Of all the things our staff gets to research year in and year out, drinks are at the top of the list. Everywhere we go, whether it’s a restaurant, lounge or show, we are always sampling the latest libations from some of the world’s top mixologists and chefs. So who better to share our current favorites with than you, the faithful readers who depend on us for sage advice? Happy imbibing!
La Granita
(Caramella at Planet Hollywood. 702.785.5551. caesars.com)
Although it’s only March, Las Vegas is starting to see some more-than-decent thermometer readings. If you’re like me, you’re always looking for a little relief from warm temps, and for me, this is the go-to drink for that. This tasty cocktail has been crafted from Maestro Dobel Diamante tequila, orangecello, grapefruit, lemon and prosecco. The tequila itself is a blend of three varieties—extra-añejo, añejo and reposado—which goes through a filtering process after aging to create a crystal-clear spirit, hence the name. It has notes of honey, maple and caramel (seems fitting considering the name of the restaurant, eh?), and even a little vanilla, which create a background depth for the bright, citrus ingredients, and the bubbles of the prosecco tickle your tongue. –Nina King
Cucumber Agua Fresca
Photo by: Courtesy of Neon PR Studios
(¡VIVA! by Ray Garcia at Resorts World Las Vegas. 702.676.6020. rwlasvegas.com)
The perfect morning-after drink, this vibrant-green bev will leave you hydrated and refreshed when you order it during brunch at ¡VIVA! The lightly sweet, cooling drink is made by blending cucumbers with water and straining that mixture to create a pulp-free juice that is then sweetened with agave or honey, given a pinch of salt and flavored with a squeeze of fresh lime. It’s a simple, subtle concoction with a taste so pleasant that one sip will win you over. It certainly had me hooked, as I spent hours trying to re-create the bright beverage, only to come up slightly short of perfecting its delicate balance of flavors. Make this drink even better by kicking back with it on the restaurant’s fabulous patio. –Em Jurbala
Single Barrel Old-Fashioned
Photo by: JMP Force
(Bourbon Steak at Four Seasons Hotel Las Vegas. 702.632.5000. fourseasons.com)
Ask anyone who knows me reasonably well: My absolute favorite cocktail is the Old-Fashioned. Always has been. Always likely will be. There’s just something so timeless about something that is made with just a few basic ingredients. And one of the newest versions on the Strip has quickly become a new obsession of mine. This truly signature product at master chef Michael Mina’s newest Strip restaurant adds an apple accent, with apple brandy mixed in with Russell’s Reserve 10-year bourbon (with coconut!), mulled Demerara and toasted pecan bitters. The addition of a dried apple slice adds a wonderful, colorful accent to what is already one of my favorite Old-Fashioned versions ever. –Ken Miller
L-O-V-E
Photo by: Christopher DeVargas
(Barry’s Downtown Prime at Circa Resort & Casino. 702.726.5504. barrysdowntownprime.com)
When Wilson Barrera, bartender at Barry’s Downtown Prime at Circa Resort & Casino, was creating this new cocktail, he wanted to add a rim, but something different than just another sugar-dipped rim (as delicious as those are). So he added a brush of raspberry compote, and—man oh man!—does that little unique touch send this slightly sweet and well-balanced cocktail over the top. I couldn’t put it down between sips. The blend of Grey Goose Strawberry essence vodka, lychee syrup, Aperol, lime juice and egg whites is sent into another level with that simple touch of sweetness. And forgive me for breaking the rules (I know we’re picking one cocktail), but I can’t help mentioning that Barrera promises he’ll also make you the best espresso martini of your life, so now you have two reasons to visit! –Kiko Miyasato
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