Cindy McElroy fell in love when she entered the food and beverage industry, especially with cocktails. Today, her passion transfers perfectly to the newly opened Tom Colicchio’s Heritage Steak at The Mirage, where she tends bar.
“I love the competitiveness of different spirits and what’s popular (and what isn’t),” McElroy said. “It’s overlooked—the spirits industry—just how complex it can be. The possibilities are endless. Spirit companies seem to come out with new spirits every year, and it’s just cool to be a part of it. … Good times or bad times, people usually flock to spirits. It’s part of every occasion, in a way. I truly love it.”
Over at the modern steakhouse, McElroy practices the classic art of crafting cocktails. “We make cocktails you can take pride in making,” McElroy said, pointing out that all juices behind the bar are fresh-squeezed, and all fruit, herbs and spices are picked fresh for the day. Even the syrups are made in-house. “We also don’t use guns that shoot out soda or tonic,” she said. “We pop open a new bottle, whether it’s tonic, ginger beer, club soda. It makes such a difference in the taste of the cocktail.”
Even after six years of bartending, the L.A. native, who grew up in Nashville, Tenn., is still in love with the industry. Even more so, now that she’s at Heritage. “The whole staff takes pride in their job; we want to make the experience at Heritage a memorable one.”
The Copywriter
Besides draft beers and beers from local breweries, Heritage Steak also serves merlot and white wine on draft. Plus, there’s a specialty cocktail menu—traditional cocktails with a twist. One popular libation is The Copywriter, which McElroy says is accessible for both sexes. It mixes Jameson Irish whiskey, Carpano Antica sweet vermouth, house-made honey syrup and fresh-squeezed lemon juice, then is topped with Fever-Tree club soda and a float of Benedictine liqueur. The flavor is strong and balanced, with a refreshing citrus finish.
The Mirage, 5-10:30 p.m. daily; lounge 5-11 p.m. Sun.-Thurs., 5-11:30 p.m. Fri.-Sat.
