I basically live for weekend trips. The more spontaneous the better–although, not so spontaneous that I can’t book reservations for all the places I want to eat. One of my most recent, was yet again with my sister, and yet again, to Miami. As I type this I realize it was also for a concert and not altogether spontaneous. Oops.

Long story short, our original plan was to see the Biebs in concert in Miami, but after deciding to see him in Philly instead (read: cheaper tickets), we were left with an already purchased priceline hotel room and tickets to the “after party” he was hosting at the Story- a club of Liv ilk in Miami Beach.

Thus we soldiered on down from West Palm to Miami and checked into the Intercontinental Hotel. It sits in downtown Miami and is not far from the American Airlines Arena where many large acts perform, but is about a $12 uber/$6 uber pool to South Beach.

We sat at the bar at the Intercontinental’s restaurant, Toro Toro, an outpost of its Dubai and D.C. locations, to order some snacks and cocktails while waiting for our room to become available. (pictured above)

After settling into our room, we hopped into an uber and continued our snacking and cocktail-drinking adventure at Broken Shaker. Broken Shaker has consistently featured on “The World’s 50 Best Bars” list and I’ve been wanting to go to it every time I’m in Miami. Nestled in the back of the Freehand, a cozy-appearing, Old-Florida style hostel, Broken Shaker is everything you could want out of a Miami cocktail bar, minus the A.C. I definitely could have used some A.C. But the outdoor nature of Broken Shaker and its twinkling lights overhead add to its charm.

First off we ordered a cup of the daily punch and the daily cocktail (not pictured). Each day, Broken Shaker features a punch and cocktails for a steal of $7 each.

It’s also basically the prettiest punch I’ve ever seen.

Next up we ordered, the most delicate and delicious egg-based drink I’ve ever tasted. Not to be hyperbolic, but I love me some egg white drinks and this one honestly was unreal.

such a beaut

kenz thoroughly enjoyed it too

Would it surprise you that we hit up another cocktail bar next? Nah, me neither. Just a few blocks away from Broken Shaker is the newly re-opened Faena. What used to be the Saxony Hotel, is now the glimmering behemoth of the Faena district. Baz Luhrmann and his equally talented wife, Catherine Martin had a hand in the design and it’s as over the top and oppulent as Leo Decaprio’s Gatsby. As if that is not enough, the hotel features glittering Damien Hirst sculptures and apparently a palm tree from Pablo Escobar’s estate.

They also make insane cocktails.

I went there for the first time over NYE weekend with my college friends and sampled the rosy cocktails and lounged on their spa area cushions.

Faena-please let us come back if you see this

One of the grand Damien Hirst installations.

This time around we split the gin & tonic service which is served in a single glass, but is HUGE and sprinkled with juniper berries, rosemary, and citrus slices.

kenz with g& t in hand.

Highly recommend popping into the Faena just to look around and feel like royalty for a hot minute.

Keep an eye out for the next post for the rest of our 4th/Biebs adventure!

JUST CURIOUS:

1. Where serves the best cocktails in Miami?
2. Thoughts on egg-whites in cocktails?
3. Favorite Leo Movie? (mine’s Romeo + Juliet, hands down.)

Curiously yours,

bailey evin