If you’re a fan of the classic cocktail—the gin and tonic—then you need to make your way over to Tropicana hotel’s newly opened Trago Lounge. Seriously. Their menu is made up of classic cocktails with a twist, and the Purple G&T is nothing short of impressive, a new favorite cocktail on the Strip. The eye-catching drink is a mix of Empress gin, Italicus liqueur, fresh lime and Fever-Tree elderflower tonic, and the flavor is pleasantly familiar while surprisingly different for a G&T.
There’s many more winning cocktails at Trago. For those that love Manhattans, Trago’s version, the Barrel-Aged Manhattan, uses Tropicana’s own specially blended Maker’s Mark Select that they had crafted and bottled in Kentucky last year. The whiskey cocktail is completed with Campari, sweet vermouth and bitters. For a truly refreshing treat, the Agua Fresca blends Ketel One Botanical Cucumber & Mint vodka, St-Germain, fresh lime, kiwi purée and Fever-Tree Indian tonic. And for a familiar sweet cocktail with a twist, the Blueberry Lemon Drop uses Skyy Infusions Pacific Blueberry vodka, Cointreau, muddled blueberries, fresh lemon and lime.
Purple G&T
And, with all the new cocktails, let’s not forget the new lounge itself—newcomers will love the swank surroundings while returning guests will be excited by the space that’s a complete transformation from the old lounge. The concept for Trago (which means “gulp” in Spanish) began more than a year ago with construction and interior design taking place the past six months. “We wanted that modern, speakeasy-type feel,” says Richard Swoboda, general manager of specialty restaurants at Tropicana. “Something that is dark and sexy and then at the same time a little bit on the modern side.”
The lounge—which guests can enjoy at 3 p.m. or 3 a.m., as Trago is open 24 hours a day—has open seating areas with posh club chairs, sofas and tables. And there’s plenty of seating and gaming at the bar. Dark woods, artistically designed lighting fixtures and sheer curtains complete the new chic surroundings. Welcome to your favorite new lounge!
Tropicana, open 24 hours daily. 702.739.3626
