here. From their original style that are breaded and fried, to a bacon-wrapped version, it’s a smorgasbord for wing lovers. If wings aren’t your thing, you can find a meal to suit any taste, from salads for the healthy crowd to crab legs for people who like to work for their meals. Walk on the wild side with your drink and order a Hoot 66, a spin on a Brazil 66, an orangey version of Brazil’s national cocktail, the Caipirinha. Make sure to order yours with BACARDÍ Lime.

Bahama Breeze

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If you want something more affordable, check out this Miami location of Bahama Breeze. Order tropical favorites like Jamaican jerk chicken wings, braised oxtail or a black bean stuffed plantain bowl. Make your night a party with a BACARDÍ mojito, the iconic drink that combines BACARDÍ Superior rum, lime, mint leaves, sugar and club soda.

This advertising content was produced in collaboration between Vox Creative and our sponsor, without involvement from Vox Media editorial staff.

Joia Beach

On an island in Biscayne Bay, this Mediterranean-inspired restaurant and beach club offers a taste of the private-island life just a heartbeat away from South Beach. At Joia Beach, you can reserve a blissful spot by the water or make an event of a rustic yet opulent meal. Start your night off with a Turkish octopus appetizer and La Blanca, a frozen rosé drink with GREY GOOSE vodka. For the main event, order lamb chops with oyster mushrooms or go all out with the $180 tomahawk steak.

Hyatt Centric Las Olas Fort Lauderdale

Before dashing down to Miami proper, pop into Fort Lauderdale for a visit to the pair of bars at Hyatt Centric Las Olas. The Harborwood Bar at street level opens onto bustling Las Olas Boulevard. Harborwood prides itself on mixologist-crafted cocktails with bold flavors and sustainable, local ingredients, like the Kiwi Be Friends? cocktail, which features a mix of GREY GOOSE Vodka, ST~GERMAIN, kiwi, lemon grass, coconut water and fresh lemon juice. After your meal at Harborwood Bar, take the elevator into the sky for a stop at the Hyatt’s second bar, ELEV8 Pool Bar, where you can sip cocktails by the pool and gaze out into the sunset over downtown Fort Lauderdale.

Boatyard

Off the Stranahan River near Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, you’ll find a waterside restaurant that’s perfect for watching yachts cruise by on the water. Situated by Lauderdale Harbor, the aptly named Boatyard offers a relaxed yet upscale island atmosphere with views of the marina and fresh ocean breezes. Start your meal off with some creamy oysters Rockefeller, then dig into a hearty wood-fired New York Strip for your main course. The perfect cocktail pairing for this classic meal is the fun and fruity Ship-Faced Shelly, a blend of GREY GOOSE homemade lemonade, fresh strawberries and cucumber which you can order by the pitcher for your table.

Redfish by Chef Adrianne

Almost three years after damage from Hurricane Irma forced the restaurant to close, Redfish made its triumphant return in December 2019 under the direction of chef Adrianne Calvo. Now the restaurant is open for business and offering up some of Miami’s best seafood, from oysters at the rawbar to Florida lobsters caught fresh in the Keys—not to mention gorgeous views of Biscayne Bay from their cabanas and rooftop deck. Order a sampling of seafood and a New White Russian cocktail with its generous GREY GOOSE pour as a boozy dessert.

Big City Tavern

Another Las Olas staple, Big City Tavern in Fort Lauderdale serves up classic American cuisine, craft beer and cocktails in a folksy setting that’s equally as cool. While you’re at Big City Tavern having a good time with friends and people watching, snag a juicy burger or a pan-roasted pork chop. Pair those homestyle flavors with a refreshing cocktail. We recommend the Swimming Pool with GREY GOOSE L’Orange Vodka, muddled strawberries and fresh-squeezed lemon and lime juices. Pool floats not included.

Sparrow

Another bar with some epic views, Sparrow brings mid-century picnic kitsch to the sky over Fort Lauderdale. With views of the city all the way down to the shore, Sparrow’s perch atop The Dalmar Hotel offers an adventurous getaway you won’t soon forget. Order some of their Asia-inspired finger foods to share, such as the edamame dumplings and the decadent lobster maki roll. Pair that with a creative cocktail called an A1A, a fusion of PATRÓN Reposado, Lustau Sherry, celery and lime juice.

