Party like it’s 1929: The Cherry Bourbon (left) and Ginger Bulleit from MGM’s West Wing Bar and Rouge, respectively.
Wednesday, Dec. 15, 2010 | 11:50 a.m.
“’Tis the season of brown spirit cocktails,” says Kent Bearden, master mixologist at the MGM Grand. As you may have noticed, popular culture has embraced the Prohibition era of late, with shows like Boardwalk Empire piquing the public’s interest in period fashion. And bartenders are going the same route with spirits, particularly bourbon, a 1920s favorite—albeit one that doesn’t go down easy by itself.
“Bourbon does have a burn to it,” Bearden says. “But as you create cocktails with it and as you put in different flavors, that burn goes away and you start realizing the depth of character—the vanillas, the coconut flavors even, the butterscotch, all of those wonderful flavors that are underlying in bourbon.”
For a taste, stop by the MGM’s West Wing Bar, a hidden upscale gem where we first experienced the Cherry Bourbon. Maker’s Mark, cherry brandy and simple syrup are combined then topped off with Prosecco and served with a cherry in a champagne flute. Nice. But it was the Ginger Bulleit, which Bearden features at nearby Rouge and created for the founder of Bulleit Bourbon’s great grandson, that really warmed us up. Muddled lemons are mixed with bourbon and simple syrup, then topped with ginger beer and garnished with fresh raspberries and mint. It opens up the senses for fuller enjoyment of the bourbon, burn free.
MGM Grand, a AAA Four Diamond resort, offers 5,044 rooms and suites.
MGM Grand features KÀ by Cirque du Soleil; Brad Garrett’s Comedy Club; and world-class entertainment at the Grand Garden Arena and Hollywood Theatre.
The resort offers signature restaurants by celebrity chefs including Tom Colicchio’s Craftsteak, Emeril Lagasse’s New Orleans Fish House, Wolfgang Puck’s Bar & Grill and Michelin three star and Forbes Five Star restaurant, Joël Robuchon.
As part of its ongoing “Grand Renovation,” MGM Grand has remodeled all rooms and suites in its main tower and is adding several new experiences to its lineup including Hakkasan Las Vegas Restaurant and Nightclub, a new upscale dining/nightlife concept (coming in April 2013).
MGM Grand also features a state-of-the-art, non-smoking conference center, the Grand Spa, Cristophe Salon, "CSI: The Experience" and an inviting pool complex featuring the tantalizing daylife of Wet Republic.
Upscale accommodations include The Mansion, an exclusive hotel within the hotel; the luxurious two-story SKYLOFTS at MGM Grand; and The Signature at MGM Grand, a luxury all-suite, non-gaming hotel located adjacent to the main resort.
Join the Discussion:
Check this out for a full explanation of our conversion to the LiveFyre commenting system and instructions on how to sign up for an account.
Full comments policy