Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas Elevates the Strip's Cocktail Scene

• 
  SAVE
• 
  SHARE
• 
  TEXT SIZE
• 
  PRINT
• 
  COMMENT
• 
  PDF

. May 13, 2011

LAS VEGAS, NV - May 12, 2011 - Sip coconut-ginger foam beneath 2 million crystals. Be transported back in time to the glamorous 1950s. Catch an electric violinist perform while imbibing a contemporary iteration of the classic Tequila Sunrise. These experiences and more await guests of The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, which proudly houses a robust mixology program featuring more than 100 original cocktails. In addition, a trio of dynamic cocktail programs deliver unparalleled interactive and aesthetic bar experiences.

The combined talents and personalities of the team of resident mixologists—Mariena Mercer, Andrew Pollard, and Kristen Schaefer—have yielded one of The Strip's most sophisticated and energetic beverage collections offering over 100 specialty cocktails resort-wide. Innovative technology and stylish decor create an exuberant setting for day and nighttime entertainment at The Cosmopolitan's collection of bars. Concepts include: Book & Stage a masculine, comfortable sports bar with live entertainment; Queue Bar, a high-energy gaming bar featuring a 22-foot-long long crystal eye; the casino level High Limit Bar and three signature bars—The Chandelier, Vesper Bar, and Bond.

“Bartending as an art form has been taken for granted in the past, but now there is a renewed interest and appreciation for well-made cocktails,” says Pollard. “We wanted to reveal the integrity we have for the craft as well as our foundation in classic methods. It's our intention to create a true cocktail destination.”

Although the bars have unique concepts, all three venues share a commitment to quality and innovation. Stylistically, the cocktails are very diverse but all have a strong foundation of fresh juices, purees, syrups and are all hand-crafted. THE CHANDELIER At the intersection of art and life at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, this stunning spectacle is a crystal-enshrouded bar—a living, breathing chandelier. The tri-level masterpiece seats 500 guests nestled among its shimmering strands of 2 million beaded crystals. Its unique design is evidence of The Cosmopolitan's dedication to artwork and showmanship.

Under Las Vegas mixologist Mariena Mercer's direction, The Chandelier houses three unique bar experiences: a high-energy hotspot, sophisticated high-tech cocktail haven and inviting lounge with a feminine touch. The lively bottom floor of the Chandelier features a live DJ and is devoted to intricate specialty drinks like Thai Down—tequila with Thai basil, strawberries, ginger and a Thai chili syrup—and Madame Curry, a mango margarita with Chinese five spice and curry flavors.

The inside is a cradle for creativity featuring cocktails designed with molecular garnishes served tableside from a modern bar cart. A separate cocktail kitchen designated for molecular exploration is stocked with gadgets galore, including a sous vide vacuum, a Pacojet to make spirited sorbets, a spherification center and a complete index of chemicals used in molecular gastronomy. One resulting cocktail is the Fire Breathing Dragon, a raspberry, lemongrass, Thai chili libation garnished with a dehydrated raspberry that is treated with liquid nitrogen. Once the raspberry enters the mouth, smoke releases from the berry.

The top floor, a flirty lounge inspired by the neighboring shops, exudes femininity and offers creatively infused cocktails. Floral elements, including house-made rose and lavender syrups and violet sugar, are used to make a mix of modern and classic drinks. Cocktails purveyed include Bed Thyme, made from chamomile and lavender syrups with thyme Cognac and pear liqueur, and Violet Femme, a gin and elderflower cocktail rimmed in violet sugar with edible violets.

VESPER BAR With a nod to the obscure cocktail created by James Bond, Vesper Bar channels the 1950s with its glamorous display of glass decanters, rich mahogany furniture, projections of black and white films and perfectly executed vintage cocktails. The comprehensive menu, suited for double agents and regular citizens alike, includes perennial favorites celebrating the art of balance in mixology. Drinks on offer include Negroni, Blood & Sand, the Manhattan, and Last Word.

Pollard, who made his Las Vegas debut with Tangerine Nightclub and later Noir Bar, holds court over Vesper Bar, adjacent to the hotel's lobby. Open 24 hours a day, the upbeat, masculine 85-seat space morphs from breakfast joint to afternoon meeting lair to evening cocktail hangout. A menu of traditional “early risers” such as flips, Bloody Mary's, Champagne cocktails and cobblers will be offered with a breakfast menu that ranges from yogurt and granola to egg dishes.

BOND Replete with artful LED displays and LCD screens created by Leo Villareal, Bond is an exuberant performance space for live music, dancing, and of course, imbibing. Designed with bespoke daybeds and lounge chairs, the 85-seat bar's picture windows overlook the Strip, giving guests a hip vantage point from which to soak in the excitement of Las Vegas.

Head mixologist Kristen Schaefer, a frequent face on the competitive cocktail circuit, designed an extensive menu of familiar cocktails with the volume turned up. Bond's version of an apple martini, for instance, fuses fresh Fuji apple puree, lemon juice, and house-made red-apple infused vodka. The Rising Sun, a take on the Tequila Sunrise, mixes house-made grenadine, blood-orange juice, Gran Centenario Rosangel—a premium tequila infused with hibiscus flower—and Cinzano Brachetta, a sweet sparkling wine. And The Last Kamikaze is made with Skyy Ginger, Cointreau, fresh lemon juice and lemongrass syrup with a lemongrass straw. These flavorful drinks complement the action of the LCD light shows, offering the ultra sensory experience to guests.

Whether guests crave an intimate lounge or a lively party, thoughtfully made cocktails await at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas.