Where to order takeout cocktails in Miami during the coronavirus
The coronavirus pandemic has shut down Miami’s restaurant and nightlife industry.
On the bright side, now you can get a gallon of margaritas delivered to your house.
OK, there’s no real bright side. We know there are only small comforts to be found in these increasingly joyless days, but we’ll take what we can get. And we will take a delivery of a gallon of margaritas. We have to take it, because we ran out of tequila three days ago, we have forgotten where the liquor store is, and we really need a cocktail.
But margaritas by the gallon aren’t your only option for delivery or takeout cocktails. Here are a few of the ways you can support local businesses and show off to all your friends at your next virtual happy hour.
BAR LAB
Bar-Lab, the parent company of cocktail masterminds Broken Shaker, is selling at-home cocktail making kits. You have to add the alcohol, but then again you probably have a heavier hand than a Miami mixologist. Each pack mixes up two cocktails like an El Vato Swizzle (watermelon, dry chile agave, cilantro — you add vodka, rum or blanco tequila mescal) or Bit#h Don’t Kill My Vibe (pineapple juice, lemongrass essence, bitters, citrus reduction and citrus — you add vodka or gin or both).
Kits are available by emailing Order@barlab.com with your name, phone number and address for no-contact delivery. Pay via Venmo or credit card. Keep the cocktails cold, and they’re good for five weeks, Bar Lab says. $35 for four packages. Best of all, all proceeds go to Bar-Lab Hospitality’s GoFundMe page.
COYO TACO
Everybody’s favorite taco joint isn’t messing around. All locations are selling a gallon of pre-mixed margaritas for $39.99 (makes about 10-12 margaritas) and plan to launch sales of sangria and palomas by the end of the week. You can get takeout at all locations and Brickell, Gables and Wynwood locations are offering delivery. Order at coyotaco.com
BALL & CHAIN
The Calle Ocho hot spot has created cocktail kits for delivery and to go orders, including the Calle Ocho Old Fashioned; Mojito; Miami Mule; Margarita and Michelada kits. $75 a kit; $60 for prebatched, with authentic coasters, stirrers and garnishes. And keep your receipt: Ball & Chain is offering a 50 percent buyback on takeout and delivery orders, which means they’ll give you 50 percent back in food and beverage credit when the club reopens (valid for 180 days after reopening). Ball & Chain is located at 1513 SW Eighth St., Miami; 305-640-5862.
GRAILS MIAMI AND SPANGLISH CRAFT COCKTAIL BAR + KITCHEN
Grails Miami and Spanglish Craft Cocktail
Bar + Kitchen Order are selling signature cocktails curated by Cocktail Cartel like the Vuela Paloma, Spanglish & Chill and Thai Coco for $20 (serves two) and $80 (serves nine). Spirit Forward cocktails are $25 (serves three) and $60 (serves five) and include the Cafetera Old Fashioned, Negroni Tiene Tumbao and Spanglish Harlem. You had us at “cafetera.” Place orders on Uber Eats, GrubHub
or DoorDash or choose curbside pickup.
ARIETE
In addition to the takeout food menu at Ariete, you can order vats of special cocktails like the Buffalo Soldier (barrel-aged Buffalo Trace, house-made Jamaican pimento liqueur and Rich Demerara) and the Pipeline (barrel-aged 5
Rum Blend, high proof curacao, orgeat liqueur, lime and nutmeg orgeat). Buffalo Soldier serves 7-9 and is $50; Pipeline serves 7-9 and is $40. Cocktails vary based on availability and can be picked up between 3-8 p.m. daily at the restaurant, 3540 Main
Hwy, Coconut Grove; 305640-5862.
THE ALLEY AT THE BETSY HOTEL
In addition to growler refills of the proprietary Betsy Rosa Beer, The Alley at the Betsy Hotel on South Beach is offering prebatched cocktails for takeout, but you need to call to see what’s available at 305-673-0044. The Betsy is located at 1440 Ocean Drive.
THE MAI-KAI
You’re supposed to be staying at home, but should you find yourself with a good reason to be in Fort Lauderdale on a Friday
starting April 3, the iconic Mai-Kai Polynesian-themed restaurant is selling batches of its killer rum drinks for pickup, including its most popular drink, the Barrel O ‘Rum ($80); MaiTai ($120); Jet Pilot ($131.50) and Pina Colada ($76.50). Each gallon serves 15 people. Call 954646-8975 or email pia@maikai.com by noon Thursday for Friday pickup between noon and 3 p.m. The Mai-Kai is located at 3599 North Federal Highway..
Connie Ogle: 305-376-3649, @OgleConnie