Mojitos, cigars and great music. But you don’t have to go to Havana to get a unique taste of Cuba. Deco found a great spot this Wednesday night where the music’s hot, the drinks are cold and it’s right in our own backyard.
Sweet Liberty on Miami Beach has been billed as a classic American bar, but once a month, you’re gonna feel like you’re walking the streets of Havana.
John Lermayer, Sweet Liberty: “Once a month we do a party, ‘Cuba Libre.’ Sweet Liberty is a bar that likes to exemplify the neighborhood that we’re in, and you really can’t ignore Cuban culture and its contribution to Miami.”
No Spotify playlists here. Grammy-winning singer Jorge Moreno is on the mic belting out his unique take on Cuban classics.
Jorge Moreno: “It’s not your traditional Cuban night. It’s not just bongos and cigars. It’s a lot of different people from all walks of life; even tourists come in here and they start jamming out.”
Jorge is no stranger to the restaurant biz. He’s got his own restaurant, Moreno’s, right across the street.
Jorge Moreno: “We’re all good friends, and I’m right across the street, and I love to just jam in the neighborhood, jam with my buddies and it’s a good time. It’s a great bar.”
Of course, you can’t have a Cuban party without authentic Cuban cocktails. Thanks to bartender Julio Cabrera, you will not go thirsty.
John Lermayer: “He comes and gets behind the bar, and watching this guy behind the bar is absolute magic.”
One of Julio’s favorite drinks is the Hotel Nacional, named after the famous Havana hotel.
Julio Cabrera: “I’m gonna be doing Hotel Nacional, a Cuban classic. We have one and a half ounces of white rum. We have three-quarter ounces of apricot liqueur, a half ounce of lime juice, and we put some fresh pineapple juice. We put some ice and shake.”
Julio Cabrera: “Then we garnish with pineapple and a cherry in a pick. Enjoy. This is the Hotel Nacional.”
If you don’t want to fly to Cuba from Miami, rest assured the spirit of Old Havana is alive and well on South Beach.
John Lermayer: “Think Buena Vista Social Club meets American rock ‘n’ roll. It’s one part salsa, it’s rock, it’s pop. If you live in Miami, you could learn to appreciate and love that culture, and we’re just here to make sure that people have a good time.”
FOR MORE INFO:
Sweet Liberty
237-B 20th St.
Miami Beach, FL 33139
(305) 763-8217
www.mysweetliberty.com
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