When Life Hands You Armagnac …

Simeon Humphreys always has enjoyed working the brunch shift. A veteran of the fine-dining scene, the Steak 954 bar manager appreciates the slower, more-relaxed atmosphere on Sundays, between the hours of 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. He channeled that energy when creating the beachfront steak house’s first brunch cocktail menu, which debuted this spring.

“They’re easy to drink,” he says of the seven specialty cocktails. “I think about the stifling-hot summers we endure. The committed brunch person will still enjoy a cocktail, even if they’re sitting in 98-degree weather. I wanted something that would be comfortable and go with that environment.”

Eschewing mimosas and the like, Humphreys arrived at his menu with a deep regard for fresh ingredients, making use of fruit, herbs, spices and intriguing bitters. He says he’s most proud of Le Japonais (pictured), an Armagnac-based cocktail that’s a byproduct of a delivery error.

“I received a case of Armagnac by mistake,” he explains. “What am I going to do with 12 bottles of Armagnac, right?”

Humphreys researched drinks he could make with the French brandy, which is earthier than its counterpart, cognac. He decided on a reinterpretation of the Japanese Cocktail, which is “a little sweet, so I wanted to make it more refined.”

To do so, Humphreys replaced the base spirit with 2 ounces of Armagnac and added a half-ounce of orgeat, an almond syrup. He peppers “four healthy dashes” of Angostura bitters before it’s stirred, strained and poured into a coupe glass. It’s topped with Veuve Clicquot Champagne and edible flowers.

As with the dinner cocktail menu at Steak 954 (401 N. Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd.), the brunch cocktails have an adjective typed next to their names, giving the guests a “winking reference to the overall effect of the cocktail,” he says. Le Japonais was labeled “indulgent.”

“Just one of these is good enough,” he says. “It’s potent but a little sweet and rich.”

Secret Menu
Guests may wonder why the brunch cocktails aren’t offered at dinner. Psst: They are. “If someone wants The Layover [Sailor Jerry spiced rum, house cold-brewed coffee, ginger, lime] or a Thames Lemonade [Fords gin, Dolin genepy, basil, fresh blackberries, lemon bitters], they can order it,” Humphreys assures.

You May Also Like
Latin-Caribbean Restaurant Set to Open Its Flagship Location in Kendall

It is led by James Beard Award-winning chef Michelle Bernstein.

Read More
La Canita
Cervecería La Tropical Launches La Tropical Mixología—The World’s First Distilled Beer Cocktail

The iconic craft brewery in Miami is now also a distillery.

Read More
La Tropical
New American Bar and Restaurant Set to Open in Parkland in Spring

It is expected to premiere in Spring 2025.

Read More
American Bar and Restaurant
Sixty Vines Brings the Essence of Wine Country to Fort Lauderdale

The vineyard-inspired restaurant will open on Las Olas Boulevard.

Read More
Sixty Vines
Other Posts
Old Lisbon Delivers Authentic Portuguese Food in an Elegant Setting

The restaurant’s food is perfectly complemented with its excellent wine selection.

Read More
Old-Lisbon
The Dish: Bouchon Bistro

Discover five things to know about the three-star Michelin chef’s outpost in Coral Gables.

Read More
Bouchon Bistro Steak Tartare
3 Cocktails for 2025

Embrace the winter months with these concoctions

Read More
Cocktails for 2025
New Brewery Alert

Moody Tongue, the world’s first brewery to receive Michelin stars, is opening its first Florida location, Moody Tongue Sushi West Palm Beach, on Tuesday, January 7, the newest addition to its culinary portfolio, at the Hilton West Palm Beach. Opening under the direction of acclaimed Brewmaster Jared Rouben and Executive Sushi Chef Hiromi Iwakiri, the restaurant will feature a

Read More
Brewery