Leku

Just opened this year, Leku puts Basque cuisine front and center. Basque Country is an autonomous community in northern Spain’s Pyrenees Mountains, with its own distinct language and culture, and you can taste the best of it in Leku’s wild mushroom paella or squid in squid ink orzo. Add some spice to your meal with a Gazpacho Bloody Mary mixed with GREY GOOSE vodka.

Black Point Ocean Grill

Nestled in the mangroves with a patio overlooking Miami’s Black Point Park and Marina, Black Point Ocean Grill in Homestead feels like a tropical outpost far from the rest of civilization. On the tiki-themed outdoor deck, you’ll rub shoulders with a chill local crowd. Order some of the popular smoked fish dip to start then a thick Black Point Burger. You can’t go wrong with a classic BACARDÍ and Coke for your drink.

Back Door Monkey

While you’re in Miami, venture over to fashionable Wynwood district for plenty of art, the city’s hippest party scene, and inventive new restaurants like Back Door Monkey, a hotspot for Asian fusion flavors and imaginative cocktails, surrounded by swanky neon-light art and decor. Go cold with chilled crudo or maki, or order a hot meal like Angry Curry Chicken or Prawn Lo Mein Noodles. Why not both? Whichever you choose, a refreshing cocktail will bring out your food’s complex flavors. Try a Noise Ordinance, a combination of CAZADORES Blanco tequila, crème de cassis, mango, lime and a hit of wasabi agave. It’ll start your meal off with a bang.

Michael's Genuine Food & Drink

Locals and tourists alike praise this Design District eatery for its fresh takes on American fusion favorites and serene park-like courtyard. Spend a balmy Miami evening outdoors at Michael’s Genuine with some classic eats that are all flavor and no fuss. Try a housemade pastrami sandwich, a pepperoni pizza or a falafel mezze platter. At Michael’s Genuine, the menu has something for everyone. Match your handheld bites with a cocktail with a kick, the En Fuego, a spicy brew of PATRÓN Silver tequila, watermelon, hibiscus and serrano pepper with a basil-lime salt rim.

Malibu Farm Miami Beach

This Miami Beach restaurant is the brainchild of model-turned-chef Helene Henderson. As you would expect, it’s just as health-conscious as it is luxurious. Malibu Farm boasts panoramic views of the turquoise blue waters of the Atlantic Ocean and an airy, relaxed beach house vibe. The menu focuses on farm-to-table fare and locally sourced options, from avocado pizza to a seasonal burrata salad. Match that air of simple luxury with a vacation-worthy cocktail, the Frosé All Day, an icy blend of GREY GOOSE, rosé wine, peach, pear and citrus.

Yard House

At this sophisticated sports bar, you can order more beers than you’ve ever heard of, gastropub fare like fried cheese curds, truffle fries, pizza, tacos, steak, seafood — and any other comfort food you could possibly want. Mix in a fun crowd and large-screen TVs, and you have your new home away from home for game day or any day. Add some zest to whatever day with a GREY GOOSE Strawberry Mule cocktail, a spicy-sweet elixir of GREY GOOSE vodka, macerated fresh strawberries, ginger beer, lime and mint.

Morton's The Steakhouse

When it’s time to partake in the modern American tradition of steak, head over to Morton’s Steakhouse in Coral Gables and order the manliest steak on the menu, the 42 oz Prime Porterhouse, more than two pounds of all-American beef. You’ll need an equally classic beverage to match that mountain of meat, so order a HAVANA CLUB mojito, with muddled mint, sparkling water, lime and HAVANA CLUB Rum.

Hooters

Wing aficionados swear by the wings here. From their original style that are breaded and fried, to a bacon-wrapped version, it’s a smorgasbord for wing lovers. If wings aren’t your thing, you can find a meal to suit any taste, from salads for the healthy crowd to crab legs for people who like to work for their meals. Walk on the wild side with your drink and order a Hoot 66, a spin on a Brazil 66, an orangey version of Brazil’s national cocktail, the Caipirinha. Make sure to order yours with BACARDÍ Lime.

Bahama Breeze

If you want something more affordable, check out this Miami location of Bahama Breeze. Order tropical favorites like Jamaican jerk chicken wings, braised oxtail or a black bean stuffed plantain bowl. Make your night a party with a BACARDÍ mojito, the iconic drink that combines BACARDÍ Superior rum, lime, mint leaves, sugar and club soda.

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