
WHY IS A LIQUOR INVENTORY COMPANY DOING THIS?
Because we need an excuse to drink on someone else’s tab…no, no, just kidding, puhlease, crass is not in the Austrian DNA. No, because we have a devout sense of civic duty, of serving the common good of our fellow citizens. We at Suxessbar Systems are in the business of serving that most noble of industry, the bar industry. Visiting potential bar clients, we sidle up to the bar, and order a drink (or a round, depending on the amount of Miami traffic and parking hazes we endured to get there) and with drink in hand, deep in analytical thought, we take note of gaping gaps in the procedural processes of their liquor inventory processes. Assessing a prospective bar clients needs has also made us well-suited to assessing the thirst needs of the Miami populace. A parched populace in a metropolis that too often attempts to quench the thirst of its’ thirsty denizens with overpriced, over iced and not fit for even mice concoctions that we dare not even call a cocktail. For if we do misrepresent that holy word by calling an iced water with 2 droplets of alcohol a “cocktail”, the Get Your Drunk On Gods will besmirch this land with a plague of drunk mice that will…umm, lost my train of thought here….ummm…drunk mice…what about drunk mice…I think that bartender has a lead hand?…Actually would be kind of be cute to watch drunk mice…Oh well…
Heroically and selflessly, thus Suxessbar has decided to take it upon itself to venture out into the Miami hinterland, risking life and limb and limb and life to seek the best cocktails in the 305. Every season Suxessbar will thus explore the local cocktail conundrum and present a unique Best Of Series. Enjoy…responsibly, like we do…with a designated driver.
THIS SEASON’S MONSTER – Miami’s Best Vodka Cocktails
Vodka: Some people love it, some people hate it. Those that hate it were probably among the many that had one very memorable evening with it, followed by a very regrettable morning-after. Vodka is made by the distillation of fermented substances (usually carbohydrates that are then converted into alcohols); it is often made of grains, potatoes, or molasses. Vodka was birthed in Europe and is believed to have originated in Russia. Prior to the 1950′s, it was rarely sold outside of Europe. These days it is a top seller. The average vodka contains between 30%-38% alcohol by volume and is sold as clear or flavored. Lucky for us, vodka can be combined in a plethora of different ways to create a number of unique cocktails. Those who are brave and unshaken often enjoy a slither of vodka straight-up.
Bottoms up, baby!
DISCLAIMER: The opinions expressed during these adventures belong solely to those on the panel, they do not reflect the opinions of Suxxessbar as a brand. Furthermore, all content is original and should not be reproduced without the permission of the blog. Please contact info@suxessbar.com if you are interested in reproducing any aspect of the content featured on this blog.
THE RESULTS
Classic Martini @ Bongos
Frodo: "Solid, inoffensive. Yuni works well with what she has. Nothing overpowered, balanced."
The I.T. Guy: "It was a martini stirred, not shaken. Could have used more olive. It was strong though."
Dieter: "Not my taste."
PRICE: $13.00
Floradora 2.0 @ SRA. Martinez
INGREDIENTS: Hangar One Raspberry, Ginger, Lemon Juice, Simple Syrup, Topped with Cava
Dieter: "Little raspberry taste. Sweet in the beginning then it tastes a little bitter. More of a lady's drink."
Gypsy King: "You can taste the touch of herb and the vodka. A man's drink!?"
Snappy: "Weird taste. I don't know what it's trying to be. Very confusing."
Raspberry Sin @ Bleau Bar (Fontainebleau)
Frodo: "Kind of interesting and unexpected. Almost like sour raspberries, not bad or good. Definitely has an aftertaste of raspberries which is good."
Dieter: "Only a little bit of vodka taste. Not too sweet."
Snappy: "Reminds me of apple cider mixed with raspberry white wine. I deserve better."
The Woz: "Tastes like the good old Austrian Himberlaracherl (apparently not a compliment)."
