Blending Perfection: Haute 5 Mixologists in Las Vegas

Have you ever wondered how that tasty drink at the bar was concocted? You know the one that you can’t seem to get enough of? Well many of those drinks were tasted and tested by people who dedicate their lives to the craft of mixing liquors together in order to get that one perfect flavor. And in this week’s Haute 5, we introduce you to some Vegas’ hautest Mixologist and their drinks.

Shadow Bar

The Apple Martini is a classic, so how to do you make it better? Talk to Mixologist Matt Stober at the Shadow Bar inside Caesars Palace and he’ll say there is always room for improvement. Stober said most bars use products full of artificial colors, flavors, and high fructose corn syrup for their Apple Martini’s, but not Stober. He wanted to bring it to a whole new level of taste and freshness. So instead of the usual liquors with loads of sugar and fake flavors, he decided to use liquors infused with natural flavors and real apples.

Apple Martini by Matt Stober at Shadow Bar inside Caesars Palace

• 1 1/2oz  Stolichnaya Gala Applik Vodka
• 1oz        Perfect Puree of Napa Valley Green Apple Puree
• ½ oz      Hand Extracted Lime Juice
• 3/4oz     Simple Syrup

Combine all ingredients in a mixing glass shake vigorously with ice and strain into a chilled cocktail glass.

Stober said guest have told him this drink tastes like your biting into a Granny Smith Apple. What better place to try this concoction than where it was created at the Shadow Bar inside Caesars Palace. Shadow Bar is a destination lounge featuring stylish décor, a sensual atmosphere, and shadow dancers. The high-energy feel will compliment that natural Apple Martini

Shadow Bar is located inside Caesars Palace, 3570 Las Vegas Blvd. South, 702.731.7873

Daniel Boulud Brasserie

The Wynn Mixologists are always on the cutting edge of flavors and mixes. That’s why there Gingerly Sage cocktail is considered one of the hautes in Vegas. The Gingerly Sage cocktail was created for the Sherry De Jerez competition to take place later this year. Richards says the drinks’ organic gin captures a trend in the “green movement,” and the earthy sage notes and spicy ginger notes of the beer complement the gin.

The Gingerly Sage by Patricia Richards at David Boulud Brasserie inside the Wynn

• 1oz Tru Organic Gin
• 1oz Harvey’s Orange Aperitif Sherry
• ½oz Yellow Chartreuse
• 11/2oz House made Sweet & Sour
• 2 sage leaves
• 3oz Gosling Bermuda Ginger Beer

Combine all of the above ingredients into a mixing glass except for the ginger beer. Shake well with ice, strain contents over ice into a short footed Pilsner glass, top with ginger beer and stir to combine. Garnish with lemon spiral and fresh sage sprig.

Richards recommends this drink with a savory dish such as grilled lamb chops. Daniel Boulud Brasserie is the prime location to try this drink with an outdoor patio overlooking the Lake of Dreams. This exquisite restaurant is French with opulent décor and a calm relaxing atmosphere.

Daniel Boulud Brasserie is located inside the Wynn Las Vegas, 3131 Las Vegas Blvd. South, 702.770.9966

The Ghostbar

Looking for a haunting drink with a taste that lingers? If so, try the Ghostini at Ghostbar inside the Palms Casino Resort. Mixologist Dave Herlong (for N9NE Group) created this signature cocktail exclusively for the bar and nightclub. The neon green color of the drink is alluring, but it is the taste that will leave you craving fore more.

Ghostini by Dave Herlong at Ghostbar inside the Palms Casino Resort

• 1.5oz Russian Standard Vodka
• 1.5oz Midori Melon Liqueur
• 1oz    Fresh Sweet & Sour mix

Fill mixing tin with ice, add Vodka, Midori, and Fresh Sweet & Sour Mix. Shake well and strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with a cherry and a ghost!

And if you don’t have your own ghost to spook the drink, come to the Ghostbar for the original treat. Located on the 55^th floor of the Palms Casino Resort this place has a spectacular view of Vegas. The 8,000 square foot bar is sultry and sophisticated with indoor and outdoor areas.

Ghostbar is located inside the Palms Casino Resort, 4321 W. Flamingo Rd. 702.942.6832

Mandarin Bar

The Golden Leaf (The Mandarin Martini) is sophistication in a glass. Created by Mixologist Charlotte Voisey exclusively for the Mandarin Oriental, she only uses the most refined liquors and fresh mixers. Voisey travels around the world looking for the best flavors to create some of the most exquisite cocktails ever to hit the lips of man. This martini is perfect to start off your evening.

The Golden Leaf (The Mandarin Martini) by Charlotte Voisey at Mandarin Bar

• 11/2oz Hendrick’s Gin
• 1/4oz Aperol
• Muddled 1/4oz Mandarin and 1/2oz Pineapple
• 1/2oz Fresh Lime Juice
• Simple Syrup

Combine ingredients in a tin mixer, shake well and serve in a martini glass. Garnish with a sprinkle of gold dust.

The best place to try this stylish drink is the Mandarin Bar, located on the 23^rd floor of the Mandarin Oriental, Las Vegas. This sky-high bar has spectacular views of the Vegas strip with floor to ceiling windows. That’s not all, the interior offers a dark and intimate place for meeting friends or going on that first date.

Mandarin Bar is located inside the Mandarin Oriental, Las Vegas, 3752 Las Vegas Blvd. South, 702.590.8888

M Bar

For this next drink, the name says it all. Created by Mixologist Charlie Moavero, this cocktail is swanky with a unique taste that will have you wanting more. Moavero said they wanted to create a signature drink that’s different from the norm, and the M Fantasy fits the bill just right.

M Fantasy by Charlie Moavero at the M Bar inside the M Resort

• 1.5oz Silkroad Plum Sake
• 1oz    Stoli Blueberry Vodka
• 2oz    Sour Mix
• 4        Muddled Blueberries

Muddle Blueberries in tin mixer, add ingredients, shake and double strain into a martini glass. Garnish with an Orchid.

The M Fantasy is the perfect drink to have at the M Bar with private corner couches, intimate lounge tables, and chairs, This is a great spot to come to relax. The bar also features video entertainment walls that surround you graphics and videos. Oh, and on the weekends the DJ spins all the best music.

M Bar is located inside the M Resort, 12300 Las Vegas Blvd. South, Henderson, 702.797.1000