If there’s one thing the staff of Las Vegas Magazine knows about, it’s cocktails. On any given week, collectively we sample plenty of the newest offerings (or some of the most famous) on the Strip and beyond. So, for this week’s special Drinks Issue, we wanted to share with our readers the benefit of our experience—namely, our current favorite cocktails. We hope these recommendations give you some guidance in navigating a vast world.
The Frey Fog
WSKY Stadium, 5625 Polaris Ave. 725.240.7652 or wskystadium.com
Anyone who has spent any amount of time with me knows my favorite drink: The Old-Fashioned. There’s just something about this bourbon-based cocktail that never gets, excuse the expression, old. This version is made with Frey Ranch bourbon, produced right here in our state of Nevada. A small tumbler is filled with Frey Ranch along with honey syrup and some bitters. But what really makes this one hum is the addition of smoke, accomplished through the use of a smoke hat method—a vessel containing a hole filled with wood chips sits on top of the glass. It’s then torched by your server, shooting smoke atop the drink. It’s left for just a moment and removed. The result? One of the smoothest drinks to ever hit your lips. –Ken Miller, editor
The Bella
Osteria Costa at The Mirage. 702.682.8482 or hardrockhotelcasinolasvegas.com
If you are as fond of rum as I am, and as fond of strawberries as I am, then you might enjoy this drink as much I did. This is a light and lovely cocktail with Cruzan strawberry rum, St-Germain (a floral, fruity French liqueur made of elderflower), cranberry, lemon and pineapple juices, simple syrup and egg white. Yes, it’s sweet, but it goes marvelously with the Italian dishes available here—I suggest the alla vodka with Calabrian chili, ricotta and lumache. The Bella nicely cools down the hint of heat. –Nina King, managing editor
Margherita
Sala 118 at The Venetian. 702.414.9000 or venetianlasvegas.com
I’m betting anyone reading this has tried a margarita—on the rocks, blended, salt, no salt. But I’m also betting that you’ve never tried one that’s as tasty as the one at Sala 118 at The Venetian. The newly opened lounge has a cocktail program that concentrates on Italian-inspired cocktails; however, they do take classic cocktails and add a twist, and they’ve hit it out of the park with the Margherita. It’s the best margarita I have ever tasted. Made with interesting ingredients (like fresh oregano!), the spirit used is The Venetian’s own specially designed and produced tequila, The Venetian Select Paladar reposado, making this not only one of the best margaritas you’ll ever taste, but also an only-in-Vegas-experience. –Kiko Miyasato, associate editor
Peppermint Mocha
Carousel Bar at Plaza. 702.386.2110 or plazahotelcasino.com
I simply cannot resist sipping a warm bev on a cool day—throw in a splash of something that supplies a slight buzz and you’ve got me sold. Made with rich chocolate liqueur, peppermint schnapps and coffee, topped with whipped cream and served with a crushed peppermint candy rim, this sweet treat makes for the perfect afternoon pick-me-up or end-of-the-night delight. Not to mention, this drink’s lively home sits downtown, in prime people-watching territory—one of my favorite activities. Make sure you get to Carousel Bar soon to try this caffeinated cocktail, as it’s part of the limited-time winter menu that is only available through the end of March. –Em Jurbala, editorial assistant
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