Cutting-edge classics and new contemporaries
By Jim Begley
Remember the Maine
The old saying goes, “the devil is in the details,” and it’s an undeniable truth in restaurants. At Michael Mina’s American Fish inside Aria at CityCenter, the details are decidedly taken to heart as evidenced by its exemplary cocktail program. While fine liquors are an important cocktail component, American Fish also pays particular attention to mixers. Egg whites are prepared fresh daily, bottled sodas are used in lieu of fountain drinks—including the true sugar-based Mexican Coca-Cola—and most juices are squeezed to order. A combination of classics and contemporary concoctions is sure to please anyone.
Scared of scurvy? Then the citrus-centric Sun Bitten is the cocktail for you. A combination of orange vodka, Cointreau and pressed-to-order orange juice provides a drink that is not overwhelmingly citric while providing ample orange flavor and a healthy dose of vitamin C.
How about treating yourself to a cocktail you didn’t know existed? Remember the Maine was created in memory of the 1898 sinking of the USS Maine, which started the Spanish-American War. The combination of Bulleit rye, sweet vermouth, cherry Heering and absinthe is a robust drink not for the faint of heart, but what better way to celebrate our nation’s past than to hoist a commemorative cocktail?
Sun Bitten
Looking for a new spin on a classic? American Fish’s take on the Blood & Sand is the Broke & Bloodied. St. George’s Breaking & Entering bourbon substitutes for scotch, while blood orange liqueur, cherry Heering, fresh-pressed orange juice and Angostura bitters complete the cocktail. While the scotch’s smokiness—aka the namesake “sand”—is obviously absent, the inclusion of bourbon arguably results in a more approachable drink.
No matter what you’re looking for, American Fish’s copious collection of cocktails has you covered. Try one of the above suggestions or explore on your own. Either way, don’t try to claim the devil made you do it—he gets the blame for everything!
Aria
5-10:30 p.m. Thurs.-Tues. 877.230.2742
