Veteran mixologist Rodger Gillespie tapped to oversee comprehensive program with innovative philosophy and execution
The evolution of Miami's nightlife cocktail culture is about to take a spirited turn with the arrival of ORA,
set to open late summer 2016. Ora will set the scene as a refined, social gathering place for cocktail
enthusiasts reveling in the art of mixology and looking to embark on a journey that marries luxury with
nightlife.
The first nightclub-cocktail bar hybrid to offer white glove mixology as part of table and bar service, ORA
has tapped veteran mixologist Rodger Gillespie to oversee a comprehensive program as the venue re-
imagines the staid "bottle service" standard of routine mixers to table-side assigned mixologists that will
work with clients to create specialty cocktails with a variety of locally sourced ingredients (hello classic
sidecar or a perfectly shaken martini )at your table.
Gillespie's reputation in the cocktail world has garnered him praise for designing some of the most
successful cocktail programs in Las Vegas, including The Linq Hotel & Casino, The Cromwell, Giada,
Bound by Salvatore Calabrese, Gordon Ramsay Steak, MGM, and The Mirage. However, Rodger is no
stranger to Florida’s dynamic nightlife scene, having spent 10 years behind the stick in The Sunshine
State and his many bartender competition wins are evidence of his desire to craft innovative beverages
and demonstrate his skills. Rodger is the 2013 Nightclub & Bar Don Julio Competition winner, the 2013
Bombay Sapphire Most Imaginative Bartender Award winner, and has taken home the Bombay Sapphire
People’s Choice Award, among many other accomplishments and accolades.
At ORA Gillespie will put those hard-won skill to good use in second floor “social room” will feature a
variety of innovative concepts including: a "seated menu" offering comprehensive cocktails for those
seated, as they offer multiple parts and require table service. An example of this will include
“chronological flights” - three mini versions of classics like martinis and collins served on a tray as they
were served in the 1800’s or 1950s Mad Men era and today. For example - the original martini recipe
was heavy on vermouth but today's version is more balanced.
Guests will also be able to work with Gillespie on making their very own cocktail baring their name from
custom-blended liquors tailored specifically to guests' tastes which will then be chronicled and stored in
a register for enjoyment during evenings to come.
Other singular offerings at ORA include a very special selection of rare vintage champagnes rarely found
in nightclubs but rather private collections. There will also be a punch menu served table side in
decadent disco ball inspired punch bowls for parties to share, and special packages including a
partnership with luxury silver purveyor Christophle where guests are welcome to take the fine crystal
champagne flutes they are served in home as a momento of the evening.
2000 Collins Avenue
Miami Beach FL 33139
Information provided by Vanessa Menkes, VANESSA MENKES COMMUNICATIONS
