Five of the best cocktail spots in South Beach Miami

Ready to soak up the South Beach scene? You’re on holiday in Miami, so it’s time to put your gladrags on and head to one of these impossibly cool cocktail venues for the most memorable night of your trip.

The Mondrian Bar at Mondrian

Set back from the main drag, with impressive views of Biscayne Bay and downtown Miami, the Mondrian Bar features a host of freshly made cocktails that set a new standard on the beach when it first opened in 2008. Created by famed Dutch designer Marcel Wanders, this glamorous space is an ideal spot for an impromptu sundowner. Simply station yourself at the all-white bar and watch as the local fashionistas waltz on in.

Mondrian Bar, Mondrian, 1100 West Avenue, South Beach, Miami

Living Room Bar at the W Hotel

From the well-known ‘W’ hotel brand, the Living Room Bar is one of the most popular spots in South Beach. Accurately described as a ‘modern playground’, the bar comes with sink-into armchairs, creamy white sofas and retro board games, plus a pool deck and private terrace outside. Best to arrive early to avoid being delayed by the VIP rope, and once inside, head to the bar and order a classic Clover Club with Oxley Gin.

Living Room Bar, W South Beach, 2201 Collins Avenue, Miami

Cecconi’s at Soho Beach House

In the ground floor courtyard of the Soho Beach House is Cecconi’s, a restaurant adorned with plants, flowers, hanging lanterns and twinkly lights serving up some of the best Venetian-inspired Italian food on the beach. Helmed by renowned chef Sergio Sigala, the venue is fêted for its light and elegant menu though is equally well regarded for its cocktails – order a signature Ciao Bella with Bombay Dry and prosecco rose and you’ll see just what we mean. Soho Beach House is a private members club, but Cecconi’s is open to the public.

Cecconi’s, Soho Beach House Miami, 4385 Collins Avenue, Miami

Rose Bar at Delano

The revamped Delano is still one of the hottest hotels on the beach, and the trendy apricot-hued Rose Bar is the heart of its showstopping lobby scene. In the evenings and at weekends it’s sometimes so hard to get a seat the crowd spills out on to the pool area, so come around 4pm on a weekday – the start of the three-hour happy hour – for the most relaxing experience. Light bites are available from Bianca, the hotel’s Italian restaurant.

Rose Bar, Delano, 1685 Collins Avenue, Miami

Skybar at the Shore Club

Want to gaze up at the night sky while hanging out with some actual stars? Settle in for a night of sultry, tropical garden-inspired lounging at one of celebrity hotspot Skybar’s distinct bar areas, and soak up the exclusive atmosphere of this ultrachic venue. Set between two inviting infinity pools, the mellow Rumbar is the scene-stealing centrepiece and serves 75 different brands of rum.

Skybar at the Shore Club, 1901 Collins Avenue, South Beach, Miami