Miracle Mile gets its first speakeasy-style cocktail den
The bar
Copper 29
The vibe
Golden-age glamour meets sophisticated swank at the recently opened bar and lounge, Copper 29. Located on Coral Gables’s posh Miracle Mile, the almost-hidden cocktail spot draws a blend of well-heeled urban professionals and hip, young foodies and mixology buffs. Around 9 p.m. on some nights, a live DJ behind the bar takes the atmosphere from wind-down to turn-up.
Something to sip
Reminiscent of a classic Old Fashioned, the Don’t Herb Me blends Old Forester bourbon whiskey with dry eucalyptus shrub, star anise extract and walnut bitters in a glass smoked with cherry wood.
Other sips
Created by Greek mixologist Eleftherios “Lef” Kraounakis, who managed the bar at La Mar by Gaston Acurio (Mandarin Oriental) and has won his fair share of local mixology competitions, Copper 29’s signature cocktails focus on offering diversity, creativity, and global inspiration. For an exotic and floral, sweet-but-tart escape, the Hibiscus 29 combines Facundo Neo Silver rum with St. Germain Elderflower liqueur, hibiscus shrub, and bergamot acid foam. The Shrubby Sour blends Barsol Alcholado pisco, guava puree and rose petal reduction, lime, egg white, and blackstrap bitters for a slightly dry sweetness with a velvety texture. For something strong and smoky, the Purple Tears features Cazadores Reposado tequila, Vida Maguey mezcal, brewed chica morada, lime, grapefruit bitters, and smoked apple wood ginger sea salt.
Something to savor
Curated by Chef Omar Montero (the force behind Brickell’s Cantina La Veinte), Copper 29’s menu boasts dishes that draw inspiration from New Orleans and the South, with plenty of Miami staples (Cuban-sandwich-inspired pork confit sliders anyone?) with a more gourmet and international twist. The Truffle Mac & Cheese, made with white cheddar, fontina cheese, crispy pancetta, and toasted breadcrumbs is a must-try, as are the Tuna Tartare and Short Rib Flatbread (made with Gorgonzola, pear and fig).
The deal
Happy hour takes place every day from 4-8 p.m. and features select $5 wines, $4 beers, $7 well drinks and a selection of $7 craft cocktails.
The rest
206 Miracle Mile, Coral Gables, FL 33134
The Recipe
Don’t Herb Me
2 ounces of Old forester bourbon whiskey
1/2 ounce of Dry eucalyptus shrub
1 dash star anise extract
2 dash black walnut bitters
Cherry wood smoking chips
Method: Stirred
Garnish: Orange peel, star anise
Smoke the glass with cherry wood chips. Add all ingredients in a Yarai mixing glass and gently stir. Strain into the smoked glass and add a big ice sphere. Express the oils of an orange peel and enjoy.
The featured restaurant provided the food and drinks for the purpose of this preview.
This story was originally published October 18, 2016 at 10:10 PM.