Five words you’ll utter as you walk through the doors of Juliet Cocktail Room at The Venetian: “Wow, this place is gorgeous.” Your eyes immediately go to the back wall, where a mirrored, gold-hued bar showcases spirits that line shelves and retro bar stools beckon drinkers to take a seat. The interior design is Victorian-inspired opulence mixed with a balanced combination of modern and vintage pieces throughout the space, which includes a sizable main room and an intimate back room that gives off private library vibes.
The Queen’s Garden Photo by: Courtesy of Juliet Cocktail Room
Equally visually enticing are Juliet Cocktail Room’s libations. “We put so much emphasis and thought into the design and decor of the space that we knew we needed to continue that theme into our cocktail program,” said Ryan Labbe, owner of Juliet Cocktail Room. “All of our glassware was handpicked and vetted by our team to ensure that it ‘gives a show!’ The cocktails bring energy to the room, and we love that our guests take photos and share. We want it to be part of the overall experience.”
Eyes do surely dart around the room any time one of Juliet’s specialty cocktails are brought to a table. The glassware is impressive, and the garnishes add the extra flair. But is it only about the looks? Absolutely not; these cocktails are tasteworthy. Two shining stars include the Oak and Orange. “The Oak and Orange is a spin on a Moscow mule, served in a copper mug in the shape of a martini glass with ginger beer, Woodford Reserve and notes of oak and orange,” said Chris Zadie, director of operations. “It is reminiscent of a whiskey Creamsicle cocktail, topped with a little zing from a splash of ginger beer.” The other is The Queen’s Garden. “The Queen’s Garden is a cleaner version of a gin sour with Empress gin and a flavor profile using inspiration from floral notes,” he said. “It is served in an old-fashioned coupe glass with a simplistic modern approach. The taste is tart yet creamy with an egg finish ... topped with floral garnish.”
Throughout the menu, you’ll find cocktails that use a broad spectrum of spirits from gin, bourbon and whiskey to mezcal, tequila and vodka. And the added ingredients to make up the recipes pique interest; flavors include rosemary, passion fruit purée, cinnamon syrup and fresh pear juice to Black Bay leaf syrup, fresh honeydew, cucumber and brown butter syrup. Zadie suggests trying The Cork and Thorn, “a Middle Eastern-inspired libation served in a gold champagne flute with flat rosé, floral notes, rose water and rose syrup, fresh fig and club soda. It is crisp, refreshing and beautiful.
Photo by: Courtesy of Juliet Cocktail Room
“The Green with Envy was inspired by a Starbucks matcha latte. I loved it so much that I thought, ‘Why not make it a cocktail?’ We played around with the green tea matcha, paired with rum, coconut and pandan leaf syrup and it’s absolutely delicious.”
Once your cocktail craving is answered, Juliet Cocktail Room rounds out the experience with entertainment. “(There are) live pianists with talented and glamorous singers, live DJs and so much more,” said Labbe. “The ambience is enjoyable and ideal for relaxing with a nice cocktail.” Some nights, you might see dueling piano players who seem to get the whole lounge in on the music and singing.
“Juliet Cocktail Room has something to offer everyone for a memorable night out on the Strip …,” said Labbe. “We have guests who are young and old, and from all walks of life who enjoy the sense of nostalgia Juliet provides—an ode to what lounges once were.”
Tips/Insider Knowledge: Juliet Cocktail Room is currently offering the Ghost of the Godfather specialty cocktail, priced at $225. It’s a combo of two unique spirits, with Johnnie Walker Blue Label Ghost & Rare, from ghost distilleries around Scotland, and Disaronno Riserva, aged with macerated apricots in young Highland Scotch barrels.
Perk: Try the Here Fishy Fishy shot (serves four) with vodka, strawberry, cherry, fresh lemon and Swedish Fish.
The Venetian, 702.414.1945
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