WunderBar Miami Beach Goes for Global Flavor
Circa 39 Hotel may be housed in a classic art deco building, but once inside, it’s easy to forget that. The renovated lobby is modern and classic all at once, with the pool visible through the side doors, which is enclosed with high lush greenery to block out the city. Also in the fashionable lobby is the hotel bar, which immediately draws your attention due to its rustic yet exotic appeal.
Clockwise from left: hard at work at the beautiful bar area; pool view from lobby; lobby lounge area.
WunderBar Miami Beach has recently undergone it’s own renovation. The whole concept is of “worldly cocktails”: globally inspired drinks from across the globe. Master mixologist, Leo Holtzman, recently launched his menu and immediately created the hidden gem that is WunderBar. “My goal for WunderBar is to serve perfectly balanced craft cocktails with a worldly attitude – in a welcoming, unpretentious atmosphere,” Holtzman says. They don’t call him the “Cocktail Conjuror” for nothing, either – Leo is a talented magician who will not hesitate to dazzle his guests with a card trick or two.
From left: Leo showing off some magic; demonstrating the process of creating the “Smoke Fashion” cocktail (Holtzman’s smokey twist on an Old Fashioned).
After letting him know that I am recently very into the spicy Mescal style drinks, Leo whipped me up the Agave Garden (image on top of page). Perfect amount of spice, perfect amount of smooth. I would have had another if not for the other options WunderBar had to offer!
My next choice was the Vanilla Sky, which came highly recommended. Not being too “sweet” on sweet drinks myself, I was pleasantly surprised. The vanilla was smooth and musky, made with Amaro liqeuer and fresh Hawaiian ginger, and served with – my favorite part – a vanilla tea ice spear (visible in the photo below). While sipping on my cocktails, I decided to try some munchies from Jules Kitchen – curry fried chickpeas (amazing – but powerful!) and carne con queso egg rolls. I could live off appetizers and finger foods, and these fit the bill.
I decided to go Far East for my final cocktails, in the form of the Eastern Legacy and Thai Collins. The first was light, fresh, and exotic – ideal for a hot day by the pool or a garden party. However, a few sips into the latter and I realized that the Thai Collins was easily my favorite drink of the evening. From the menu description, I knew I would like it, but I didn’t realize just how much. The subtle Tamarind syrup and fresh lemon blend well, and surprisingly, the mint garnish on top added to the flavor.
Clockwise from top left: the Vanilla Sky; the Eastern Legacy; the Thai Collins; appetizers from Jules Kitchen.
WunderBar Miami Beach has another passion: rum! There is a large rum wall, and guests are more than welcome to indulge in a rum flight or any other infused cocktail they may desire. Keep an eye on this local gem – there will be upcoming WunderBar events and tastings in the Circa 39 courtyard, and they are working on a “frequent flyer” pass of sorts, the WunderLess bracelet. This is in the works, which will cost $15 and save you 15% in the kitchen and bar outside of happy hour. It looks like we can expect great things from this ‘wunderbar’ WunderBar.