Gio “Chat Chow” Gutierrez

Clear cocktails are trending across the country, and the Miami scene is no exception. Known as “clarification,” the technique arose during the eighteenth century, when the world was devoid of refrigerators and bartenders needed a way to keep their punches shelf-stable for months. The earliest recipe in history dates back to 1711. Wondering how it works? The science behind these clear cocktails is surprisingly complex, but to sum it up, clarification helps trap matter from a liquid, changing the flavor and appearance of the drink completely and morphing it into something else. Think of curdled dairy that gets mixed into acids and juices and then filtered and strained. These days, some bartenders are doing it to enhance the richness and mouthfeel of a drink. Others use clarification to thin out what would be a viscous ingredient, like tomatoes. I do it at home because it's just that cool to see the end result: a crystal-clear cocktail full of mysterious flavor you can’t begin to guess until the first sip. There are many ways to clarify, from prosumer centrifuges to agar-agar/gelatin clarification, to simple at-home filtration. The result is usually a magical, deceptively complex transparent tipple. If you’re curious to try out the trend, keep reading for some of our favorites in Miami right now and drink up, 'cause clear is in! RECOMMENDED: The best cocktail bars in Miami Photograph: Courtesy Finka Table & TapSuavemente, Fresame from Finka Table & Tap 1. Suavemente, Fresame a

As someone who travels for work several weeks out of the month, I often get questions about my best travel tips. Usually, my list includes swiping with Nozin before heading for the airport (reduces the risk of catching anything airborne); becoming a Marriott Bonvoy point loyalist (you’ll want these hotel perks); and downloading the TimeWarp app (the only way to get over jetlag quickly). New to the new list this week: pack your Apple Vision Pro. I recently traveled with my AVP (what the cool kids call it), and they exceeded my expectations and transformed my airplane experience. It’s my new BFF on all my travel adventures, and here’s why. You have your own 4K movie theater. Forget that tiny little monitor you have to squint to see (good luck making out Brad Pitt’s facelift in whatever hit movie he’s in now). You have a full 4k theater experience right in front of you, which is quite surreal. Think theater size, scale it up or down, with incredible spatial audio and the option to hide away the world around you as little or as much as you want. You are truly engulfed in whatever it is you are watching. Plus, you can position yourself in the front row or a balcony seat—your preferred POV is a setting away. Pro tip: Just make sure to pre-download the movie over Wi-Fi before boarding. Photograph: Gio Gutierrez for Time Out Easily meditate and decompress during stressful travel moments. After rushing through the airport like a madman and almost missing my flight (Miami traffic), I

My name is Gio Gutierrez, and I drink for a living. No, seriously. I have the honor of working with Havana Club Rum as their National Ambassador. I get to represent my culture and our beautiful spirit as I travel the country’s top bars and restaurants, educating anywhere they let me shake a daiquiri. I suppose that makes me qualified to impart some hard-won, time-tested knowledge on how to win at bars. From someone who spends a hell of a lot of time in them, here are a few friendly tips on how to not be a dick in Miami bars. RECOMMENDED: How not to be a dick in Miami 1. Don’t be sick. It seems silly to start with such a basic concept, but sometimes I have to question common sense when I see sick people coughing and sneezing all over a bar—especially a small bar. No one wants your cooties. I don’t care how hot you are with whatever outfit you just bought or what big *blank* energy you are feeling, no one wants to see your snot dripping into your martini. Stay home and heal up. The drinks will be there tomorrow. 2. Hospitality works both ways. Try actually connecting with the person on the other side of the bar. Ask them for their name, how their day is going or their favorite drink on the menu. Being friendly and engaged can make a huge difference. Hospitality goes both ways. 3. Check your aggression at the door. We’re adults now; don’t get in a fight. This isn't the Wild West, so let's skip the flipping of tables and smashing of bottles. A punch is not worth spending the nigh