Out of all the places Tony Arnone has worked behind the bar, The Barbershop Cuts & Cocktails at The Cosmopolitan, where he’s corporate mixologist, is his favorite place. “I’ve worked all over the world, and Barbershop by far is my favorite venue I’ve ever been a part of,” says the Kansas City, Mo., native.
That quote is saying a lot, because Arnone’s career thus far is quite impressive. Beginning in the industry as a flair bartender more than a decade ago, Arnone has traveled the world competing in his craft, and he’s also opened and run bars in countries including Thailand, China and the Philippines. During his tenure, he’s created nearly 50 different cocktail menus worldwide, he says. In 2013, he brought all his knowledge to Las Vegas, where he first joined The D as a flair bartender. By 2018, he heard that some buddies running Clique Hospitality were opening a new concept at The Cosmopolitan that would be half barbershop and half speakeasy.
“I jumped on board and have been here since day one,” Arnone says. “There’s nothing else like the Barbershop in Las Vegas. It’s the epitome of whiskey and rock ’n’ roll.”
At The Barbershop’s speakeasy space, you can find Arnone behind the bar whipping up one of his creations—every cocktail shows off his creativity, and his skills shine in both taste and presentation. “If you’re passionate about something you’re going to be successful,” he says. “I fell in love with bartending, and it’s led me to a place like The Cosmo and Clique and Barbershop, and people can just tell how much I love what I do.”
Libation: Oil and Ore
The Oil and Ore was Arnone’s personal drink for a long time, and he finally thought to put it on a menu for others to enjoy. It’s mixed with Wild Turkey Longbranch, Averna, Grand Marnier, orange blossom water, Angostura bitters and smoked cherrywood. “If you like Manhattans, then you’re going to love it,” Arnone says.
Benefit: Live out your rock star fantasies with Faded Karaoke night on Tuesdays, where you are backed by a live band.
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