One of the highlights of my summer was going to Las Vegas for the first time.
It was even more awesome because it was a girlfriend getaway with my good friends, Shannon & Leigh. We stayed at the fabulous ARIA Resort & Casino, and one of the more memorable moments was watching Leigh drink Absinthe at Sage. It was a fun experience that was totally Vegas!
Cocktails are a big part of my life. My husband is a mixologist and we love traveling to new places and trying the signature drink. I think it’s what makes a destination stand out. Aria actually has some of the most innovative cocktails that I have seen. Here are just some of the crazy concoctions found at ARIA:
Absinthe Makes the Heart Grow Fonder
* Absinthe Allure – Sage houses one of the largest selections of absinthe in the nation. Legalized in 2007, the highly intoxicating liquor ranges from Le Tourment Vert to rarer brands like St. George Vert and Spain’s Obsello Verte. Sage’s Russian-style absinthe tasting is a spectacle unto itself.
As the magic potion is swirled in a snifter, the server ignites it and pours the blazing blue potion into a glass of OJ below. Fumes from the absinthe flame are trapped in the glass by a cloth napkin. Through a straw, guests inhale the warm, anise-flavored air into their lungs and chase it with the OJ/absinthe mixture, finally exhaling as they finish the drink.
* Shock and Awe – This unique absinthe presentation employs Sage’s stellar Russian-style presentation, but replaces the OJ with root beer and adds a rim laced with Pop Rocks. It’s the ultimate party in your mouth.
* Sazerac – Reported to be the first American cocktail ever invented, this everlasting concoction at AMERICAN FISH has everything you need to get your engine revving. Created in pre-Civil War New Orleans, Sazerac includes rye or cognac, “gomme†syrup, Peychaud’s Bitters and Angostura Bitters. It’s served without ice in an absinthe-rinsed glass and topped with an orange peel.
I’m Feeling Hot, Hot, Hot
* Fire in the Hole!!! – Served as a morning hangover remedy at Bar Moderno, this spicy sip will wake up any partygoer feeling the day-after blues. In addition, escape from the frost outside with this cocktail, sure to bring the heat! The drink includes Herradura Reposado Tequila, ARIA’s own Mary Mix and Sriracha served over ice with a salted rim.
* El Fuego – The title says it all: pure fire! This hot cocktail served at SKYBOX Sports Bar & Grill includes Herradure Anejo Tequila, Skybox’s own Bloody Mary Mix and one of the hottest peppers in the world: the Jolokia Pepper (Ghost Pepper). This fiery cocktail is shaken and served with two lemon-stuffed olives and a side shot of ice-cold milk.
Only in Vegas!
* Dammi un Bacon – Try the meatiest cocktail ever made at Sirio Ristorante. This hearty concoction contains vodka, organic tomato juice, Worcestershire and beef bouillon, and is garnished with three olives: a deep-fried bacon-wrapped olive, prosciutto-stuffed olive and cream-cheese-and-bacon-stuffed olive.
* The Annulment – Sometimes what happens in Vegas, really should stay in Vegas. And though this remedy isn’t legally binding, it can at least momentarily take your mind of last night’s drive-through wedding. This quick fix from Bar Moderno includes a straight shot of Jack Daniels and a draft beer chaser. Couples’ therapy optional.
Gin Is In!
* Raspberry Aviation – A timeless classic with an ARIA twist: this signature sip is served throughout the resort and combines Beefeater gin, Luxardo Marachino Liqueur, fresh raspberries, fresh sour, shaken and served up.
* The Ford Cocktail – AMERICAN FISH’s Ford Cocktail predates prohibition and was first introduced in 1895 in “Modern American Drinks,†prior to the rise of Henry Ford! This timeless cocktail includes Navy Strength Gin, house-made lime cordial and fresh lime juice, served up with a lime peel.
Fresh-Fruit Sensations
* Prickly Pear Pisco Sour – Taste the fruit of the desert in this Signature Sip. Served throughout ARIA, this fruity libation includes Bar Sol Pisco Acholado, prickly pear puree, fresh lime and rhubarb bitters, shaken and served up.
* Pink Leopard – This whimsical drink served at Lemongrass includes Ketel One Vodka, PAMA Liqueur, yuzu puree and fresh sour served up in a martini glass with pomegranate seeds.
*Manzana Deliziosa – Meaning “delicious apple,†this signature cocktail at Julian Serrano includes Hendrick’s Gin, green apple puree, Lillet and fresh thyme.
* Orange Elderflower Cosmo – Jean Georges Steakhouse adds a flavor explosion to this classic cocktail. This twisted Cosmo includes Hangar One Buddha’s Hand Vodka, Orange Elderflower syrup, fresh cranberries and pineapple.
* Desert Shrub – This simple, yet refreshing drink pays homage to the desert scenery. Served at Sage, this cocktail includes Tequila Reposado, Prosecco, pink grapefruit and purple sage.
* Yokohama Breeze – Chef Masa offers more than great sushi at Bar Masa. The Yokohama Breeze intoxicates your taste buds with Absolut Citron, Crème de Cassis, fresh blueberries and lime, served up.
