Kendall Jenner Shakes Up Miami: Supermodel Turns Bartender for Exclusive 818 Tequila Bash at Goodtime Hotel
Supermodel and entrepreneur Kendall Jenner recently swapped the runway for the bar, delighting guests as she personally crafted cocktails for an exclusive 818 Tequila party. Held at the ultra-chic Goodtime Hotel in Miami, Florida, the event showcased Jenner’s commitment to her acclaimed spirits brand, transforming the usually reserved fashion icon into a vibrant celebrity bartender. This hands-on approach provided attendees with a unique experience, underscoring the personal passion she pours into every aspect of 818 Tequila.
The highly anticipated soirée, which followed Miami’s prestigious Art Week, cemented Kendall’s status not just as a global style influencer, but also as a serious player in the competitive world of premium spirits. The atmosphere was electric, perfectly blending Miami’s vibrant energy with the refined elegance of the Goodtime Hotel, co-owned by hospitality mogul David Grutman and music icon Pharrell Williams. Guests were treated to expertly mixed cocktails featuring 818 Tequila, with Kendall herself taking center stage behind the bar, demonstrating her skill and enthusiasm.
For the occasion, the 26-year-old Keeping Up With The Kardashians star radiated effortless style. She donned a striking black beaded mini skirt, paired with a matching short-sleeved crop top that exuded a modern yet nostalgic ’90s vibe. Completing her ensemble were sleek strappy sandals, tying together a look that was both chic and perfectly suited for the Miami nightlife scene. Her signature brunette hair was styled in a polished ponytail, while her makeup featured a radiant, dewy complexion, a captivating smokey eye, and alluring glossy lips, ensuring her glam was, as always, impeccably on point.
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Kendall Jenner’s Bartending Debut: Crafting Cocktails at Strawberry Moon
With an air of confidence, Kendall Jenner stepped behind the magnificent bar at Strawberry Moon, the acclaimed restaurant nestled within the Goodtime Hotel. This whimsical establishment, conceptualized by nightlife impresario David Grutman and music visionary Pharrell Williams, provided the perfect backdrop for Jenner’s bartending debut. Demonstrating a surprising flair for mixology, she began her cocktail creation with a base of her 818 Tequila Blanco, followed by a precise measurement of two distinct fruit juices and a touch of simple syrup. The supermodel then expertly shook the concoction, transforming the ingredients into a perfectly blended margarita before gracefully pouring it into a clear plastic cup for eager guests.
The hotel’s official Instagram account captured the moment, enthusiastically posting, “Need a cocktail? Pour one up with @kendalljenner & @drink818 at @strawberrymoon.” The event, aptly titled “Kendall Jenner Makes 818 Tequila Cocktails with Restaurateur David Grutman at Strawberry Moon in Miami,” was strategically timed to follow the buzz of Miami’s annual Art Week, ensuring maximum visibility and an enthusiastic, engaged audience. This strategic timing allowed the event to tap into the city’s vibrant cultural scene, drawing in art enthusiasts, celebrities, and socialites who were already in town, elevating the profile of both the tequila brand and the hotel.
The choice of Strawberry Moon as the venue was no coincidence. Known for its lush, retro-inspired aesthetic and delectable Mediterranean menu, the restaurant offers an immersive experience that perfectly complements the luxurious yet approachable branding of 818 Tequila. Guests enjoyed not only Kendall’s handcrafted drinks but also the vibrant ambiance, making the party a true highlight of Miami’s post-Art Week social calendar. The interaction between Jenner and Grutman, both titans in their respective industries, underscored the collaborative and star-studded nature of the occasion.
The Genesis of 818 Tequila: A Journey from Concept to Global Brand
Before making a splash in Miami, Kendall Jenner’s 818 Tequila had already generated significant buzz, initially through social media and then with its official launch. After months of anticipation fueled by Instagram-only teasers, Kendall officially introduced her tequila brand to the world back in May with an exclusive event held at LA’s celebrity hotspot, The Nice Guy. This inaugural party was a star-studded affair, reflecting the vast network and influence of the Kardashian-Jenner family.
