at the bar
| BY ELYSE GLICKMAN | Yes, Virginia, there is life after the
industry pros say. “As people are going to be
Miller, head bartender for
tive to a dessert, especially
Bodega Taqueria y Tequila i
if the diner doesn’t want to
holidays—along with more
outdoor dining year-round for
n Miami, Florida. “Although
end the meal with something
reasons for your customers
the indefinite future, I think
I relocated from the Midwest
heavy,” Hinojosa says. “[A]
to savor heated cocktails.
hot cocktails will be a welcome
to South Florida, where the
warm peach and ginger toddy
presence along with heaters
difference in climate is no-
also pairs beautifully with
bar drinks are poised for a
and heat lamps,” says bartend-
ticeable, there is something
familiar desserts like flan. In
comeback in 2021, according
er and Licor 43 brand ambas-
special and evocative about
the spring or summer, the
to “Do The Hustle,” a report
sador Mike Nardelli. “[And]
a warm cup of something
beautiful spices in the drink,
about 2021 food, beverage
after a long day at the beach
wonderful on a cool patio.”
along with a seasonal fruit,
and hospitality trends from
surfing or paddle boarding any
af&co and Carbonate. That
time of year, one of my favorite
global brand ambassador
spring evening, or actually
report, which says classics
things to do is go into a local
for Tequila Cazadores and
cool one off in the summer.”
like the Hot Toddy, Hot But-
watering hole and have a hot
Tequila Corzo, also believes
tered Rum and Irish Coffee
toddy before I head home just
adding seasonal ingredients
Toddy and Hot Chai Spice are
will outlast the holidays, also
to warm up,” he adds.
and flavors can prompt cus-
examples of other hot cock-
tomers to rediscover warm
tails Hinojosa has created.
Hot versions of favorite
predicts creative new cock-
“While cool weather is the
Bar master Manny Hinojosa,
can take the chill out of a
The Hot Apple & Orange
tails that incorporate hot tea,
best sales pitch for a warm
mulled wine, cider and coffee
drink, if the season does not
will emerge.
match the simple sell, there
restaurant setting, a warm
NEW TWISTS ON TRADITIONAL BEVERAGES
are other reasons [to order a
drink made with seasonal
Mexican and Latin restau-
hot cocktail],” echoes Hayden
fruit can be a lovely alterna-
rants—long go-to destinations
And their popularity won’t depend on the weather,
cocktails any time of year. “In a fine dining Mexican
The heat is on
HOT COCKTAILS FIRE UP BAR SALES
JAN/FEB/MAR 2021
| el restaurante
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