When South Beach Meets Manhattan

In a coastal collision of cocktail artistry and East Coast cool, Mezcalista, the seductive speakeasy tucked inside The South Beach Moxy, brought the spirit of New York to Miami with a two-night-only pop-up that had mixology lovers buzzing. On April 3rd and 4th, 2025, the intimate lounge joined forces with one of NYC’s most iconic cocktail institutions, Temple Bar, for an unforgettable celebration of flavor, flair, and elevated spirits.

The event spotlighted the talents of Samantha Casuga and Noeli Sanabria, two of New York’s most acclaimed bartenders, who brought their creativity and craft to South Florida for this exclusive collaboration. Guests were treated to a limited-edition menu featuring signature cocktails made with Brooklyn’s own Misguided Spirits—a brand known for its bold, boundary-pushing approach to distilling.

The final cocktail menu delivered a thoughtful blend of tropical notes and metropolitan elegance. “Blind Leading the Blind” combined Misguided Spirits Silver Rum, blanc vermouth, guanabana, cinnamon, lime, and soda for a vibrant, textured sip. “Not All Who Wander Are Lost” took a more botanical route with gin, Cocchi Americano, elderflower, and cucumber—light and floral with a refreshing finish. “Sight for Sore Eyes” brought a decadent close to the lineup, featuring vodka, espresso, banana, and vanilla in a dessert-worthy concoction. Rounding out the offerings was the “Jamaica Agua Fresca,” a hibiscus-forward refresher available non-alcoholic or with your choice of Misguided Spirits vodka, gin, or rum.

Temple Bar, which originally opened in 1989 and was reimagined in 2021, has long been hailed as one of Manhattan’s most romantic and sophisticated cocktail bars. Known for its moody lighting, velvet seating, and expertly balanced drinks, it’s the kind of place where conversations linger and every cocktail tells a story. Bringing that legacy to Miami for two nights offered a rare opportunity for South Floridians to experience a taste of one of New York’s most cherished establishments—without ever leaving Ocean Drive.

Just upstairs from Mezcalista, Moxy South Beach continues to cement its reputation as one of Miami’s most stylish destinations for both staycations and vacations. Located in the heart of the Art Deco District, the hotel pairs bold, modern design with laid-back tropical vibes, offering guests a full South Beach experience in one vibrant, playful package. From the rooftop’s sweeping ocean views and outdoor movie screenings, to the lush courtyard pool and beachside service, Moxy provides a variety of ways to unwind or turn up—depending on your mood.

Guests can indulge in the hotel’s dynamic dining scene, including Serena, an open-air rooftop restaurant inspired by Oaxacan flavors, or Como Como, a seafood grill where dishes are prepared over an open flame. Mezcalista, with its dim lighting and extensive agave selection, rounds out the offerings with a sultry nightlife experience just steps from your room. Wellness amenities, pet-friendly rooms, and curated cultural programming make it more than just a place to sleep—it’s a hub for connection, relaxation, and inspiration.

The Temple Bar x Mezcalista pop-up wasn’t just a cocktail event—it was a moment where two iconic cities came together to celebrate craftsmanship, community, and creativity. And for those lucky enough to be in the room, it was a night that truly captured the magic of both New York and Miami in every sip.

Photo Credit: Moxy South Beach