Buying liquor in Miami

**optimus11** · 11-17-2011, 05:32 PM

im coming to miami for xmas and new yrs this yr, would it be a good idea to purchase alcohol at the duty free shops at the airport, would it be cheaper ? and how much is the limit?

alternatively if i had to purchase it in miami itself, where would i get it at the best prices

i have heard that the supermarkets dont sell hard liquor

**dylan** · 11-17-2011, 06:22 PM

In Little Havanna "El Gato Tuerto" is pretty reasonable, where would you be staying.

**Jess** · 11-17-2011, 09:28 PM

Supermarkets do not sell liquor, but it is still easy to find. I would not buy duty free as it will be a haslle to carry it. Go to the Walgreens liquor stores if you are in South Beach, you will find cheap alcohol there.

**Christy** · 11-17-2011, 09:59 PM

You can get champagne, wine, and margarita mixers at Publix. There's a liquor store on 16th and Collins Ave, that's convenient if you're staying around there. The Walgreens on 5th has it's own liquor store.

**Carlos Miller** · 11-18-2011, 01:27 AM

If you have a Costco card, that could work, but then you would need a car to drive out there

**optimus11** · 11-18-2011, 10:25 AM

I'm staying near the airport actually, r there any walgreens around there?

**Maria de los Angeles** · 11-18-2011, 01:18 PM

Are you coming from abroad? You can't buy liquor at duty free unless you're international.

If you are international and won't have a car and are just purchasing a couple of bottles or so, I'd go for duty free, eliminating the hassle of having to look for a store. You can buy mixers from local convenience stores or at soda machines in the hotel.

Without knowing the exact location of your hotel, I can't really advise on where to purchase. If you have a smartphone, you can look up "liquor store" near your current location.

**optimus11** · 11-18-2011, 04:54 PM

yes i am coming international, yea it will just be a couple of bottles, how much is the limit?

im staying on nw 36th street

**Christy** · 11-18-2011, 06:01 PM

I would check with your airline. It sounds like you would be more comfortable buying it in duty free so you won't have to spend time going to a liquor store when you arrive. Cheers! Remember to stock your room with asprin and water for the morning!

**ikon12** · 11-18-2011, 07:09 PM

I don't know what the limits are, but I flew international through Miami Airport last week and was able to use my British passport to take some liquor out with me. They had some great prices - Grey Goose was $33 for two bottles, for example.

You won't be able to buy it at Miami on your way in though, will you? I thought you could only buy duty free when you're leaving the US. Are you coming from the UK? If so, don't buy at the UK duty free. I checked the prices at Heathrow and they were higher than normal liquor stores here in the US.

If you need a Walgreens or other liquor store near Miami airport, there are plenty. I'd do a google search and work out which is nearest your hotel, because those places are on practically every corner!

**optimus11** · 11-19-2011, 11:36 AM

I am coming in from the Caribbean. Wow $33 for 2 bottles that's really good. So does anyone know if I can buy it on my way in? I google an see if there are Any walgreens around in case it doesn't work out at duty free

**Maria de los Angeles** · 11-19-2011, 11:49 AM

Hi optimus, I would just buy it in Miami and then you don't even have to bother with carrying it on board, especially if you are on a puddle jumper or small plane.

All flights I have taken out of the Caribbean had some kind of duty free but there's probably better stock at Miami international.

And as I mentioned, you can get ice and soda from your hotel or even a gas station would have sodas, juices, snacks and so on.

If you take a cab from the airport, maybe you could ask the driver to stop at a convenience store for a few minutes before dropping you off at the hotel.

Bottoms up and enjoy!

**Matt Meltzer** · 11-20-2011, 10:16 PM

Be careful though because not all Walgreens have liquor stores. There are several in the airport neighborhood. You may have to take a cab though. Which again means you may be better off with Duty Free since you wont have to spend that money on transportation.