DRINK CULTURE
RED ROCK CASINO BETS ON POP-UPS
The Red Rock Casino Resort & Spa in Las Vegas has been transforming an indoor and outdoor terrace lounge into a series of themed seasonal pop-up bars . This past spring it unveiled Crimson in Bloom , a garden-inspired haven that offered hand-crafted cocktails , extravagant floral decor and an energetic atmosphere with live DJ-spun music .
Guests could enjoy floral candy made by the pastry team at The Bake Shop at Red Rock , as well as inventive drinks with unique garnishes such as floral ice cubes , edible flowers and flavorful dustings . Red Rock organized the cocktail menu by sections called The Herb Garden , The Botanical Garden and The Produce Garden , each with four specialty drinks .
The Herb Garden cocktails included Lavender , priced at $ 19 and made with Absolut Elyx vodka , lavender , lemon , orgeat , Red Bull blueberry and topped with an edible flower lollipop ; Rosemary ($ 18 ), a mix of Patron Silver tequila , lemon , blueberry and rosemary ; and Thyme ($ 17 ), with Ketel One Botanical Grapefruit and Rose vodka , Cointreau , grapefruit , yuzu , thyme and sea salt , topped with a gold pastry dusted dehydrated grapefruit .
Among the Botanical Garden cocktails were the Elderflower ($ 19 ), made with Moet & Chandon Imperial Brut Champagne , St . Germain liqueur , peach and lemon , garnished with peach spun sugar cane ; and Orange Blossom ($ 18 ), with Roku gin , coconut , lime , orange blossom and soda , topped with fondant flowers and a mint sprig .
The Produce Garden beverages included Heirloom Tomato ($ 17 ), with Tito ’ s Handmade vodka , fresh tomato , basil simple syrup , balsamic glaze and smoked sea salt to create a vibrant red hue ; and English Cucumber ($ 17 ), a blend of Belvedere vodka , cucumber , lemon and rhubarb sugar .
STOP AND SMELL THE ROSÉ Crimson in Bloom also rolled out a Flower Cart Experience with rosé cocktails prepared tableside for $ 22 . The cart boasted a selection of still or sparkling rosé enhanced with house-made flavored syrups and botanical essences , fresh garnishes and served over assorted floral ice spheres . Guests could choose from by-the-glass rosé options , fresh garnishes and botanicals to create a custom beverage , or ask the server to prepare one of their favorite flavor combinations .
The bar also offered two different rosé flights : Right On Top of That Rosé ($ 20 ), with Smoke Tree , By OTT and Miraval ; and Every Rosé Has Its Thorn ($ 40 ), with Miraval , Chateau du Selles and Garrus . Guests seeking Champagne could purchase a coin for Crimson in Bloom ’ s Moët Champagne split vending machine ; proceeds benefited nonprofit organization The Public Education Foundation .
Prior to Crimson in Bloom , the lounge was christened Merry Crimson for the holidays . Merry Crimson featured a winter wonderland complete with extravagant holiday decor , festive cocktails , oversized gingerbread houses , a real-life Elf on the Shelf and more .
At press time Red Rock was readying the space for the Crimson at Knight summer pop-up in partnership with the Vegas Golden Knights hockey team . The immersive fan experience will offer prime game viewing , Golden Knights photo moments , outdoor games such as hockey cornhole , plus plenty of specialty food and beverage options . – Melissa Dowling
Herb Garden Lavender
Produce Garden Heirloom Tomato
Botanical Garden Orange Blossom
6 • Summer 2021 www . cheersonline . com