A Miami Vice in honor of Miami Vice’s 40th anniversary

Miami is a city that embraces its unique characteristics: from its perpetual summer ambiance and dynamic culinary scene to its history during the “cocaine cowboy” era, and being famously depicted in the beloved TV series Miami Vice.

The groundbreaking crime drama starred Don Johnson and Philip Michael Thomas as undercover detectives. It was pivotal in integrating pop culture, fashion, and music, significantly shaping how Miami is perceived. The series premiered on NBC on September 16, 1984, lasting five seasons and ending with a notable celebration at Mac’s Club Deuce, the oldest bar in Miami.

With the 40th anniversary of this iconic show upon us, commemorating the occasion with a classic Miami Vice cocktail is the perfect way to enjoy the continuing hot summer weather.

Though unrelated to the famed television series, the Miami Vice cocktail has become a nostalgic way to mark 40 years since the show’s debut. This delightful drink combines elements of a piña colada with a strawberry daiquiri, a concoction believed to have originated in Miami, hence its name. This cocktail is a staple at many beachside and poolside bars, and more recently, many cocktail bars and restaurants offer a non-frozen, sophisticated version that still captivates the essence of the original.

Mrs Pink at Eating House

An example of an innovative take on the traditional Miami Vice can be found at Eating House, where it’s considered a sort of secret item. According to Giorgio Rapicavoli, co-owner and chef at Eating House, the bar manager, Jordan Nance, was inspired by their Mr. Pink cocktail and created the Mrs. Pink. This variant features Havana Club Rum, lime juice, coconut cordial, and a unique wild strawberry liqueur called Fragola.

For those preferring the classic variety, The Clevelander hotel offers the original Miami Vice drink as one of its most popular poolside beverages. In celebration of the show’s anniversary, you can enjoy the Miami Vice Frozen at a special price of $10.

Miami Vice Negroni at Santa Diabla

Visit Santa Diabla, the hidden bar within Chela’s Cocteleria in Miami Lakes, to experience a unique take on the classic cocktail with their Miami Vice Negroni. It includes a mix of pineapple infused Canaima Gin, Campari-soaked strawberry preserve, and coconut fat-washed sweet vermouth di Torino. This intriguing drink is featured at the tiki style pop-up, Diabla’s Cove.

Miami Vice at Night Swim

For a traditional Miami Vice, head to Night Swim. This rooftop venue serves a perfectly blended icy treat combining layers of piña colada and strawberry daiquiri. Indulge in this cocktail while enjoying panoramic views of Biscayne Bay and the Miami skyline.

Miami Vice cocktail at Dom’s

Enjoy a unique take on the classic Miami Vice at Dom’s, crafted with Havana Club Añejo Classico Blanco, strawberry, pineapple juice, and coconut water. This refreshing and light concoction is perfect for starting your evening.

Miami Vice cocktails at Monty’s

Explore a South Florida variant of the frozen Miami Vice at Monty’s Raw Bar. Deviating from the traditional piña colada and strawberry daiquiri, this version features a Rum Runner replacing the daiquiri, adding a local touch. Originating from Islamorada’s Tiki Bar in the Florida Keys, the Rum Runner includes both light and dark rum, blackberry and banana liqueur, and fresh pineapple and orange juice, finished with 151 proof rum, all blended with the frozen piña colada.

What’s better than a poolside frozen cocktail?

This might seem obvious, but just in case: if you’re hanging out at one of Miami’s many hotel pools and you see there’s a piña colada and a strawberry daiquiri on the menu then you can absolutely treat yourself to a Miami Vice. Some of these hotels include Fontainebleau Miami Beach, Loews Miami Beach, Kimpton Epic, Faena Miami Beach, and The Gates Hotel — just to name a few.

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