Smoke Blossom Photo by: Christopher DeVargas
This month marks the fifth anniversary of Gatsby’s Cocktail Lounge—it opened its doors during the grand opening of Resorts World Las Vegas. First impressions of the upscale lounge were bougie but tons of fun, and it has kept this reputation pulsing ever since.
The space, just steps off the casino floor, is filled with ethereal-looking touches mixed with furniture and decor that celebrates its Roaring ’20s aesthetic. Plenty of seating—sofas, club chairs, high-tops and bar are all open for guests (no table minimums required), but you can reserve a table ahead of time if you want to guarantee seating for the evening.
“Gatsby’s Cocktail Lounge is an upscale, swanky cocktail lounge that’s still approachable,” says marketing director Lexi Cook. And those attributes flow over to the cocktail menu. “We’re known for our vibrant, social media-worthy cocktails, but we also want to give guests a reason to come back and try new cocktails,” she says. And it’s perfect timing, as Gatsby’s has released three new summer cocktails that incorporate lighter spirits and ingredients to give guests refreshing sips to help beat the heat.
Hugo Spritz Photo by: Christopher DeVargas
Nothing says summer more than strawberries, and you’ll find the yummy fruit muddled inside the Smoke Blossom, mixed with Mala Santa mezcal, lime, agave and yuzu bitters. The Singapore Sling fits in perfectly with the lounge’s early 1900s vibes as the classic cocktail came onto the scene during that period, and it’s a fruity and herbaceous sip, perfect for the season. It’s a mix of Tanqueray No. Ten gin, Heering cherry liqueur, triple sec, Bénédictine, pineapple, lime and grenadine. And who doesn’t love sipping on a spritz in summer? It doesn’t get more refreshing than the Hugo Spritz, a simple, effervescent combination of St-Germain elderflower liqueur, Fever-Tree soda water and prosecco.
The impressive mixology happening at Gatsby’s continues with its specialty cocktails. Highlights and longtime fan favorites include the Daisy’s Sour with Haku vodka, Lazzaroni Amaretto, lemon and lime juices, rosemary syrup, lavender bitters and egg whites; the Some Like it Hot with Volcan De Mi Tierra XA tequila, Fresno chili peppers, cilantro, lime juice and agave; and the Smoke & Mirrors with Basil Hayden & Russell’s Reserve 10 year bourbons, black tea and lavender syrup, Montanaro Vermouth di Torino Rosso and finished off with a spray of Laphroaig 10-year Scotch whiskey.
Singapore Sling Photo by: Christopher DeVargas
Now, if you can find it (search for a small QR code on the menu), don’t miss out on ordering one of the secret menu cocktails—stunning presentations of delicious recipes perfect for capturing those coveted social media posts. Two faves include the party punch bowl-style Get Out & Dance and the cutesy Champagne Bubble Bath. The Get Out & Dance shareable cocktail is served in a giant disco ball and is mixed with Grey Goose Essences white peach and rosemary vodka, St-Germain elderflower liqueur, lime and lemon juices, strawberry purée, simple syrup and watermelon Red Bull. The Roaring ’20s-inspired Champagne Bubble Bath is served in a tublike vessel and is filled with Tanqueray gin, Aperol, lime juice, pineapple, Monin strawberry and rose syrup and rose cava and topped with champagne and mojito-foam bubbles and edible rose petals—even a rubber duckie gets added to the bath!
Gatsby’s Cocktail Lounge also fills up the fun with musical entertainment Thursdays through Saturdays when DJs take over with open-format beats. The party gets started around 10 p.m. The lights get lower, the sounds emanate through the casino, and the lounge just beckons passersby to peek in through the sheer curtains. It’s a whole vibe of what Gatsby’s continues to be known for—getting your roaring party on!
Insider’s Tips
• Don’t miss the daily happy hour from 4-6 p.m. with $12 select cocktails.
• One of the best deals on the entire Strip happens every Monday. Martini Mondays offers five different martinis for $5 each for five hours from 4-9 p.m. Choose from espresso, lemon drop, dirty, classic or Cosmo.
• Don’t miss the iconic Return of The Gatz Party on July 3. DJ sax duo Roger & Rocco entertain, Moët & Chandon sponsors the party with champagne and photo ops, and guests are encouraged to dress to impress in 1920s glam.
• Planning a night at nearby Zouk Nightclub? If you stop into Gatsby’s beforehand and order a cocktail, save your receipt and present it at the nightclub to gain access to the complimentary guest list line.
• Hungry? From 4-9 p.m., guests can order food from nearby restaurants, like sushi rolls from Kusa Nori, cheese and charcuterie boards from Wally’s Wine & Spirits, and chicken tenders from Junior’s.
Resorts World Las Vegas, 702.676.6013. rwlasvegas.com
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