Wine bar
Unclaimed profileWATER LION Wine + Alchemy
Miami Beach, FL · $$$
Inebrious
Beverage Program Score
The editorial take
Water Lion Wine + Alchemy pairs a deep international wine list with an alchemy-themed cocktail program. Sake-based drinks and a clarified milk punch anchor the cocktail side, while wine flights and quartinos make the list accessible. Recognition from Miami New Times and Star Wine List underscores the wine program's standing.
- What should I order?
- Start with a wine flight to sample the international selection, or order the clarified milk punch The Alchemist. Sake enthusiasts should try Litchi Cloud or Kamikaze Dragon. For something savory, Kill Bill's pickle brine and horseradish offer a bold twist.
- Who will enjoy this place?
- Wine lovers seeking a rotating international by-the-glass list and flights will find much to appreciate. Cocktail enthusiasts interested in creative sake-based drinks and a clarified milk punch will also be well served. The venue's recognition as a top wine bar suggests a serious but welcoming atmosphere.
- When should I go?
- Evenings are likely the prime time for wine flights and cocktails. The venue's location inside The Sagamore hotel makes it a suitable stop for a pre-dinner drink or a leisurely tasting session.
- What should I expect to spend?
- Wines by the glass range from $14 to $23, with a Champagne quartino at $58. Cocktails run $15–$17, sake 300ml bottles are $28, and non-alcoholic drinks are $10. A 20% service charge is automatically added.
- What makes the beverage program distinctive?
- The combination of a wine bar with an alchemy-themed cocktail program is distinctive, featuring a clarified milk punch and a lineup of sake cocktails. The venue also offers wine flights of three or six pours, and its recognition as a top wine bar in Miami adds to its credibility.
Beverage categories
We only score what a venue sets out to do. Categories a venue doesn't attempt are left unscored rather than penalized.
Cocktails
Creative cocktail list includes a clarified milk punch, spritz, sangria rose, and a robust sake cocktail section. Prices are moderate. The Alchemist stands out as a complex preparation.
Menu strengths
- — Creative cocktail list including clarified milk punch and sake-based drinks.
Standout selections
- — The Alchemist: Clarified milk punch with seasonal fruit, herbs, and spice ($17).
- — Kill Bill: Sake, tomato, worcestershire, horseradish, spice, homemade pickle brine ($15).
- — Litchi Cloud: Sake, litchi, Italicus, lime ($15).
Pricing: Cocktails priced from $15 to $17.
Wine
Extensive wine list by the glass and quartino, including sparkling, red, white, orange, and rosé. Wine flights of three or six pours. Recognized as Best Wine Bar by Miami New Times and Top 2 by Star Wine List.
Menu strengths
- — Recognized as one of the best wine bars in Miami.
Standout selections
- — Andre Delorme Cremant de Bourgogne, sparkling, 6oz quartino ($18).
- — Voirin-Jumel Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Brut Champagne, 375ml ($58).
- — Gerard Bertrand Orange Gold, orange wine, Vin de France ($17).
Pricing: Wines by the glass range from $14 to $23; flights $33 for three 3oz pours, $64 for six.
Beer
Simple beer list with bottled domestic and imported options at a single price point.
Menu strengths
- — Simple beer list with domestic and imported options.
Pricing: Bottled domestic and imported selections at $8.
Nonalcoholic
Three creative non-alcoholic drinks: Bird of Paradise, Lotus, and Summer Grass. Each is fruit-forward and priced at $10. The venue promotes artisanal low/no-ABV options.
Standout selections
- — Bird of Paradise: Mango, berries, coconut milk, club soda ($10).
- — Lotus: Mandarin, litchi, coconut water, elderflower tonic ($10).
- — Summer Grass: Cucumber, pear, grapefruit soda, lime ($10).
Pricing: Non-alcoholic drinks priced at $10 each.
Spirits
Unique spirits selection centered on sake and makgeolli, with shochu implied by venue description. Sake available in 300ml bottles. Makgeolli is a distinctive offering.
Menu strengths
- — Unique spirits selection including sake, makgeolli, and shochu.
Standout selections
- — Shimizo No Mai Pure Snow Junmai Nigori, sake, 300ml ($28).
- — Yoshi No Gawa Winter Warrior Junmai Ginjo, sake, 300ml ($28).
Pricing: Sake 300ml at $28; Makgeolli at $11.
How it sits with the food
The menu's raw oyster bar suggests pairing briny oysters with crisp white wines or the citrusy Litchi Cloud sake cocktail. The savory Kill Bill cocktail, with tomato and horseradish, could complement richer seafood.
Inebrious does not score kitchens, food or the restaurant overall. We review the beverage program only.
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