Make this cocktail: Sushi Garage’s Lychee Mule
The bar: Sushi Garage
The vibe: Located in Miami Beach’s trendy, locally driven Sunset Harbor area, Sushi Garage is a former auto body shop turned Japanese fusion hot spot. Intimate and imbued with a blend of sophistication and no-frills appeal, it draws a wonderfully diverse crowd of locals and tourists lucky enough to hear about this word-of-mouth West Avenue gem.
Something to Sip: While their Fat Qcumber is a natural house favorite, we fell in love with their Aji Lychee! cocktail, a sweet, refreshing, and slightly spicy concoction made with Dobel Diamante, Aji Amarillo, Lychee Puree, and lime, garnished with a fresh jalapeño in an ice blossom for good measure ($13).
Other Sips: Sushi Garage’s Fat Qcumber ($13), a fresh take on the classic cucumber martini that includes Yuzu sake and St. Germain, is an easy bestseller. For something light and airy, try the Jasmine Sour ($12), made with Jasmine-infused sake, Yuzu sake, lemon juice, and dried egg whites. If you’re looking to beat the heat with a sweet (and strong) summertime cooler, the Lychee Mule ($12) packs a punch with Tito’s vodka, lychee pure, fresh lime juice, Soho liqueur, and ginger beer.
Something to savor: There’s something for everyone on Sushi Garage’s ‘Happi’ Hour menu. Start with the shishito and the dumpling soup. (The smoky broth and dumplings are downright addictive.) Or try the Plancha Kushi, skewered pieces of organic chicken, tenderloin or shrimp (or try all three). The Avocado Tempura is so light and fresh it only looks like a cheat food. All of these bites are offered for $5 during Happi Hour, but are also available in larger portions on the regular menu.
The deal: Sushi Garage’s Happi Hour runs every day from 5:30 – 7 p.m., and then again from 11 p.m. until closing. It features a menu of specialty cocktails priced at $7 each, as well as Happi Bites for $5 and half-portion sushi rolls for $4.
The rest: 1784 West Ave, Miami Beach
(305) 763-8355
Lychee Mule
1 ½ ounce of Titos vodka
¼ ounce of Soho liqueur
½ ounce of lime juice
1 ¼ ounce of Lychee pure
1 ½ ounces of Ginger Beer
Combine into a copper mug and garnish with 2 mint sprigs. Then, dust with powdered sugar.
The featured restaurant provided the food and drinks for the purpose of this preview.
This story was originally published May 18, 2016 at 4:05 AM.