Thursday, May 24, 2018 — Miami has been a craft cocktail hotbed for years, setting trends and keeping pace with some of the country’s foremost craft cocktail bars. Open since 2009, it’s easy to forget that Living Room at W South Beach practically set the template for exceptional, artisanal cocktails in the region. Those in the know knew that Living Room was where it began. A modern, nocturnal playground nestled inside the W South Beach Hotel & Residences, the relaxed, yet upscale lounge is known for its innovative menu, chic décor and dedication to hospitality. Under the direction of KNR Hospitality Group, it has earned countless accolades for its sophisticated cocktails and sultry ambiance, including Ocean Drive Magazine’s “Most Beautiful Hotel Bars in Miami”; Zagat’s “7 Coolest Hotel Lobby Bars in Miami (2015)”; and USA Today’s “10 Best Miami Hotel Bars.” With summer around the corner, Living Room is launching a new menu sure to help guests refresh, unwind and beat the heat. Created by an eclectic group of in-house mixologists the new offerings reflect each individual bartender’s unique style, background, tastes and international inspirations.

At Living Room, guests can sip on zesty libations with worldly influences featuring an extensive ingredient list that includes house-made tonics, edible flowers, top-shelf spirits, and locally sourced organic produce. Gin-based selections include the Bitter Rose Negroni and Lady Spices – both created by Miguel Soto. Soto’s interpretation on the traditional Negroni features London Dry Gin, a fragrant Herb Liqueur infused with strawberry and rosemary, grapefruit bitters, and Sweet Vermouth; Lady Spices features London Dry Gin, spiced syrup, fresh lemon, aquafaba, and grapefruit bitters. Vibrant vodka offerings include the SoBe Swizzle and MenteMelon. The Sobe Swizzle, stirred up by South Florida native Kristen Andersen, contains American Vodka, sage syrup, fresh mint, and lemon. Hailing all the way from Belarus, Alliaksei Emilyanovich concocted the MenteMelon with Russian vodka, fresh watermelon, lime, and Crème de Menthe.

For rum lovers, Cuban-born Dariel Rodriguez and JC Caballero offer two drinks inspired by their native Havana. For his Tropic Punch, Rodriguez incorporates Guatemalan aged rum, fresh orange and pineapple, agave, egg white, and nutmeg. The spirited Cimarron by Caballero has a base of in-house smoked pineapple rum, dark rum, fresh lime, and orange. From the tequila & mezcal selection, imbibers can enjoy the Garden Fresh, also mixed up by Caballero, featuring Reposado Tequila, fresh lime, Italian liqueur, agave, a fresh cherry tomato and olive oil; as flavorful, clean and fresh as its name implies. Israeli-born Tomer Doar harkens back to the homeland with Tel Aviv – Mezcal Joven, grapefruit, fresh lime, jalapeno, ginger liqueur, and ginger beer. Bourbon drinkers will love Spirits and Roses, crafted by Miguel Soto, with bourbon, ginger liqueur, fresh lemon, honey, and absinthe. A robust take on a classic, the BBQ Smoke Manhattan by Caballero has rye whiskey, BBQ bitters, Amaro, and classic vermouth. Under the champagne & cordials section, Emilyanovich presents two magical concoctions – the Voodoo Doll, containing St. Germain Elderflower Liqueur, Cherry Herring, and almond vanilla liqueur and the Huntsman Delight also with St. Germain, ginger liqueur, fresh lime, and egg white. Cocktails can be paired with offerings from the kitchen (Living Room has its own exclusive bar menu) or a stick from its world-class selection of cigars. Smoking is allowed outside on the garden terrace.

Living Room is located at 2201 Collins Avenue in the W South Beach Hotel & Residences. Open daily from 2 PM to 2 AM. Valet and metered street parking are available. Telephone: (305) 938-3000www.wsouthbeach.com. Facebook/Twitter/Instagram: @livingroomwsobe

KNR HOSPITALITY GROUP: As an innovator in the hospitality industry, Nicola Siervo of KNR Hospitality Group develops and operates hospitality concepts that transform restaurant, nightlife and hotel food and beverage facilities into thriving, high profile destinations.  He helped shape the image and affluence of Miami Beach hotels, restaurants, and nightlife in the early days of its transformation in the ‘90s.  Siervo has earned rave reviews and accolades for creating the esteemed restaurant Quattro Gastronomia Italiana on Lincoln Road in South Beach and at the J.W. Marriott in Mexico City. KNR also guides the food and beverage operations at the innovative W South Beach Hotel, including the W nightlife icons WET and Living Room. Additionally, inside the W South Beach is the James Beard Award-winning Manhattan restaurateur Andrew Carmellini’s wildly popular restaurant, The Dutch Miami.

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Media Contacts: 
Gita Shonek/Larry Carrino
Brustman Carrino Public Relations
bcpr@brustmancarrinopr.com
(305) 573-0658