PRICE: $16.00
Shepard Fairey @ Wynwood Kitchen & Bar
INGREDIENTS: Pisco Porton, Aperol, St. Germain, Riesling and Blueberries
Snappy: "What is this? Watery cranberry vodka? Horrible taste."
Dieter: "Smooth taste, not too sweet. Nice looking drink."
Gypsy King: "Looks like it could be a champion but it's not. Vodka can be tasted and isn't bad either. The atmosphere, art, and live band outside give it a special touch!"
PRICE: $12.00
Ryan McGinness @ Wynwood Kitchen & Bar
INGREDIENTS: Death's Door White Whiskey, Sweet Vermouth, Apricot Brandy, Southern Comfort and Lemon Bitters
Snappy: "I can see where this is going with the raspberry-lime juice flavor, but it isn't bringing that sweet combination it has the potential for."
Dieter: "A Little bitter, but fresh. Not much raspberry taste."
Gypsy King: "All the drinks are named by and created by artists. There's a 'touch of raspberry' and you can feel the vodka. Not bad. Looks plain with one little raspberry inside."
PRICE: $12.00
Melon Crush @ SRA. Martinez
INGREDIENTS: Zu Vodka, St. Germain, Compressed Watermelon, Vanilla Syrup and Lemon Juice
Dieter: "Watermelon taste. Can't taste the vodka. Not a spectacular cocktail."
Gypsy King: "The raspberry and watermelon together make it taste very natural. Doesn't seem like it has any alcohol in it, could be dangerous!"
Snappy: "Very easy to drink, smooth and light."
Sex on the Beach @ Bongos
Frodo: "Refreshing. Watermelon is sweet but not too sweet. Yuni the bartender has a nice touch. Drink is not memorable and definitely not offensive."
The I.T. Guy: "Reminiscent of high school punch and vodka. Sugar plus cooled lemonade. : ( "
Dieter: "Not strong. Tastes like water."
Snappy: "Has a fruity, watermelon taste to it. Definitely for my girlfriend."
Basil Grande @ Segafredo’s Originale (Lincoln Rd.)
The I.T. Guy: "Tastes like cough syrup. Gross."
Dieter: "Very neutral. Not sweet or bitter. There's a hint of strawberry."
Snappy: "Distasteful. Not feeling it at all."
Frodo: "Surprisingly nice, not too sweet. Almost a hint of hazelnut, kind of reminded me of a Nutella crepe with strawberries. I tend to like my vodka drinks dirty but I dig the sweetness on this one."
Jalapeño Express @ The Forge
Frodo: "Muddled jalapeno is a nice touch, a bit sour. Cloying but also has a fresh, spicy kick. Satisfying and surprisingly goes well with muddled mint."
Gypsy King: "Not my drink. Almost like a spicy mojito. Well presented nonetheless."
Snappy: " Looks interesting, but fails when it enters your mouth. Leaves an uncomfortable aftertaste."
PRICE: $14.00
La Sandia @ Rosa Mexicano (Lincoln Rd.)
Frodo: "Nice! Refreshing, light. Love the fresh muddled watermelon. The first bartender pretended like we didn't exist even though the place was empty. The second bartender made amends. Rosemary plus watermelon is a great fusion."
The I.T. Guy: "Refreshing change of pace. You can taste the ingredients. Feels like it should be a tequila drink."
Dieter: "You can taste the watermelon but it's not too sweet. Good vodka drink for a tequila bar. Melon was too old."
Snappy: "Feels like it was made in a rush. Watermelon is soggy. Thumbs down!"
PRICE: $10.00
Essence of Cucumber @ The Forge
Frodo: "Well balanced, very refreshing. Light, eminently drinkable. The cucumber taste isn't overdone and the vodka doesn't overpower. Dangerously smooth. You could easily drink four or five and regret it the next day."
The Gypsy King: "Very mild, though you can taste the cucumber. Too expensive to be mild."
