A night of fancy and fun awaits at 1923 Prohibition Bar, a semi-secret, sexy lounge serving up classic cocktails. The entrance is through a very nondescript bookcase, and once inside, guests are transported back in time to the Prohibition era in American history.

“I think we kinda stuck to the hardcore Prohibition era,” says owner Noel Bowman. “We’ve got the barrels; we’ve got a lot of the Gatsby-type décor. We’ve kinda stayed true to that 1920s era. Wallpaper and art are from that era, chandeliers, Tommy guns, I’ve stayed pretty authentic with it. We call 1923 a modern speakeasy. While our look is somewhat authentic, we certainly have the classic drinks, but we’re toying around with some new, modern mixology.”

Standout specialty cocktails, many created by lead mixologist Devon Bennett, include highlights like the series of Old-Fashioneds, including butter pecan, peanut butter and jelly or maple bacon. Other classics include the Sazerac, mint julep or, for some spice, the Tajín Templeton.

What’s more Prohibition era than bourbon? At 1923, you’ll find some of the best labels behind the bar. Order the bourbon flight with four selections: Buffalo Trace, Bulleit, Angel’s Envy and Angel’s Envy rye. If you’re really into the brown spirit (or are curious to learn), think about taking one of 1923’s bourbon tasting classes (tickets available on its website). During each class, held inside the lounge’s secret back room, the instructor will school guests in all things bourbon and Prohibition, and you can choose from three different tasting tiers—standard, elite and vault. The vault tier offers the most rare, hard-to-find bottles, including Little Book, Horse Soldier, Blanton’s and Jefferson’s Ocean.

Think about getting dressed in your best 1920s-style garb and hitting up the lounge on Friday and Saturday nights for its NOLA Nights, with live music by Nieve Malandra featuring throwback New Orleans sounds.

“I think in the 1920s during Prohibition, it was a period of real growth. I like celebrating bourbon and I love celebrating our country,” Bowman says. “Let’s get back to life—let’s start living again.”

The Shoppes at Mandalay Place, 702.740.5800 or 1923lv.com

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