Have you ever tasted a Bacan guaro cocktail? If not, you’re missing one of the most exciting spirits on the Miami scene. Last Saturday, we turned that curiosity into a full-blown adventure. First, a Mediterranean welcome ritual. Then, a cocktail experience with a class on a yacht. And finally, the perfect sundowner on the Miami River. Here’s how it all went down.
Where It All Started: Habibi Miami’s Aladdin Welcome Drink
The day began at Habibi, a Mediterranean restaurant in Miami. Among the guests was food and beverage journalist Brian Freedman.
First, the welcome drink set the tone immediately. The cocktail blended fresh grapefruit, maraschino liqueur, sparkling wine, and Bacan guaro, with a rosemary essence on top. But the presentation was just as bold as the flavors. An Aladdin’s lamp released a rosemary-scented smoke into the drink. Then, the staff rubbed a grapefruit peel on each guest’s palms, releasing the citrus oils onto the skin. Finally, the lamp passed from hand to hand, so everyone caught the rosemary aroma up close.
Cocktail Experience with Bacan Aboard the Kiki at Sea Yacht
Next, the group boarded the Kiki at Sea yacht for a hands-on cocktail masterclass. Three cocktails. Three flavor profiles. One unforgettable afternoon on the water.
1. Guaro Lychee
To start, the class made a Guaro Lychee. Bacan guaro meets lychee in a floral, tropical highball. The lychee softens guaro’s anise edge beautifully. Light, fragrant, and refreshing — it set the bar high from the very first sip.
2. Spicy Guaromelon
After that, things got more exciting. The Spicy Guaromelon combined Bacan guaro, fresh watermelon, and a punch of heat. Sweet and cool upfront, then spicy on the finish. As a result, it quickly became the crowd favorite of the class.
3. Colombian Espresso
Finally, the class closed with pure Colombian pride. The Colombian Espresso brought Bacan guaro together with bold espresso — two of Colombia’s greatest exports in a single glass. Rich, smooth, and deeply satisfying.
Cocktail and Food Pairing: Habibi’s Chef Joins the Yacht
What truly elevated the experience was the addition of Habibi’s executive chef on board. Rather than a simple snack spread, the chef designed a full course-by-course pairing alongside each cocktail.
- Each dish complemented the flavors of the matching cocktail
- Every plate featured a Bacán infusion — including the dessert
- The ice cream used Bacán guaro in the base, adding a warm, herbal finish
In short, the pairing proved a key point: Bacan guaro is not just a party spirit. In the right hands, it works as a serious culinary ingredient with impressive range.
The Perfect Ending: Lychee Martini at Kiki on the River
After docking, the group moved on to Kiki on the River to close out the day. The open-air Grecian setting and Miami River views made it the ideal spot to wind down. Moreover, the drink of choice brought things full circle: a Lychee Martini with Bacan, echoing the floral notes from the very first cocktail of the morning.
Great food, exceptional cocktails, and a spirit that ties it all together. That’s what a Bacan guaro cocktail experience looks like in Miami — and it’s hard to imagine a better way to spend a Saturday.
Why Bacan Guaro Deserves a Spot in Your Glass
After a full day of tasting, making, and pairing cocktails, a few things stood out clearly:
- Versatility — from floral lychee highballs to rich espresso martinis, Bacan adapts to any style
- Food-friendliness — its herbal, anise-forward profile pairs well with both savory dishes and desserts
- Storytelling — every glass carries the culture and craft of Colombia
- Experience design — the Aladdin’s lamp ritual showed how a spirit can anchor an entire hospitality concept
In conclusion, whether you’re a cocktail professional, a curious traveler, or simply someone who loves a great drink with a great story, Bacan guaro belongs on your radar. Try it once and you’ll understand why Miami is paying attention.
Follow Brian Freedman for more food and drink adventures | Visit Habibi Miami to plan your Miami experience Photos: Moises Vivas & Laura Montes By Vibras.
