Photo By Daniella A. Rascón
Argentine native Ezequiel “Eze” Dou attended The University of Florida with plans to become a mechanical engineer. However, bartending — which helped fund his education — ultimately captured his heart. After working at various Ritz-Carlton properties, he helped open Brother’s Keeper, an ’80s-themed cocktail bar in Miami Beach. We caught up with him to talk shop and discover his inspiration behind the bar.
Q&A
What’s the story behind the name of the bar?
Brother’s Keeper is named after the first episode of “Miami Vice.” The interior feels like an ‘80s dive bar in Miami Beach, complete with neon, an old-school gambling screen on the bar (doesn’t pay out) and fish tanks!
If you were to design your own cocktail napkin, what would it say?
It would say something like, “If you put your phone here, then it becomes the coaster.”
Drink everyone need to know?
The classic daiquiri. It’s an easy drink that can vary so much by switching the rum. I like mine with an aged rum to add some depth to the flavors.
Bar trend you’d wish would fizzle out?
The only trend I would change is the fear of judgment that guests have when ordering a drink. It’s your drink — order it how you like it and enjoy it.
What’s the ultimate bar snack?
Easy: a warm croissant!
What cocktail do you think represents your personality?
Probably a mezcal paloma. It’s my go-to when I want a cocktail, and I can get a poor man’s version (grapefruit and club soda) almost anywhere.
Finish the sentence: Brother’s Keeper is a one-of-a-kind bar because…
It has the relaxed vibe of a neighborhood bar, the energy of a dive bar and food and cocktails that surpass expectations. Most importantly, the barbacks will keep you entertained — and yes, I’m talking about the fish in our tanks.
What’s one secret tip every at-home bartender should know?
Whether you’re new or experienced, simplicity and technique are very important. Learning how to properly dilute a cocktail is a key factor in learning how drinks should taste.
Who, living or not, would you want to make a drink for? (Bonus question: What drink would you prepare?)
I would love to pour a nice scotch on the rocks for my father, Hector. He enjoyed scotch regularly and taught me how alcohol is a drug, and it should be respected as such. I would like nothing more than to chat with him once again and gloat about my accomplishments.
Photo By Patrick Chin
Bread Service Martini
Ingredients:
• 1 oz. EVOO fat-washed Absolute Elyx*
• 1 oz. Plymouth Gin
• 1 oz. Martini & Rossi Dry Vermouth
• ½ oz. manzanilla olive brine
• 1 manzanilla olive on a skewer for garnish along with a buttered croissant
* EVOO fat-washed Absolute Elyx:
Whisk 10 oz. of olive oil and 1 liter of Absolut Elyx in a container. Place the mixture in the freezer overnight. Remove it and strain the mixture through a coffee filter.
Method:
Add ingredients into a mixing glass with ice, stir delicately for 10 seconds, then strain into a martini glass. Garnish and serve.