It’s such an only-in-Vegas moment: Upon stepping off the elevators to Legacy Club, you’ll be greeted by local legends like Howard Hughes, Jay Sarno, Benny Binion and Jackie Gaughan. OK, so these men have passed away, so not exactly. What you actually see are metal busts of those men, plus six more notables, that welcome you to the bar and lounge on the 60th floor that honors the spirit of the icons.
The literal crowning jewel of Circa Resort & Casino (it sits on the hotel’s rooftop) offers an indoor and outdoor experience that should be on everyone’s to-do list while visiting Las Vegas. Not only will the phenomenal views of downtown, the Strip and beyond leave you completely in awe, but Legacy Club is also a top spot for chic and lush surroundings, an impressive cocktail program and some of the best bartenders in the biz. In fact, according to two of the industry’s most-respected competitions, their lead bartender was rated a top 10 bartender in the West, and the whole bar team was rated one of the top 30 in the nation.
What's Your Number? Photo by: Christopher DeVargas
“The drinking experience is second to none here,” said Sam Pulliam, director of beverage for Circa Resort & Casino. “The team we have is the best in the city. The menu is diverse. We have something for every flavor palate; if we don’t, then you can tell any of our bartenders ... some flavors that you like, and they can make you a cocktail off the cuff that’s gonna hit that sweet spot.”
Pulliam spotlights three specialty cocktails to try, beginning with the Triple Seven, a perfect-for-summer sip. “It’s citrusy, floral, light and refreshing,” he said. Similar to the classic sour cocktail, it’s mixed with Patrón sherry cask-aged anejo, pisco, St-Germain, framboise, lime, egg white and blackberry.
“The way cocktails have kind of evolved over the years, people have tried to incorporate different spices you’d see in cooking and see how they can be incorporated into cocktails,” Pulliam said. “We’re trying to think outside the box but also make drinks that are still approachable for everybody.” And the perfect example of this philosophy is the Lucky Rabbit. It uses a sweet and slightly spiced syrup made from the Mediterranean spice ras el hanout, and the delicious result is mixed with Appleton Estate 12 Year Old Rare Casks rum, Principe de los Apostoles Mate gin, carrot juice and citrus and topped with black salt for a truly unique experience.
For those who like varying degrees of spice in their cocktail, try the What’s Your Number? The special blend of Casamigos blanco tequila, Ancho Reyes verde chile poblano liqueur, coconut, agave and citrus is elevated with your choice of desired spice level, provided by one to five dashes of firewater bitters. This cocktail is not only tasty but also an adventure for your palate, and comes with a tiny coconut tart to aid in toning down the hotness you’ll feel in the back of your throat after each sip.
Fans of brown spirits can rejoice at Legacy Club with its wide and rare selection of whiskies and bourbons. “We have the 1994 to 1996 O.F.C. bourbon, Pappy Van Winkle, Weller, Old Rip Van Winkle,” Pulliam said. “We’ve even secured our own private barrels that are unique to Legacy Club—barrels from Blanton’s, Frey Ranch, Jefferson’s Reserve, Buffalo Trace, Weller and Russell’s Reserve.”
Triple Seven Photo by: Christopher DeVargas
Insider’s Tips
- Book the Sunset Package. “Choose a Strip view table or outside at a fire pit for $100,” Pulliam said. “It comes with a champagne toast at sunset, two cocktails and a little surprise of small bites to eat. It’s cool, because there’s not a view like this in the city where you get to see the sun go down and the city turn on.”
- Book the Craft Cocktail Course. Every Friday and Saturday from 2-4 p.m. you’ll get your own bartender kit, learn how to make three cocktails and get schooled on the world of spirits by the bartender leading the class.
- Check out the case filled with 1,000 ounces of real gold!
- Enjoy live music on the weekends.
- Legacy Club takes nonalcoholic cocktails seriously, too. Check out the recipes and you’ll be tempted to order one yourself.
- Cigar smokers will enjoy the cigar menu offerings with brands like Montecristo, Ashton Monarch, Cohiba, Rocky Patel, Patron and more.
Circa Resort & Casino, 702.247.2258
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