Crimes of Passion: A Seductive Sensation at Nocturno Las Vegas

Photo Credit: Nocturno Las Vegas

This week’s cocktail of the week selection comes straight out of Sin City — with an appropriate name, too. We love the vibe of new downtown Vegas hot spot Nocturno and its take on Attaboy’s Crimes of Passion.

Photo Credit: Nocturno Las Vegas

“I’m really excited to share more about the Crimes of Passion, I think it’s very quickly becoming a modern classic because of its balance and versatility. We’re starting to see it pop up at classic cocktail-focused bars all over the map, and for good reason. It’s tropical, exotic, citrusy, bright, and surprisingly complex thanks to the tequila and mezcal blend working with fresh passion fruit. It’s also, hands down, our top seller at Nocturno. The cocktail was originally created by Hunter Orahood, an incredibly talented bartender from Attaboy NYC, back in 2018. It’s essentially a classic daiquiri in form, but reimagined through a more exotic lens. It uses tequila and mezcal as the spirit base, so you get this smokey, earthy foundation that plays really well with the bright tropical punch of the passion fruit.”

He adds, “It’s vibrant, tart, and has just the right amount of heat. The drink lives somewhere between a tropical daiquiri and something a margarita lover would gravitate towards, and we think that’s what makes it so well received. At Nocturno, we put a lot of care into balance and texture. This one’s all about getting the acidity and booziness dialed in so it pops without overwhelming. That’s why using all fresh ingredients and carefully measuring every pour is so important to us. The chili salt on top gives it a savory, spicy lift that keeps guests coming back for a second round. Honestly, it’s just a super fun cocktail. It doesn’t take itself too seriously by keeping the ingredients simple and duplicatable. Another flawless work of art by NYC bartenders.”

And there you have it, folks. I’m particularly passionate about this cocktail, and no doubt, you will be, too. Here’s how to make the Crimes of Passion, Nocturno-style, at home.

HOW TO MAKE THE CRIMES OF PASSION 

Photo Credit: Nocturno Las Vegas

1.5 oz blanco tequila
.5 oz mezcal
.75 oz house-made passion fruit syrup
.75 oz fresh-pressed lime juice
.25 oz honey syrup (3:1 honey to water)
Finished with chili salt on top

Nocturno Las Vegas is located at 1017 S 1st street, suite 180. Las Vegas, NV 89101