Sittingbelowoneof thewhiteoversize lamps (adornedwith
cutoutsoffighting roosters—anongoing,Cuban-inspired
motif there), sippingasignaturecocktail, puffingonacigar
(smoking isdefinitelyencouragedbyproprietorMichaelFrey,
whoalsoownsCasaFuenteCigarsatTheForumShopsat
CaesarsPalace), andchattingwith friends isagreatway to
spendanhouror twoaway from thegaming tables.
Obviously, RHUMBARhas a fabulous selection of the
alcohol forwhich it’snamed. Thosefinebrown liquors are
made for sippingand that is definitelyoneway togo. But
my favoriteRHUMBAR cocktail is calledBridgetGotHer
GrooveBack
.
It’smonickered for one of the lounge’swait-
resses and is set off bygentlypressed sage, whichgives
thedrinkavery fresh taste.
This isa terrificspot. It’saplacewhereFrankandSammy
andDean, sittingata rear table, flirtingwith theservers,
andenjoyingCubancigars,would feel rightathome. It’sa
goodbet thatyouwill, too.
STOCKING THE ULTIMATE AT-HOME BAR
It’s not always possible to be in Vegas
swilling cocktails.With someof the sug-
gestions fromRaySrp,mastermixologist
at theBellagio in LasVegas, hereare the
ingredients for perfect do-it-yourself
cocktails.
Vodka:
GREYGOOSE.
Anultrapremiumbrand that’s
great formixeddrinks
LEVEL.
Amartini’s perfectmate; alsoenjoy-
able straight up
DRIPPINGSPRINGS.
A Texas vodkamadewith
ArtesianHill Country springwater
TITO’SHANDMADEVODKA
. Anaward-winning
spirit that’s reasonablypriced
Gin:
TANQUERAYNO. TEN.
Lots of citrus accents, and
good tohave for ginmartinis
HENDRICK’S.
A refreshingflavor; this gin is
good in cocktails containing cucumber
RIGHT.
When youwant a sweeter ginwitha
richer palate
BOMBAYSAPPHIRE.
A crucial bar ingredient
that’s perfectwith tonicanda twist
Scotch:
GLENMORANGIETHE LASANTA
. A12-year-old
singlemalt that’s richand full-bodied
CHIVASREGAL25YEAROLD.
Sniff, sip, andenjoy
theundertones of peach, orange,marzipan,
andnuts
THEMACALLAN18YEAROLD.
A singlemalt
that’s smoothand fat
Bourbon:
KNOBCREEK.
A superpremiumKentucky
straight bourbon that’s agednine years and
is richand complex
WOODFORDRESERVE.
Thebrand that’s theof-
ficial bourbonof theKentuckyDerby should
beon your shelf
PAPPYVANWINKLE’S FAMILYRESERVE.
Adeli-
cious agedbourbon; theybottle just 3,000
per year, sofindoneand savor it
Tequila:
HERRADURABLANCO.
It’s smoothand sweet,
andhelps tomakeameanmargarita
JOSECUERVORESERVADE LA FAMILIA.
A so-called
“super añejo,”with vanillaand cognac
flavors
CASANOBLESINGLEBARRELAÑEJO.
This pre-
mium tequila is refinedand smooth; savor
it by itself
Rum:
MONTECRISTO.
Sip it straight,withnothing
more thana cigar for accompaniment
ZACAPA23YEAROLD.
Complex,well-balanced,
anda superior tipple
PYRATXORESERVE.
Candoubleas anafter-
dinner drink; goeswellwith creamydesserts
After-Dinner Drinks:
JACOPOPOLI PO’MERLOTDI POLI GRAPPA.
Sweet
grapes smoothout the rough tasteusually
associatedwithgrappa
KUBLERSWISS.
Get a littlenaughtyandenjoy
the strong licoriceflavor of this 105-proof
absinthe
COINTREAU.
Sure, you’llwant it insteadof tri-
ple sec for delectablemargaritas, but enjoy it
on its own for something truly special
Round things outwith sodas, fresh juices,
lemons and limes, simple syrup, cocktail on-
ions, andbottles of sweet anddry vermouth.
Be sure tohavea two-piece cocktail shaker,
bar spoon, anda jigger formeasuring liquor.
Anddon’t forget themartini glasses!
FALL 2009
celebratedliving.com
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NIGHTLIFE
Return of the Cocktail