Kendall was surrounded by an incredible show of support from her famous sisters, including Kylie Jenner, 24, Kim Kardashian, 41, and Khloe Kardashian, 37. Matriarch Kris Jenner, 66, also graced the exclusive gathering, underscoring the family’s united front in celebrating Kendall’s significant entrepreneurial venture. Every detail of the LA launch was meticulously planned, designed to create an immersive brand experience. The event featured a custom-branded truck offering 818 merchandise, an abundance of tequila for guests to sample, and a bespoke photo booth, ensuring memorable moments were captured and shared, further amplifying the brand’s reach.
Kendall’s journey into the spirits industry wasn’t merely a celebrity endorsement; it was a deeply personal passion project. She spent years developing the tequila, conducting blind taste tests, and working closely with master distillers in Jalisco, Mexico, to ensure the product met her exacting standards for quality and taste. Her commitment to creating an authentic, premium tequila has been a cornerstone of 818 Tequila’s brand identity. She aimed to create a tequila that was not only delicious but also respectful of traditional Mexican craftsmanship, while incorporating sustainable practices where possible.
Exploring the Distinctive Portfolio of 818 Tequila
818 Tequila currently boasts an impressive portfolio of three distinct variations, each meticulously crafted to offer a unique sensory experience to discerning tequila connoisseurs. This range caters to different palates and preferences, ensuring there’s an 818 expression for every occasion, from casual sipping to sophisticated cocktail mixing.
818 Blanco Tequila: The Foundation of Flavor
The journey begins with the 818 Blanco Tequila, the purest expression of the brand’s quality. This unaged tequila is celebrated for its clean, crisp profile, offering a delightful tropical and citrus fruit finish. Its vibrant and fresh characteristics make it exceptionally versatile, perfect for crafting light and refreshing cocktails like the margarita Kendall mixed in Miami, or simply enjoyed neat for those who appreciate its unadulterated agave essence. The Blanco is a testament to the quality of the blue weber agave used and the meticulous distillation process.
818 Reposado Tequila: A Harmony of Agave and Oak
Next in the lineup is the 818 Reposado Tequila, which takes its name from the Spanish word “rested.” This variant undergoes a crucial aging process in oak barrels for several months, typically between two months and a year. This resting period imparts a beautiful golden hue and introduces roasted agave flavors gracefully intertwined with sweet notes of vanilla and hints of caramel. The oak aging softens the tequila, adding complexity and a smoother finish, making it an excellent choice for sipping or for more sophisticated cocktails that benefit from its rich character.
818 Añejo Tequila: A Deep Dive into Richness and Complexity
Crowning the collection is the 818 Añejo Tequila, meaning “aged” in Spanish. This premium expression undergoes an even longer barrel aging process, typically for one to three years in oak. This extended maturation deepens its color and significantly enhances its flavor profile. The Añejo offers a profound and complex tasting experience, characterized by rich vanilla, warm spice notes, and often hints of chocolate or dried fruit. Its velvety smooth texture and lingering finish make it ideal for sipping slowly, allowing its intricate layers of flavor to unfold, truly a connoisseur’s delight.
Kendall’s Vision and the Future of 818 Tequila
Reflecting on the successful launch and the brand’s rapid growth, Kendall Jenner expressed immense pride in her creation. “I’m incredibly proud of the product we have created with our team in Mexico and am honored that they have joined us on this journey,” Kendall shared shortly after the brand’s initial release in May. Her words highlight the collaborative effort and respect for the traditional craft inherent in tequila production. She further emphasized the importance of her partners, stating, “Their mentorship and support are important as we build 818 into one of the world’s leading tequila brands.” This sentiment showcases her long-term vision and dedication to cultivating a brand that stands for quality and authenticity.
Looking ahead, Kendall is enthusiastic about 818 Tequila reaching a broader audience. “I’m excited for more people to be able to try it in the coming months,” she added, signaling the brand’s expansion into new markets and its growing availability. Her ambition extends beyond simply selling tequila; she aims to establish 818 as a respected, enduring brand within the global spirits industry, known for its exceptional taste and responsible production. The Miami event was another significant step in this journey, reinforcing 818 Tequila’s presence in key luxury markets and solidifying Kendall Jenner’s role as a formidable entrepreneur.