Today we’d like to introduce you to Gabe F Urrutia.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I was born to immigrant parents (Chile & Cuba) who instilled an entrepreneurial spirit and passion for life in me to chase my dreams. Being born and raised in Miami, I felt a special connection as I was growing at the same time the city was. I graduated from Florida International University, and while there I worked for a small startup that allowed me access to bars and clubs all over Miami. Through that, I fell in love with Miami’s nightlife culture. I graduated with a Political Science degree in hopes of going to law school, but my love and curiosity for this city (and my C average) drew me back to the nightlife.
In 2004, I saw friends educating bartenders and customers for Anheuser Busch, I knew I wanted to start there. I asked my friend for his bosses number and called her in Chicago and asked (read: begged) for an opportunity. The rest is history. I was able to dedicate myself to wine, beer and spirits fulltime which became my passion.
After a couple years working as a Brand Ambassador, I started to see cocktail culture really flourish in Miami Beach, where some of the best bartenders were creating cocktails Miami had never seen. I landed a job as a Portfolio Consultant for Team Enterprises working with the Bacardi Brands which allowed me to immerse myself deeper in this world. Eventually, I saw a want and need to highlight the best and brightest bartenders in Miami by starting Spirited Miami, a blog & Instagram, that solely dedicates itself to Miami cocktail culture, its bartenders, bars and everything in between. I didn’t want to focus on food, just the incredible cocktails that Miamians were sipping. In 2014, I received my MBA from Nova Southeastern University. Shortly after, I began working for Bacardi USA as an Assistant Brand Manager for Grey Goose.
The cocktail renaissance in the Magic City led me to start DRINK Miami with my business partners, Hirsch & Giovanny, where we highlight incredible brands in a unique setting, the historical Freehand Hotel in Miami Beach, where we bring some of the best ambassadors in the U.S. to educate and taste guests on their cocktails and libations all while exploring the Freehand property and of course the award-winning Broken Shaker. With a passport in hand, guests explore the world of cocktails by checking the passport which acts as a guide to lead each person into a different experience.
Earlier this year, I was tasked with writing a cocktail book/guide for Miami which I am close to completing, this will be my first published work in print, highlighting the massive contributions Miami has given the world of cocktails. I am excited to get this out to the readers to see how far we’ve come. Currently, I am educating Miamians and bartenders alike on Bacardi’s wonderful Single Malt Whisky range. You can find me around town sipping a dram or talking shop. Tap me on the shoulder to chat anything cocktails!
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
I feel like I’ve been given a path to success through my parent’s sacrifices throughout the years. Without them, I don’t know where I’d be. Later in life, I met my wife, who has been an inspiration and keeps pushing me to be better and to not stop dreaming. We currently have a 2 year old son, a Frenchie and another boy on the way!
Life takes hard work, determination and a whole lot of luck!
I’ve been very lucky and I am thankful for that.
Please tell us about Drink Miami, Spirited Miami, Bacardi Single Malts Ambassador, Author, and Miami Cocktails.
My goal and aim in everything I do is, first and foremost, Miami. It is to highlight, within my expertise, all that Miami has to offer. I search high and low for incredible bars, the people who open them and the bartenders who create. I love the world and culture of cocktails and it’s something I feel will be with me for a lifetime.
I am most proud of Miami’s success. We have bars in Miami winning worldwide accolades. We have bartenders winning cocktail competitions that are world renowned. What sets Miami apart is the coming together of cultures and the people. I know Miami has a stigma for having problems all the time, but I like to see the blue skies, the sun and smiles of the incredible people that make this city tick. That’s what truly inspires me.
If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
I wouldn’t have done anything differently. It’s part of the fabric of who I am. I got kicked out of private school at an early age. I got voted class clown in high school. I know I gave my parents a hard time but at least they had some entertainment along the way!
Contact Info:
- Website: spiritedmiami.com, drinkmiami.com
- Email: gabe@drinkmiami.com
- Instagram: @SpiritedMiami @DrinkMiamiWeek @LookSmellTaste (personal)
- Twitter: @spiritedmiami @looksmelltaste
Getting in touch: VoyageMIA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
