Bacan Guaro Cocktail Experience: A Day in Miami That Will Blow Your Mind
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. 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: 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.
A Flavorful Toast to International Aguardiente Day
International Aguardiente Day came to life on Saturday, July 12, as Bacan Guaro hosted a spirited celebration in Miami. Held at the vibrant Tala Beach bar at the 1 Hotel South Beach, the event brought together fans of Colombia’s national spirit. It offered a hands-on mixology experience, signature cocktails, and a full dose of cultural pride. This special occasion did more than introduce guests to new ways of enjoying aguardiente. It also positioned Bacan Guaro as a bold and modern ambassador for this beloved Colombian drink. A Warm Welcome with a Colombian Touch As guests arrived at the summer venue, they received a visually stunning Lychee Martini, garnished with an orchid—Colombia’s national flower. This warm welcome immediately set the tone for an afternoon full of flavor, learning, and fun. Mixology Class with a Twist During the event, participants learned how to prepare three signature cocktails using Bacan Guaro. Each drink showed the versatility of aguardiente and how it can shine in modern cocktail culture: These drinks reflected how tradition and creativity can mix beautifully in a single glass. Bacan Guaro: Redefining Aguardiente As Colombia’s first super-premium aguardiente, Bacan is changing perceptions of this iconic spirit. It’s crafted from organic sugarcane and star anise, and it’s sugar-free, vegan, and kosher-certified. Because of its quality and innovation, Bacan has earned over 25 international awards. It’s also featured on cocktail menus at Michelin-starred restaurants. This recognition confirms its role as a leader in modern Colombian spirits. Celebration and Community Of course, the celebration went beyond the cocktails. The day was packed with laughter, music, giveaways, and authentic moments. Some lucky guests even took home Bacan summer kits, designed to keep the spirit alive all season long. All of this helped capture the essence of International Aguardiente Day—a joyful occasion that highlights not only the drink but also the culture and community behind it. Why International Aguardiente Day Matters Celebrated annually on July 12, just ahead of Colombia’s Independence Day, International Aguardiente Day celebration offers more than just a reason to toast. It gives Colombians and global fans alike a chance to: Get Involved: Celebrate with Bacan Guaro Looking for ideas to celebrate next year? Here are a few ways to join the fun: Bacan Guaro has transformed International Aguardiente Day into a global celebration of flavor, identity, and creativity. Whether you’re Colombian by birth or simply connected by spirit, this holiday is your invitation to celebrate tradition with a modern twist—and raise a glass to what’s next.
Signature Cocktails with Bacan Guaro: Aguardiente Like You’ve Never Tasted
Bacan Guaro is redefining what aguardiente can be—smooth, refined, and the perfect foundation for signature cocktails and innovative creations. Across the world’s most celebrated bars and Michelin-starred restaurants, mixologists are embracing Bacan Guaro to craft cocktails that are as bold and sophisticated as the spirit itself. From the botanical elegance of Tel Aviv at Thyme and Tonic NYC to the tropical indulgence of El Chimberito at El Cielo Miami, and the harmonious fusion of cultures in Ji Hao De, these signature cocktails showcase Bacan Guaro’s versatility and its ability to elevate any drinking experience. Join us as we explore these extraordinary signature cocktails—each one a testament to Bacan Guaro’s commitment to excellence in both taste and innovation. 1. Tel Aviv at Thyme and Tonic NYC Ingredients: Method: 2. El Chimberito at El Cielo Miami (Michelin-Starred Restaurant) Ingredients: Method: 3. Ji Hao De Ingredients: Method: Inspiration: This cocktail blends Asian and Colombian cultures. “Ji Hao De” means “Incredible” in Chinese, much like the Colombian expression “Bacano”, which conveys something amazing or special. It’s the perfect fusion of flavors—elevated, refreshing, and full of character! From the botanical elegance of Tel Aviv to the tropical indulgence of El Chimberito and the cultural fusion of Ji Hao De, discover how Bacan Guaro is redefining aguardiente—one cocktail at a time.
