The center of Miami is a hectic part of town. The point where Coral Gables meets Doral and the airport area is a location many Miamians finds themselves regularly. Although so many of us wind up here, so few of us know much about this area, what it holds and where we can go to unwind.
Located in the string of hotels in the airport area, Le Bar at Hotel Sofitel Miami offers a resting place from the noise, heat and traffic outside. Consider it a drink lover's calm in the center of the storm. Some other places focus on appearing chic but fall short of living up to their look. Although the decor is slightly subdued compared to the ultra-modern appearance of many Miami lounges, Le Bar offers high-end drinks and professional, warm service that is more akin to pampering than order-taking.
The cocktail list thoughtfully opens with a page of classic Miami cocktails like the mojito, the pisco sour and a fantastic mango interpretation of the caipiroska. While, for locals, these are the standards we know and love, it is important to note that Le Bar is introducing outsiders to the true Miami cocktail classics. While some locations tote neon-colored, "tropical" cocktails that no proper Miamian would recognize, let alone drink, Le Bar's cocktail list reflects the diverse influences that make up our food and drink culture.
Priding themselves on incorporating new spirits and ingredients, their specialty list holds some unique gems, like the Four Aces. An original, fresh take on muddled drinks, this cocktail adds vodka and Domaine de Canton (a ginger liqueur with a cognac base) to muddled basil and grapes, producing a light, subtly sweet cocktail that celebrates the flavors of early harvest season.
With new happy hour specials in place, Le Bar offers its high-end drinks, French flair and after-hours pampering at very good values. Every night features a different special. Highlights include 2-for-1 champagne by the glass (including Perrier-Jouët) on Mondays and $4 tequila shots, which accompany $8 margaritas, on Thursdays.
For curious cocktailians who venture into wine, Sofitel's monthly wine dinners are an opportunity to expand your drink knowledge. While some wine dinners form an uncomfortable divide between novices and aficionados, Sofitel offers an inviting and entertaining evening with a warm atmosphere and superb food. The next wine dinner will pair Haute cuisine and rosé champagne for $62 on September 23rd.
Le Bar at Sofitel is located on 5800 Blue Lagoon Drive.
À votre santé, Cocktailian!
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Disclosure: The Examiner was invited to experience cocktails at Le Bar. All products and places are reviewed with professional objectivity regardless of the means of procurement.
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