Tobacco Road opens 'The Cocktail Collection' to recreate the space's speakeasy vibe from Prohibition

Tobacco Road is revitalizing the spirit of the speakeasy that once reigned on its second floor. From 1920 to 1933, the upstairs of Miami’s oldest bar was known as “The Bakery” among in-the-know locals and notorious characters, all of whom imbibed there illegally during Prohibition. The space was even used by Al Capone as his personal gambling den.

The Cocktail Collection reflects the vision of Patrick Gleber, a longtime partner in the business of the centenarian bar, and Miami-based mixologist Leo Holtzman. The duo joined forces to “combine a bit of old-world history with modern magic.”

They retrofitted the upstairs from a relative dive to a suitable retreat for cocktails and live musical performances that will take them through the end of the three-year lease with the group Tobacco Road Property Holdings that purchased the land in 2012.

Twelve cocktails created by Holtzman grace a menu that will change seasonally. His initial list of classics and twists on classics ($12) will be available through April.

“We celebrate the cocktail – pure and simple,” Holtzman said.

DRUNKEN DRAGON

Bourbon, yuzu, ginger

A variation of a Presbyterian, which historically comprises Scotch whisky and ginger ale

MINT² MOJITO

Rum, mint, lime

EASTERN LEGACY

Gin, peach, elderflower

A new-age cocktail

THE CHILE MULE

Vodka, ginger puree, serrano pepper

A twist on a Moscow Mule

COLLINS #75

Champagne, gin, lemon

A twist on a French 75



SMOKE FASHION

Bourbon, bitters, smoke

Manhattan and an Old Fashioned hybrid

ESPRESSO EXPRESSION

Infused vodka, espresso, Baileys Irish Cream

THE GATEWAY

White rum, mint, yuzu, Prosecco

GARDENER’S MARGARITA

Reposado, bell pepper, serrano pepper, lime



HEMINGWAY DAIQUIRI

Rum, lime, grapefruit

The original recipe for the literary legend’s favorite cocktail

This story was originally published March 25, 2014 at 12:03 AM.