From Bottle Runner to Beverage Royalty – A Chat with Teddy Collins

Picture this: Miami’s golden glow reflecting off the river, the air thick with jasmine and ambition, and cocktails so good they make you want to kiss a fish. No, seriously.  One comes in a fish-shaped glass with a spicy rim on its “lips.” Welcome to the world of Teddy Collins, Beverage Director at Habibi and Kiki on the River, where the nightlife is loud, the drinks are louder, and the vibes are electric.

On a recent episode of Cocktails with Friends, host Bob Cutler Zoomed in with Teddy. Teddy started out at 18 as a bottle runner in Miami’s wild nightclub scene. Fast forward 20 years, and he’s now the creative mastermind behind some of Miami’s most celebrated cocktail programs.

At Habibi, Teddy merges Moroccan flavors with Miami flair. We’re talking jasmine daiquiris served in handmade Moroccan bowls on mini flying carpets. But his real secret sauce? A two-three-quarter-three-quarter build philosophy—two ounces spirit, three-quarters citrus, three-quarters sweetener—executed with precision and passion. 

But it’s not just drinks—it’s a whole vibe. Think absinthe atomizers, peanut butter fat-washed whiskey, and vessels as bold as the clientele. Teddy’s cocktails aren’t just beverages; they’re mini vacations in a glass, no passport required.

Teddy’s advice for aspiring bartenders? Learn your ratios, respect the spirit, and always garnish.  A cocktail without flair is like leaving the house without cologne.

So here’s to Teddy, the man who turned nightclub hustle into cocktail haute couture. If you’re in Miami and lucky enough to snag a seat at one of his bars, just know—you’re in for a ride. And maybe a flying carpet.

And remember: Friends don’t let friends miss an episode of Cocktails with Friends.  Until next time– cheers!