Snappy: "Refreshing taste, light and has an aftertaste full of fresh cucumber with a twist of lime."
The Woz: "Tasted like cucumber water with a bitter aftertaste."....ouch!
PRICE: $14.00
Spicy Watermelon Cooler @ Five Napkin Burger
The Woz: "No spice. Cool. Plenty of lemon with a bit of watermelon."
Frodo: "Had a better version at The Forge, only tasted one vodka. But it is the place's first day so give them a break."
Gypsy King: "Bit of lemon and a very little bit of watermelon. Looks interesting but tastes boring."
Snappy: "Off to a good start but the after taste leaves a confusing flavor in your mouth."
PRICE: $11.00
Dragonfly @ Bleau Bar (Fontainebleau)
Dieter: "More like cherry water. No vodka taste at all. Sweet."
The Woz: "Taste of wild cherry. Fruity."
Snappy: "Taste like a souped up Koolaid. Reminds me of my teenage years."
Frodo: "Tasted like grape juice in a carton from the school cafeteria. Bar looks cool as shit though. Best hotel lobby bar scene."
PRICE: $16.00
Cucumber Martini @ Sushi Samba
The I.T. Guy: "Like a pickle that gets you drunk, but also with the same pickle aftertaste. No thanks."
Dieter: "Best cucumber drink I've ever had."
Frodo: "The air outside was thicker than this drink. So revitalizing and fresh. Feel like I just had a good spa day drinking this one. All summer freshness, briny cucumber and ice cold freshness."
PT: "It's got a sharp, sour taste to it. Good, but not my type."
PRICE: $12.00
French Martini @ Smith & Wollensky
Dieter: "Very delicious. Creamy also."
The I.T. Guy: "Best bartender of the night. Frothy, delicious taste. The champagne adds a delicious kick to it."
Frodo: "Gerry is the most reliable bartender in Miami. His drinks are crafted with the skill of Madmen-era bartenders. Texture is nice. Everything is perfectly balanced."
Snappy: "Too strong on the Goose, loosing the flavor that the French are so fond of."
PRICE: $14.00
Siam Square @ Meat Market
Snappy: "Thick, no vodka. Not cool!"
Frodo: " Fresh, berry-like. Tastes like fresh grape juice with a tang of alcohol. Elusive. There's heart behind the concoction just may not be in the right place."
The I.T. Guy: "Tastes like heavy juice with light vodka. Forgettable."
PRICE: $14.00
Black Orchid @ Meat Market
Snappy: "Very fun taste. Not too sweet, not too sour. Strong taste of cranberry and lime."
The I.T. Guy: "Fairly tasty. Forgettable thick cranberry flavor. Get a cranberry and vodka instead."
Frodo: "Sour, tart. Visually beautiful. Makes your lips pucker, just not for a kiss. Quality and texture are there but the taste is elusive."
PRICE: $14.00
Thyme Lemonade @ Five Napkin Burger
Frodo: "Fresh made taste with a hint of gin. Pleasurable in the sense of drinking a lemonade but not exactly a cocktail."
The Woz: "Thyme is the only decoration but it tastes more like raspberry."
Snappy: "The presentation needs help. What it lacks in style it makes up for in taste. Very enjoyable."
PRICE: $10.00
Nirvana @ The Florida Room (Delano Hotel)
INGREDIENTS: Strawberries, Cinnamon, Fresh Lime Juice, Honey, Vodka & Basil
The Woz: "Good taste with all the ingredients, maybe a bit too much cinnamon. First cocktail where you can taste the vodka."
Frodo: "The cinnamon is an awesome inspiration. Tastes like Tuscany and the State Fair thrown in one. Paul is a blue collar cocktail maestro. Delano prices though."
Dieter: "Tastes like bourbon or gin."
Snappy: "Balanced blend of flavors; fresh lime, mint and a pretty garnish."
