ViceVersa in downtown Miami was named the best hotel bar in the U.S. at the 2026 Spirited Awards.
ViceVersa
A Miami spot known for its aperitivos was just named the best hotel bar in the United States.
At the Tale of the Cocktail 2026 Spirited Awards, held last week at The Fillmore in New Orleans, ViceVersa at the Elser Hotel in downtown Miami earned the title of Best U.S. Hotel Bar. It was the only Miami area bar to earn recognition at the event.
This marks the second time ViceVersa, famous for its Negroni and Mi-To amaro blend, was nominated at the Spirit Awards; last year, the bar was a top four finalist in the category of Best New U.S. Cocktail Bar. Earlier this year, it was named one of the best bars in North America, along with Café La Trova in Little Havana.
Founder Valentino Longo, who opened ViceVersa in 2024, called the honor “a full circle moment.”
Bartender Valentino Longo, formerly of The Champagne Bar at the Four Seasons at The Surf Club, has just opened the apertivo bar ViceVersa in Miami. Miami
The award “is a very meaningful accolade,” he said. “I started my bartending journey 15 years ago at a hotel bar, Rome’s Hotel de Russie, then I moved to the Ritz in London and eventually to Miami with The Four Seasons Surfside. The hotel bar is where I’m most comfortable and a major part of my career.”
He also praised the guests who took a chance on the bar, which has also been recommended by the Michelin Guide.
“This award is dedicated to the first guests that walked into ViceVersa in June 2024, the guests that are joining us tonight, or those making reservations for the future,” he said, adding that the award is “also dedicated to entire ViceVersa team that work tirelessly to bring our version of Italian aperitivo to life. I’m so proud of what we’ve accomplished in just two years and happy that we’re able to put a spotlight on Miami.”
In December 2025, Longo opened a second ViceVersa in the lobby bar of the glamorous oceanfront Four Seasons Hotel and Residences in Fort Lauderdale.
Connie Ogle loves wine, books and the Miami Heat. Please don’t make her eat a mango.