Photo Courtesy of Tony Boukhari
Tony Boukhari is a man of many talents. As director of operations and beverage for The Restaurant People, he oversees some of Miami’s most buzzing bars. Among them is Rosa Sky, a rooftop lounge perched above Brickell City Centre, in the heart of downtown. We caught up with him to discuss the art of the cocktail and what it takes to turn good drinks into great experiences.
Q&A
What’s the most important ingredient in any successful beverage program?
Creativity. Using the freshest ingredients and creating unique products is critical, but it’s also a top priority to push the limits and come up with new ideas and presentations to keep things exciting.
You’re handed a blank menu and total creative freedom — what’s the first cocktail you’re putting on it?
A showstopper with a great presentation and a base spirit of either tequila or vodka.
What’s the most underrated classic cocktail — and how would you update it? The margarita. It’s one cocktail I can always fall back on, and it plays amazingly well with modern twists. I’m currently working on a matcha and green tea margarita with a strawberry salt foam.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
Don’t second-guess yourself.
What’s the best drink to order when you want to impress someone ... without looking like you’re trying too hard?
A Negroni.
You lead teams across nightlife, dining and rooftop bars. Which setting is the most fun?
Rooftops are the most fun — they have the balance of an active scene and a mix of food and beverage.
You’ve got a weekend to explore any global food and drink scene — where are you headed, and what’s the first thing you’re sipping?
I’d go international and check out a bar on the World’s 50 Best list. Right now, I want to visit Handshake in Mexico City (ranked No. 2) and order the dealer’s choice.
You’ve seen a lot of trends come and go — what’s one you’d happily never see again?
Frosé.
Who, living or dead, would you like to share a drink with, and why? Bonus: What would you make?
My grandfather. I never had the chance to meet him. He was highly ranked in the beverage industry in Morocco, which I only learned about a few years ago, during a long conversation with my mother. It would be great to share our thoughts over a Negroni — he loved gin.
Ruben Pictures
Melon Dramatic
INGREDIENTS
• 1½ oz. Tito’s Handmade Vodka
• ½ oz. St-Germain
• 1 oz. prosecco
• 2 oz. Red Bull Watermelon
• ½ oz. fresh lemon juice
• club soda (to top)
DIRECTIONS
Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker. Shake with ice, then strain and pour over fresh ice into a Collins glass. Top with club soda and gently stir. Garnish with a watermelon ball (made with a scooper) and a sprig of baby’s breath.