Photo by: Okami Collective LLC/Joe Janet

After operating for 12 years (a true feat in this town!), Hakkasan at MGM Grand continues to be a huge draw for its multiple levels of fun. A combination of nightclub and restaurant, the five-story monolith is a world of chinoiserie beauty; and beginning on the third floor and moving upwards you’ll enter the epitome of nightlife extravagance with world-renowned DJs signed to the musical roster. But down on the first two floors, the restaurant deserves equal recognition for its continuous mastering of innovative Cantonese cuisine and a beverage program that churns out some of the most creative, sapid specialty cocktails in the city. Case in point: Hakkasan’s new summer cocktail menu filled with 10 new libations. Let’s get into it.

Turning heads in the restaurant for its cuteness, the Pandan Express makes for a fun photo while the recipe is a tropical treat that will get you buzzing with some extra energy. The panda-shaped glassware holds a mix of 1800 Cristalino añejo tequila, rum blend, pandan, Calpico, orgeat and sugar-free Red Bull Pink Edition Wild Berries. The addition of pandan, a banana-like leaf used in many Southeastern Asian desserts, and the Japanese noncarbonated soft drink Calpico add a unique sweetness to this tiki-like cocktail.

Hot, sweet and spicy just like the dudes that created the tequila brands used in the Scorched Melon cocktail, the mix of rock melon, tamarind, lime and habanero sets the taste buds ablaze with the addition of Mark Wahlberg’s Flecha Azul tequila and Bryan Cranston and Aaron Paul’s Dos Hombres mezcal.

Egg whites still shine in the cocktail realm, and with the addition of lemon verbena, citrus and mint, the Lü Bu Sour is a divine, fresh and silky sip with spirits that include The Botanist gin, Rémy V cognac and Belle De Brillet, a pear liqueur. And sometimes a simplistic mix of ingredients makes for a delicious cocktail that is light and refreshing, like the Hakka 2.0. The blend of Código 1530 blanco tequila, lychee, coconut and pineapple results in a clear, very drinkable concoction, but the addition of lychee and coconut leaves a velvety mouthfeel.

For those that like brown-spirit cocktails with a smooth, strong finish, go for the Cantonese Cowboy with SirDavis American whiskey and Hennessy VS. And with the espresso martini still stealing the spotlight, try Hakkasan’s twist on the classic, the Black Lotus, a mix of Aspen vodka, Kahlúa, nigori sake and espresso.

Photo by: Okami Collective LLC/Joe Janet

Insider’s Tips

• For just a few more weeks, don’t miss the limited-time Yauatcha Endless Dim Sum Brunch every Sunday from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. For just $48 per person, you can choose from handmade dim sum, shareables, wok-made dishes and desserts—as many as you can eat!

• Ladies Night! Listen up, ladies, every Thursday beginning at 5 p.m., enjoy half off your entire bill. That means half-off cocktails and signature Hakkasan dishes.

• Every Wednesday through Sunday, enjoy Social Hour from 5-7 p.m. There are 10 items to choose from priced at $10 each, including specialty cocktails, wines, sakes, small plates and dim sum.

• Want to check out the nightclub portion? If you dine at Hakkasan restaurant, just keep your receipt, head over to the nightclub entrance, show your paid bill and you and your dining party get in for free.

• Hakkasan has its own parking area aside from MGM Grand’s main self-parking. It’s located on Tropicana Avenue on the side of the property. It’s valet only and does fill up fast, but try giving it a shot.

MGM Grand, 702.891.7888. mgmgrand.mgmresorts.com

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