A new speakeasy-style cocktail bar called Panamericano has opened in Mary Brickell Village, bringing a fresh infusion of craft cocktails rich with Latin American influences. Hidden away on the second floor, patrons enter through an unmarked door, ushered into a sleek and modern setting where cocktails are lovingly crafted to celebrate the unique flavors of the Americas.
Owner Andrei Stern, hailing from Mexico, emphasizes a regional pride by utilizing local ingredients to create drinks that nod to classic cocktails but with an inventive twist. The bar boasts a wide selection of spirits sourced from throughout North, Central, and South America, including vodka from Peru, gin from Mexico, and rum from Belize. Signature offerings include the "Taco Martini," with a playful infusion of taco flavors and a companion miniature taco garnish, and "From Argentina with Love," which draws inspiration from the country’s beloved poached pear dessert paired with Malbec. Each drink is meticulously crafted using advanced techniques like sous vide and milk clarification, transforming the expected texture and flavor profiles.
The menu extends beyond traditional cocktails to immersive “ceremonies” inspired by various Latin American rituals. The "Cacao Ceremony" introduces guests to a creamy, aromatic foam made of cacao and corn, while the "San Pedro Ceremony" enhances sensory experience with a candle-lit drink that evokes the rich traditions of ayahuasca. There’s even a non-alcoholic offering called the "Water Divination Ceremony," inspired by Colombian Kogi tribe practices, where drinks are served while guests are blindfolded, engaging their other senses.
Panamericano has an artful design complemented by a T-shaped bar constructed by the Norwegian firm Behind Bars, featuring an eye-level work stage that allows patrons to witness the artistic mixology process up close. The venue further aims to engage the cocktail community by hosting monthly bar takeovers from local mixology favorites, fostering collaboration with a mission to elevate Miami’s cocktail culture.
Panamericano is located at 900 S. Miami Ave. and operates Tuesday through Saturday from 5 PM to midnight. For more information, visit their website at panamericanobar.com.