What to Order at ViceVersa in Downtown Miami

More than 20 years ago, the vivacious Valentino Longo began his bartending career at the Hotel de Russie’s landmark Stravinskij Bar in his native Rome. Then he went to London to work at the much lauded Corinthia and Ritz, and then back in Rome, created the bar programs for La Moderna, renowned for its cocktails and food. Destiny brought him to Miami, where Longo became head bartender of The Champagne Bar at the Four Seasons at The Surf Club. Awards started to pour in, and in 2020 he was named Bombay Sapphire’s Most Imaginative Bartender. Based on purity and natural ingredients, Longo’s recipes heighten classics through simple techniques.

At his new Italian aperitivo bar, ViceVersa, in downtown Miami, Longo marries the DNA of Italian mixology with a Floridian attitude, introducing the deeply rooted aperitivo culture, a sophisticated way of enjoying high-end spirits alongside delicious snacks, appetizers and Neapolitan pizzas. He says, “With this new bar, I look forward to guests experiencing this journey firsthand, as I honor my Italian upbringing, my life in Miami, and my love for aperitivi.

Inside, an emerald-green tiled bar features globe lights and an 18-seat walnut top crafted by Token. Contrasting slate-green walls are embellished with bronze sconces complemented by palm-frond lighting fixtures hanging over marble tables with black leather banquettes and wooden chairs.

Negroni / Photo: Courtesy of R.C. Visuals

Martinis include a variation of a classic dry martini called the Avanguardia, an aromatic drink made with Bombay Premier Cru—the brand’s newest elevated gin with an intense focus on lemons—dry sherry, fortified marsala wine, makrut and Cocchi dry vermouth. A departure from the norm is the affogato martini, inspired by the espresso martini and featuring ice cream. It is made with Grey Goose vodka, coffee liqueur, toasted coconut and house-made Sicilian pistachio gelato.

From the Negroni family, the wonderful Mito, a Dolce Amaro blend, references the Milano-Torino, the origin of the Americano. With this as a base Longo builds the sbagliato by adding bubbly Franciacorta, a classic Negroni by adding Bombay Sapphire, and a Negroni punch with gin and seasonal fruits.

Signature cocktails include the unique Brucio in Bocca, which takes the spicy margarita to another level: Cocchi Vermouth di Torino over silver agave tequila incorporates a Barolo marmalade alongside pineapple, Hagave and a red-wine-salt rim. To complement these amazing potables, dig in to the Treasure Coast oysters, royal red shrimp with cherry bomb relish, tuna tartare with pistachio and green olive, and house-made culatello and coppa. These are just a few of the delicious dishes created by Jaguar Sun chefs Carey Hynes and Justin Flit exclusively for ViceVersa.
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