Prickly Thorn, But Sweetly Worn Photo by: Christopher DeVargas
Living in Las Vegas and covering the city for my job, I often get asked by out-of-towners, “Where are some of the best places to grab a good cocktail?” I have my arsenal of answers and included in that arsenal is The Sand Dollar Downtown at Plaza.
Not only does this bar and live music venue offer great cocktails, but the bar staff also creates some of the most interesting, off-the-wall, unexpected, yet perfectly balanced, cocktails. And the bar staff are some of the most dedicated and knowledgeable people when it comes to the crafting of libations—and they love to have fun taking the guests on flavor experiences.
“We’re all nerds here (when it comes to cocktails),” says Lyden Hehn, general manager and bartender. “Nothing brings us more joy then when someone comes in here expecting fully not to like a cocktail and, now, they love it. … Bartenders have the capability to blow your mind. Try new things. Allow us to DJ your night.”
Those “new things” at The Sand Dollar Downtown are the cocktails—unique riffs on classics and recipes that certainly surprise with their uncommon ingredients that yield impressive results when it comes to originality and flavor. Many examples are spotlighted in the bar’s new spring menu, starting with the Prickly Thorn, But Sweetly Worn. The base of the cocktail is a peppery, oregano-infused vodka (all infused spirits are done in-house) mixed with green chilis, bitter citrus and a candy-sweet prickly pear syrup. (They also make all their own syrups.) “It’s a spicy, full-of-flavor cocktail,” Hehn says. “It’s complex, earthy. And I love when we use ingredients that can be found in our own backyard, (such as) the prickly pear.”
Forbidden Fruit Photo by: Christopher DeVargas
What about a cocktail with sage tomato water? Try the Forbidden Fruit, mixed with Ketel One Botanical Peach & Orange Blossom, Western-style gin and a black pepper honey with a hint of fresh lemon. “It’s fruity but it has a vegetable back to it,” Hehn says. “The sage tomato water—that balances the fruitiness and herbs. It starts out fruity, then ends savory, and the last thing is the citrus.”
And while it’s spring, most would agree that any time is a good time for a pumpkin espresso latte; you’ll find that flavoring in the Material Girl. This cold version is mixed with reposado tequila, Ancho Reyes Chili liqueur, allspice dram, coconut pumpkin spice, Fratello hazelnut liqueur, cranberry bitters and a house-made cold brew.
There are many more new spring recipes to try, and it’s always a good idea to ask The Sand Dollar Downtown bartenders to whip you up something special that’s not on the menu.
“If you’re coming to the Dollar, let us be your tour guide,” Hehn said. “As a general rule of thumb, always taste something at least three times. Initial reactions can be misleading, especially with complex flavor profiles. (Your brain and olfactory system are literally trying to categorize each flavor.)
“We want you to drink outside your comfort zone, unlocking more and more avenues of flavor, texture, and aroma. It’s a never-ending love story in my mind, with endless possibilities, so feel free to ask us anything. We are here for you. We love to share knowledge.”
Perk: You can order pizza (the dough is a secret recipe and is made fresh daily) from locals favorite, Pop Up Pizza.
Photo by: Patrick Gray
Tips/Insider Knowledge:
• Visit the original location, The Sand Dollar Lounge on Spring Mountain Road. The location has operated for more than four decades and over the years welcomed musical greats like B.B. King, Mick Jagger and Muddy Waters. The location is also home to an impressive library of craft cocktails.
• The Sand Dollar Downtown has free live entertainment every night—from blues, classic rock and folk to country music, line dancing and comedians.
• There are also ticketed concerts. The following is scheduled throughout the month of June: Alastair Greene (June 13), Mimi & The Rivieras (June 14) and Crash Midnight and Double Wide (June 29).
• Enjoy bar-top gaming and a pool table.
Plaza, 702.386.2283. plazahotelcasino.com
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