Back of the House Holiday Cocktail Celebration with Gabe Urrutia

Tonight’s three cocktails span much of the mixologist’s art, with a classic not often tasted these days, a new cocktail that no one has tasted before, and a fun punch you can make in a batch for holiday entertaining, no matter how large or small your group may be.

CLASSIC COCKTAIL:

The Southside Cocktail could also be the South Side cocktail – whether you believe it had its Prohibition Era origins on Chicago’s South Side, or at the Southside Sportsmen’s Club on Long Island. Either way, it’s a refreshing combination of classic elements: citrus (lemon), sweet (simple syrup), bitter (mint if we stretch a bit) and a spirit (gin). Gabe can share some great stories about classic cocktails as he teaches us how to build this drink reminiscent of a mojito.

GABE’S SPECIAL COCKTAIL:

Winter on the Miami River is Gabe’s creation for our Back of the House bar, and just like winter in Miami, it’s simultaneously a little autumnal and a bit warming with a high‐end whisky (Aberfeldy Single Malt Scotch, the base whisky of Dewar’s blended Scotch), a hint of spice with a pepper liqueur, a bit of zippy tropicality with passion fruit juice, a touch of sweetness from local South Florida honey and a frothy topping of ginger beer. It comes at you in layers, just like winter in Miami.

WINTER/HOLIDAY PUNCH:

Calle Ocho Punch takes its cue from Miami’s iconic Little Havana as it builds on South Florida traditions – three kinds of tropical fruit (lime, guava and pineapple), two kinds of rum (Bacardi Silver and Bacardi Dark), a bit of spice, a leafy hint of mint and enough flavor to carry your holidays in fine fashion. You can make a batch of this punch and start your own party of six people, or satisfy four (or even two) very thirsty drinkers – it’s your holiday to celebrate however you want!