The Gin Mare and Tonic at Klaw, Miami

How does one plot a bar program that compliments a seafood restaurant? Just ask Kevin D’Antonio, the Beverage Director at Miami’s esteemed Klaw.

At the popular waterside restaurant which consistently tops lists of the best restaurants in the sunny south Florida city, the stylish space is a seafood-focused haven. Walk in and you’ll see a large tank full of live lobster. Turn to your left, and you’ll see the glorious Bay of Miami.

As for the menu, aside from “endless hours of researching regarding what’s happening around the world with regards to spirits cocktails and wine,” D’Antonio and his team constructed their cocktail menu ranked from light and airy to heavier drinks.

“They’re (ranked) from a lighter to fuller mentality,” he tells CHILLED. “On the menu, it’s all described with that in mind to compliment if you wanted to have a heavy seafood dining experience or imbibe in a mix of land & sea.”

But it was while recollecting trips to both Portugal and Spain with his former Head Bartender James MacInnes when D’Antonio realized what Klaw’s menu really needed.

“We both said, ‘Man, a real G&T program would be amazing to add,” D’Antonio remembers of the epiphany, referring of course to the humble Gin and Tonic. “You’ll find similar programs at some amazing bars and restaurants throughout that area in Portugal and Spain.”

Thus, Klaw’s famed Gin Atlas was born: an exhaustive menu fit for any gin and tonic lover.

“We chose 10 different gins representing unique styles from varying countries around the world and looked up each botanical breakdown and then built the G&T with some amazingly different tonics,” D’Antonio explains.

Naturally, since Spain served as an inspiration, they turned to Gin Mare for one of the Atlas’ stand-outs. Hailing from the European country and boasting local flavors like arbequina olive, rosemary, and thyme, it was a natural addition, with the Gin the namesake ingredient of Klaw’s Gin Mare and Tonic.

“It tastes like one of the best G&T’s you could ever have,” says D’Antonio.

“There’s a gentle saltiness along with a refreshing herbal note with uplifting citrus notes.”

There’s also London Essence Grapefruit & Rosemary Tonic, “which plays off the gentle citrus notes as well the herbs that are used in the distillation process.” Finally, sprigs of thyme, rosemary and an unpitted olive are added as garnish which adds an effervescents quality before a sip. And, of course: “You want to build that visual appeal, too.”

Take a trip to the waters off Miami by making one at home.

The post The Gin Mare and Tonic at Klaw, Miami appeared first on Chilled Magazine.