Sip and savor with one of Miami’s best water views at Rusty Pelican

The bar

With its breathtaking waterfront and city skyline views and its chic coastal decor, Rusty Pelican has long served as a go-to for locals and tourists alike in the mood for a taste of true Miami dining at its finest. Perfect for date nights, special occasions, and that occasional craving for great local seafood, its pretty much the grand dame of dining in Key Biscayne.

The deal

Happy Hour takes place Monday-Friday from 4-7 p.m., and offers half off appetizers, $9 small plates, $3 select bottled beer, $5 well drinks, house margaritas and featured wines, and $7 select cocktails. 

Something to sip

Even non-gin lovers should fall for Rusty Pelican’s Gin #4, made with Hendrick’s Gin, homemade syrup, Fever-Tree tonic, cucumber and hibiscus flowers. 

Other sips

If you’re in the mood for something stronger, the JT Boulevardier combines Michter’s Rye whiskey, Foro Amaro, and Carpano Bianco orange bitters for a sweet and smoky finish. On the other hand, the Floridita blends Bacardi 8 rum, fresh-squeezed lime juice, sugar cane syrup, Angostura bitters, mint, egg white and an edible flower for a taste that’s quintessentially Miami. 

Something to savor

Rusty Pelican’s wheelhouse is brunch Saturday or Sunday from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. A house specialty is the Crab Huevos Rancheros, made with pinto beans, jalapeno puree, organic tomato salsa, blue corn tortilla, Cotija cheese and a sunny side up egg. If you’re visiting for lunch or dinner, the Prime Beef Tartare and the Herb Crusted Lamb Rack, made with sweet potato, mint pea puree and wild mushrooms, are musts. 

The recipe

Gin #4

1 1/2 ounces of Hendrick’s Gin

1/2 ounce of homemade syrup

2 ounces of Fever-Tree tonic

3 slices of cucumber

6 hibiscus flowers

Muddle the cucumber slices and hibiscus flowers with the homemade syrup. Add the gin. Shake very well, double strain into a brandy glass, and top off with the tonic.

Photos/Rusty Pelican

Rusty Pelican

3201 Rickenbacker Causeway, Key Biscayne

305-361-3818

This story was originally published June 28, 2017 at 10:06 PM.