Photos By Yisel Cabrera
You could say Maestro Cantinero Julio Cabrera’s passion for cocktail making is in his blood.
After all, his earliest memories are of playing at his father’s 24-hour bar in his home country of Cuba. While Cabrero pursued a degree in engineering and held numerous managerial jobs, his calling to be a traditional Cuban barman, or “cantinero” — whose focus is not only on cocktails but providing exceptional hospitality as well — led him to become a mixologist with an impressive lineup of recognitions and awards like “Best America Bartender” at the 2019 Tales of the Cocktail Spirited Awards. His dream is to pass down the cantinero legacy, something he can be found doing on any given night at Cafe La Trova — on Miami's famed Calle Ocho — which he opened in January 2019 with Miami celebrity chef Michelle Bernstein, her husband David Martinez, Mauricio Lacayo and Orestes Pajon.
A visit to La Trova is an immersion in Cuban love: from the cocktails to the music, to the food. We caught up to Cabrera in his happy place for a quick Q&A.
Why bartending?
It is a family tradition but also, after working as an engineer for some years, I discovered that my passion was to be in the hospitality business. It’s more fitting with my personality.
Is there history in your cocktails? How?
There is. Most of my cocktails are created with a theme and flavors that represent my roots and my Cuban background, memories, etc.
Drink everyone needs to know, and why?
Dry Martini. It is the king of cocktails, simple, perfect. Just three ingredients. A favorite for both men and women.
What do you hope your guests take away (besides a great drink)?
A great experience. An attention to detail and service that they can’t forget.
Best piece of advice you ever got?
Treat all guests the same way. You never know who’s who. Looks are deceiving.
Best bar snack?
Frituras de Malanga (malanga fritters). This reminds me of my childhood in Cuba where my mom used to make it very often. Malanga is a root (like yuca or sweet potato) from the Caribbean, and popular in Cuba. At Cafe La Trova these fritters come with a garlic aioli with a touch of paprika. Delicious!
Favorite bar music and/or song?
Classic Jazz and Traditional Cuban Music.
Who, living or not, would you want to make a drink for?
My Dad. He was my inspiration and role model and I never had the chance to make a drink for him at my bar.
Cubano Viejo
In a shaker:
2 oz. Bacardi 8 rum
¾ oz. lime juice
¾ oz. demerara syrup
1 mint sprig
2 dashes of Angostura bitters
Add ice and shake for 10 seconds
Add 2 oz. of ginger beer
Serve double-strained into La Trova mug with ice
Garnish with a lime wheel and a mint sprig