Despite the incorrect prognostications of the Mayans, the Heaven's Gate whack-jobs, and Pat Robertson, the fact remains that the world could theoretically end anytime. Hell, we could be going about our daily drudgery and suddenly get smacked by a comet, rendering us all into dust. Just ask the dinosaurs.

If and when the end of the world comes, it's good to know where your priorities lie. We spoke with several Miami mixologists about what they'd drink if Earth was on its way out. Think the best of the boozy best. Forget your last meal -- it's your last drink that counts.

See also:
- World Cocktail Week Starts Today: Doma Polo Bistro Introduces Molecular Mixology Cocktails, Pre-Prohibition Classics

More »

All photos by Laine Doss

Big Ang and her large... cocktail.

Miami Monkey opened this past Sunday, bringing a whole lot of pink lipstick and sweet, sweet cocktails to South Beach.

It's the Miami outpost of the Drunken Monkey, a Staten Island bar owned by Angela "Big Ang" Raiola. The primate-themed pub features karaoke, Tuesgays (self-explanatory), and cocktails, but most people come for the main draw, Big Ang, a women with a personality as substantial as her bra size (both quite formidable).

The Miami Monkey is on the second floor of the Netherland on Ocean Drive, which means it's nearly invisible to the thousands of people who flock the area in search of an après-beach cocktail. To make up for that, girls in black bikini tops and Bettie Page-type bottoms walk the beach, "tagging" people with stickers. Trade in the sticker for a free shot at the bar.

More »

The dudes behind the Broken Shaker is known for creative concoctions using fresh and unusual ingredients, from pineapple vinegar to mushroom bitters. But Truvia? Who knew?

Tonight, Gabe Orta and Elad Zvi are hosting a special industry night, with ten bartenders in the running to join the duo in a competition to create the best drink using the natural sweetener. Low cal plus boozy is a very Miami-appropriate combo, after all.

See also:
- The Broken Shaker Opens
- World Cocktail Week Starts Today: Doma Polo Bistro Introduces Molecular Mixology Cocktails, Pre-Prohibition Classics

More »

The restaurant industry basically runs on booze and cigarettes, so it's no surprise that most chefs have more than a little knowledge when it comes to libations. Pair a trained palate with a taste for craft brews -- and you've got yourself some serious experts on all things beer.

So in honor of American craft beer week, we spoke to some of Miami's hottest chefs about what USA-made brews they're into imbibing. See their faves after the jump.

See also:
- SweetWater Brewery to Bring Craft Beers to Miami
- Five Amazing Craft Beers from San Diego, a Microbrew Mecca

More »

All photos by Arlyene Marie Ponce

Chef de Cuisine Matt Ratcliffe & JD's Brand Champ Michael J. Ring

BLT Steak in The Betsy Hotel hosted a Jack Daniels dinner in which each course was paired with a different Jack Daniels cocktail or whiskey. The four-course feast included an appetizer and cocktail hour. Who knew JD could stand up so well to fine dining?

While many of us might consider Jack a great guzzling whiskey, Brand Champion Michael J. Ring set out to show how their booze is completely underrated as a sipping brand.

BLT's Chef de Cuisine Matt Ratcliffe knocked out clever pairings while Ring discussed the methods and history behind each whiskey. The $100 a seat dinner was attended by 16 lucky ladies and gents.

More »

Laine Doss

We know the best part of your day is when the clock strikes five and it's socially acceptable to hightail it to the bar for cheap drinks and greasy eats. That's why you put up with eight hours of work-a-day drudgery on the regular.

But wait. There's some new, big winners. While you may think you've got the skinny on the city's best happy hours -- there are always new ones popping up. Here are a few of the latest and greatest HH specials and additions at local bars and restaurants. It's five o'clock somewhere, after all.

See also:
- American Craft Beer Week in Miami: Cigar City Cask Party, Beer Dinners, and Gravity Brewlab Happy Hours

More »

Homegirl getting her booze on.

Hungover? Haven't you ever heard the best cure is a shot of what got you drunk in the first place? That used to be the only solution for those who love booze. But now there is so much more that every lover of alcohol ought to have for yesterday, today, tomorrow, and all year round. We'll call it Boozeware.

More »

SweetWater via Facebook

SweetWater beer "tagged" Monty's Sunset.

For too many years, Americans have consumed mass-produced beer purchased mainly in supermarkets by the case.

Fortunately, there's a growing craft beer movement and people are educating their palates.

American Craft Beer Week is here, and it's a great time to experience some small-batch beers and interesting IPAs that you might not have tried before.

Best of all: Many brewers are coming to South Florida to have you sample their wares. What does that mean to you? Free tastings, tap takeovers of rare brews, and lots of swag. So if you want to add to your promotional pint collection (and your beer knowledge), here are the ten best tastings and tap takeovers in Miami:

More »

Wikipedia

Looks like the quintessential hipster beer skews down party lines. According to a new study by Public Policy Polling, Dems are more likely to think PBR (Pabst Blue Ribbon, for newbies) is a "good beer" than their Republican counterparts (probably 'cuz they're used to Dom Perignon and shit).

The poll also took a look at the American voter's attitude towards hipsters. Turns out, they don't like 'em much. Only 16 percent have a favorable opinion of everyone's favorite four-eyed, scarf-wearing irony-junkies.

See also:
- SoBeWFF: Anthony Bourdain and Nigella Lawson Drink PBR; Talk Tattoos, Runny Eggs and Christopher Walken
- Ultra 2013: Top Five Trends, From Big Beautiful Butts to No Hipsters

More »

via Wikimedia Commons

Celebrating American Craft Beer Week means honoring the local craft brewer.

Now that Mother's Day is out of the way, it's time to get down to business. A little self-indulgence is in order with American Craft Beer Week. In Miami, there are plenty of events.

Drinking suds daily is like any other week in Miami for the craft beer crowd. But once each year we are blessed with special releases and exquisite dinners. So this week, raise a pint to craft beer in America.

More »