PRICE: $17.00
Espresso Martini @ Smith & Wollenksy
Dieter: "Coffee taste, very creamy. Can't really taste the vodka."
The I.T. Guy: "I LOVED this one. Right on time. Bartender saw the long night in our faces and delivered the right cocktail."
Frodo: "A classy take on a New York classic. This ain't mixology, this is old school bartending. Espresso rocks it! A lot of sweet ingredients, but again they balance well."
Snappy: "Very creative. Caffeinated martini with an after taste of Baileys."
PRICE: $14.00
Special Apple Ginger Mojito @ Segafredo’s Originale (Lincoln Rd.)
The I.T. Guy: "Sweet. Sugar is a little tart."
Dieter: "Strong apple taste with a slither of ginger at the end. Very good mojito."
Snappy: "Spicy, sweet, very tasteful! Lots of flavors blended well and mixed together for an interesting taste."
Frodo: "Sweet, sweet, sweet Georgia Brown! Got diabetes from drinking this. Interesting combination of flavors but too much sugar gave me a headache and made me forget the other great flavors like the apple, mint, and ginger."
Raspberry Crush @ The Pelican RestCafe
Super Model: "You feel what you get. Very good. One not to walk straight is enough. ; ) "
Dieter: "Fruity but not too sweet. Great taste via the Berry's Russian Standard Vodka."
Snappy: "Amazing drink, well prepared. There's a blast of raspberry flavor and mint. I want another one!" ::smiley face""]
The I.T. Guy: "Igor [the bartender] is the shit. The drink itself was tart and sweet and delicious. Great."
Frodo: "Igor the bartender, his gorgeous girlfriend and Nufa the chihuahua were the best part. They were entertaining and friendly and represent Slovakia well for Miami. Drink was surprisingly fresh, tasty, and farmy."
PRICE: $16.00
THE RUNNER UP: Makata @ Sushi Samba
Frodo: "Walking from the other end of Lincoln Road, I was overstimulated. I was thirsty and grumpy. This drink made everything all right. Sweet and full flavored. Aromatic. Refreshing."
Dieter: "Sweet and refreshing. Sugar on the top tastes very good."
The I.T. Guy: "This was friggin' amazing. Refreshing. Light. Sweet, like a girlfriend who hasn't worn out her welcome."
Snappy: "Delicious, sweet, and light. Very enjoyable and flavorful."
PRICE: $12.00
**THE WINNER: The Mandarin Mule @ The Florida Room (Delano Hotel)**
INGREDIENTS: Vodka, OJ, Fresh Lime, Jamaican Ginger Beer & Crushed Ice
The Woz: "Orange mint taste with a lot of bubbles. Served in a iced cooled metal cup. Bubbly sensation first before the taste kicks in."
Snappy: "This drink looks like it's got sushi as a garnish. Tastes and feels like an alcohol infused Coca-Cola. Me likes."
Dieter: "Refreshing like a waterfall. Nice orange taste."
Frodo: "Holy ginger beer Batman! This rocks like the Beastie Boys' License to Ill! Copper chalice makes me feel like an extra in the Lord of the Rings. Ginger beer and crushed ice feels like a hot summer day in Jamaica, Queens. This is the stuff dreams are made of."
PRICE: $17.00
UPDATE: Sadly The Florida Room is closing the end of December, so make sure you head over to The Florida Room before then and sample this delectable cocktailian concoction. Ask for Paul the bartender, the creator of this Voracious Vodka champion.
DISCLAIMER: All characters appearing in this work are not fictitious….or maybe they are. Any resemblance to real persons, living or dead or places….is supposed to be resembled. Coincidence does not exist, only fate does. Anyone insulted by these slanderous (NOT!) comments must not think in those terms. They must deconstruct the perceived insulting statements and leave them deconstructed…just leave them there…on the floor, don’t look for meaning, walk away and come back later and put it together when your sense of humor returns…no just kidding don’t be offended, seriously….or not.


