Photos courtesy of Phuc Yea
At Mi Chini, the buzzy new cocktail lounge in Miami’s MiMo district, Ivan Miadziolko is shaking things up — literally. The Buenos Aires native, who has called Miami home for 25 years, infuses the city’s signature Latin flair into cocktails while echoing the Vietnamese notes that make Phuc Yea a local favorite. The whiskey-loving bartender sat down with us to share a few spirited thoughts.
Q&A
Mi Chini isn’t just a bar — it’s a whole vibe. What song on the playlist always gets you in the groove?
The song that gets me in the groove at the moment is “Keep the Beat” by Eric B. & Rakim.
Your cocktails mix rare spirits with bold flavors. What’s one ingredient you’re currently obsessed with?
I’m obsessed with the housemade chai tea that we infuse our rum with for the seasonal Fall For Me cocktail.
Someone walks in to your bar and says, “Surprise me.” What are you making?
First, I would ask the guest what their preferred spirit is and go from there, but the cocktail that never disappoints is the Mango Vice (milk punch, Reserva de la Familia by Jose Cuervo Platino, Thai chili and Tajín).
You get to design your own bar napkin — what’s on it?
I would probably have a cool abstract piece with vibrant colors — something that catches your attention and makes you second-guess if it’s really even just a bar napkin.
What’s one Miami bar trend you’re totally here for — and one you’re ready to leave in 2025?
I am completely here for ponies (beer with a shot of an aperitivo), specifically High Life with Lo-Fi Amaro. One that can stay in 2025 is espresso martinis.
It’s December in Miami. What’s your idea of the perfect not-so-wintry holiday cocktail?
I love coquito for December — that really gets me in the holiday mood.
You’ve got an hour to grab a drink anywhere in the world; where are you going, and what’s in your glass?
I’d go to a nice jazz bar in Tokyo and have myself a highball.
What cocktail deserves way more love than it gets?
Our Autumn Leaves, for sure! It’s my favorite, so I’ve included the recipe.
If Mi Chini were someone at a party, how would you describe their energy?
Mi Chini would be the sexy, mysterious person who always has a cool story to tell.
Who, living or dead, would you like to share a drink with? What would you make?
Nat King Cole — we’d probably be drinking a glass of scotch.
Autumn Leaves
INGREDIENTS
• 1 ½ oz. bourbon or rye whiskey
• 1 oz. spiced apple syrup*
• ¾ oz. fino sherry
• ¾ oz. lemon juice
• 3 dashes Angostura bitters
DIRECTIONS
Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker with ice and shake well. Strain into a tall glass over ice. Garnish with a slice of apple and grated fresh cinnamon.
*Spiced Apple Syrup
• 1 cup apple juice (Martinelli’s or fresh apple juice; if using fresh apple juice, strain through a coffee filter after juicing)
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 3 cloves
• pinch of five-spice powder
Put all ingredients in a pot and heat until the sugar is fully dissolved. Once dissolved, turn off the heat and let it sit so the spices can fully infuse into the syrup. Once cooled, strain.