fbpx

Fresh and Sweet

Though bartender John Lermayer admits he isn’t good with computers, walking into an Apple store makes him feel like a better version of himself: smarter, younger, richer, cooler.

That feeling is what he’s trying to perfect at Sweet Liberty Drinks & Supply Company, 237-B 20th St., Miami Beach, the cocktail bar he co-owns and helped conceive in 2015.

“I want them to feel like whatever is going on outside in their lives can be forgotten while they’re inside [Sweet Liberty],” Lermayer says of patrons. “I want them to feel inspired. I want it to be a place that makes them feel cool.”

This service-driven culture and approachability has made Sweet Liberty a local favorite, and its creative cocktails recently earned it Tales of the Cocktail’s Spirited Award for Best New American Cocktail Bar.

The pride that regulars have shown in the recognition from the famed cocktail festival has gone beyond Lermayer’s expectations. But it’s no surprise when concoctions include the likes of the Baby Bison, the only flavored-vodka cocktail he has put on a menu in his bartending career.

Lermayer was inspired by a cocktail he had in London with apple juice and bison grass vodka—a product of eastern Europe, made from an aromatic herb. He enhanced the flavor profile with lemon juice for “a backbone,” cinnamon to add “a spice pop,” and Aperol, a rhubarb-flavored aperitif, to make the drink dry, balanced and refreshing.

“It’s one of my favorite drinks,” the bartender says. “People ask me all the time ‘What’s your favorite?’ and they’re always surprised when I choose a vodka cocktail.”

Baby Bison

1.5 ounces ZU (Zubrowka) vodka

1.5 ounces apple juice

0.5 ounce lemon juice

0.5 ounce Aperol

Instructions

Combine ingredients. Shake. Strain into Nick and Nora (stemmed cocktail) glass. Garnish with grated cinnamon and orange peel.

You May Also Like

Maman Readies for Opening on Miracle Mile in Coral Gables

The four-block, pedestrian-friendly retail district is working to establish itself as a premier destination.

Olive & Sea Brings Authentic Greek Meze to Fort Lauderdale

The rooftop waterfront restaurant serves colorful and bold Mediterranean-style dishes.

Lona Cocina & Tequileria Hosts Chef Pairing Dinner 

It is curated exclusively for one night by Lona’s new Executive Chef, Juan Carlos Peña.

Annual Swank Table Dinner Series Returns to Palm Beach Farm

Tickets are on sale for the events starting in November.

Other Posts

Paula’s Food Diaries Readies for Launch at Burlock Coast in Fort Lauderdale

Running through November, Chef Paula DaSilva will showcase a selection of popular dishes from famous chefs.

New York Staple Roberta’s to Open First Florida Location in Luxury Miami Beach Condo

The eatery will occupy 3,000 square feet of 72 Park’s approximately 10,000 square feet of ground-floor retail space.

Annual “Taste of Recovery” Culinary Festival to Benefit The Crossroads Club

The nonprofit is a 12-step-based meeting center that supports hundreds of people pursuing recovery from various forms of addiction.

Embark on a 17-Course Culinary Odyssey at Sushi by Scratch in Coconut Grove

We’re a fresh fish-loving corner of the globe, so it’s no wonder that the omakase concept—which, in Japanese, literally translates to “I’ll leave it up to you”—has totally taken off. For omakase newbies, the experience often boils down to an intimate room setting, with seating for 10 or so, with a chef serving up the freshest catches and on-the-spot