Everything has a beginning, including cocktails. Sip through liquid history when you venture to these nine hot spots that serve up cocktails that have been designated as “classic” recipes. There’s a reason these classic cocktails have survived decades and decades—the recipes are perfectly balanced and spotlight the spirits in the best possible light. Cocktails with twists and plays on old recipes are part of the drinking fun, too, but these nine venues also dedicate their bars to serving up classics deliciously and properly.
1. Bavette’s Steakhouse & Bar (Park MGM, 702.730.7600) Take a seat in the hidden lounge or main bar and order some of the best-created martinis, including the Astoria, Vesper and Lillet Rosé. An additional classic that deserves delicious honors include the gimlet.
2. Bar Prohibition! (Golden Gate, 800.426.1906) With a name like Bar Prohibition!, one would expect the classics here. One would be exactly right. Try the Old-Fashioned. It’s also located in the oldest casino-hotel in Vegas, and it’s a bar where the Rat Pack used to hang out.
3. Rosina Cocktail Lounge (The Palazzo, 702.607.1945) This intimate, luxuriously designed lounge offers a classic cocktail menu divided into “shaken” and “stirred” options. Highlights include “shaken” recipes like Tom Collins, whiskey sour and a daiquiri, and “stirred” faves like the Manhattan, mint julep and Old-Fashioned.
4. The Lobby Bar (Caesars Palace, 702.731.7110) In Vegas’ heyday you’d find Frank Sinatra and friends hanging at this lobby bar— classic cocktails the Manhattan and the Tennessee highball are dedicated to The Chairman of the Board. This 24-hour hot spot also has one of the largest menus of classic cocktails, including the Bloody Mary, caipirinha, gin fizz and Singapore sling.
5. NoMad Bar (NoMad Hotel, 702.730.6785) The vibe here is sexy and sleek, thanks to the dimly lit surroundings and velvet curtains and sofas. It’s also where guests can sip on true classics like the Aperol spritz and blue Hawaiian.
6. Lily Bar & Lounge (Bellagio, 702.692.5615) This longtime hot spot does offer some of the most innovative cocktail creations, but check out the classic cocktail portion of the huge menu. Featured classics include the 50/50, Vesper and the Trinidad sour, with High West double rye whiskey, orgeat, lemon and aromatic bitters.
7. Montecristo Cigar Bar (Caesars Palace, 866.733.5827) Some would argue that nothing goes better with a classic cocktail than a classic cigar. Get both at this Caesars Palace hot spot. Highlights include the whiskey sour, the blood and sand, and the Hemingway daiquiri, made with Diplomático Reserva Exclusiva rum, Luxardo maraschino liqueur, lime, grapefruit and simple syrup.
8. Oscar’s Steakhouse (Plaza, 702.386.7227) Head to the lounge inside this restaurant designed with old-school Las Vegas flair. The bartenders here are reminiscent of bygone days and have the skills to whip up a classic gin martini or the classic Sazerac made with Pendleton 1910 rye.
9. Smith & Wollensky (The Grand Canal Shoppes, 702.637.1515) Although this is another steakhouse, the venue offers two bars, one downstairs and one upstairs, where guests can enjoy a devastatingly delicious classic martini. Served, as the menu says, “shaken, stirred, dry, dirty, burnt, up or rocks with a lemon twist, cocktail onion, English cucumber, Spanish olive or blue cheese olive.”
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