Miami keeps building up, so why not drink with a view?
Check out the aptly named Brickelltini, a sweet-and-sour cocktail made with melon liquor, vodka and fresh lime juice, created by Josep Juncosa, manager of the Conrad Miami, for the Brickell Avenue hotel's refurbished Level 25 lounge.
Formerly called Noir, the 25th-floor bar has been expanded to 2,400 square feet, with posh yellow leather banquettes and a terrace view of Biscayne Bay, South Beach and Key Biscayne.
''Midori liquor gives you a touch of sweetness without overpowering the cocktail,'' says Juncosa, a Barcelona native who gave the lounge its Basque theme. ``We can't forget we're in Miami, where anything cold and fruity goes well.
``We all look to hang out in places that are on the water or on the beach, but we don't take the time to go high up and look at our city. It makes you feel like you are in New York or San Francisco. It's a different view of Miami.''
D.I.Y.
• Combine 1 ounce vodka, 1 ounce Midori liquor, ½ ounce fresh lime juice in a mixing glass with ice.
• Stir well.
• Strain into a chilled martini glass.
• Garnish with a lemon or lime twist.
FYI
The Brickelltini is $12 at Level 25 at the Conrad Miami hotel; 1395 Brickell Avenue, Miami; 305-503-6500.
