Belly up for a drink at Miami’s top hotel bars | Miami Herald

Miami is home to some world-class hotels. But that doesn’t mean that visitors are the only ones who can enjoy their perks. Check out these hotel bars — offering everything from live jazz to head-spinning wine lists — that don’t require you to check in.

If you love whiskey: The Bar at The Setai

This bar’s crowning glory is its collection of Japanese whiskies, which range from entry-level bottles to hard-to-find labels. Purists will enjoy a flight of three rare whiskies for $33. Cocktail enthusiasts should try the Tokyo Mule, a fresh take on the classic that swaps out vodka for Toki Japanese whisky. 2001 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; thesetaihotel.com.

If you love wine: Boulud Sud at the JW Marriott Marquis

At star chef Daniel Boulud’s Miami restaurant, head sommelier Haunah Klein stocks plenty of classic Bordeaux, sure. But she also pours wines all the way from Lebanon, Corsica and the Arabian Peninsula. “When someone opens the wine list, I hope they find wines from regions that they don’t always have the opportunity to choose from,” Klein said. 255 Biscayne Boulevard Way, Miami; bouludsud.com.

If you love Champagne: Le Sirenuse at Four Seasons Hotel at the Surf Club

A ballroom where the glitterati of yesteryear once partied is now home to Le Sirenuse Champagne Bar, a gilded oasis that channels the glamorous vibes of its sister property in Positano, Italy. Find South Florida’s largest selection of fine Champagnes here, along with four super-premium Champagne cocktails. 9101 Collins Avenue, Surfside; sirenusemiami.com.

If you love classic cocktails: The Commodore Cocktail Club at Ritz-Carlton Coconut Grove

The mantra at The Commodore is “every classic cocktail tells a story.” From modern twists on iconic sips like the Old Fashioned paired with imaginative tapas by chef Abel Veulens, to a curated selection of cigars and live music on Friday and Saturday nights, every aspect of the Club celebrates the golden age of cocktails. 3300 Southwest 27th Avenue, Miami; thecommodorecc.com.

If you love happy hour: Nau Lounge at the InterContinental Doral

Specials like $4 beers, $5 wines, $6 liquors and half-priced bar bites (try the empanadas!) attract a lively crowd from 5 to 7 p.m. at Nau Lounge, attached to the InterContinental’s Blue Matisse restaurant. Insiders know to go on Wednesdays, when you can sip Champagne priced to match the hour from 5 to 11 p.m. 2505 Northwest 87th Avenue, Doral;  bluematissedoral.com.

If you love cognac: The Biltmore Bar at The Biltmore Hotel

Everything about this bar honors tradition and quality — head bartender Octavio has been preparing cocktails here for more than 20 years — especially when it comes to its cognac collection. You’ll find all the big brands here, plus the entire Remy Martin line, all the way up to the rare Louis XIII. Feeling overwhelmed? In-house cognac expert Jose Garcia will help. 1200 Anastasia Avenue, Coral Gables; biltmorehotel.com.

More: Everything you need to know about Champagne.