Hot Spots for Cold Drinks

Money, Baby!

Las Vegas, Nevada

You may have known a sports bar or two, but this one’s a breed apart. Money, Baby!, in the Virgin Hotel Las Vegas, pairs all the action a sports lover could dream of with a design that’s as extra as Vegas itself. And this is no basic-brews-and-wings joint, either. Pull up a seat at the wraparound bar—topped with Cambria Rose Bay and lit by a combination of mid-century-style countertop globes and purple glowing overhead—and you’ll find creative cocktails aplenty. Consider the Tea’d Up, a sophisticated mix of cucumber vodka and kiwi-ginger reduction. Or try the Double Down, a tropical take on gin with pineapple-infused Campari, sweet vermouth, and coconut bitters. Stay for a meal and you will find wings, but not just any wings—these Jumbo Hot Wings come in buffalo (of course), plus Korean BBQ and basil ranch. Or indulge in the house-made BBQ Pork Rinds and Green Chili Pork Nachos. Finished dinner? Game over? There’s no need to head anywhere else. Thanks to the clever, flexible design by California-based Davis Ink, Money, Baby! transitions effortlessly into club mode after dark, with its own DJ booth (a focal point clad in Cambria Bentley™) and sparkling globes twirling above the dance floor. For a quieter evening’s end, take a moment to relax on the patio, where 12-foot-tall pink palm tree sculptures help create a getaway to remember.

Signature

Like its namesake, the Money Mule is a classic with a twist—a chilled copper mug filled with fig-infused vodka, fresh lime juice, and ginger beer.

Don’t Miss

A taste of the ballpark with Homewrecker Dogs in varieties like the Asian-influenced Bahn Mi and the Tex-Mex-tasty Boss Hog.

Huntress Steakhouse

San Diego, California

After spending an active day amidst the natural beauty of sunny San Diego, the quiet luxury of Huntress may come as a welcome respite. Your experience begins with a feast for the eyes: a highly architectural space in black and white, accented with hints of gleaming gold and a tongue-in-cheek wall of framed butcher’s knives. Overhead, spectacular oversized pendants set the surroundings aglow. But the real spotlight is on the menu, an eclectic mix of creative offerings like Lobster Curry Soup, Miso Chilean Sea Bass, or—the main event—a center-cut A5 steak from Japan’s Satsuma Kagoshima Prefecture, where some of the world’s highest-quality (and most expensive) Wagyu beef is sourced. The drinks selection is just as special. Head to the centerpiece bar—wrapped in Cambria Brittanicca—to enjoy a selection from the Huntress Whiskey Program, which offers guests an exclusive taste of rare, vintage, and unique Japanese whiskies.

Or, spend an evening in the intimate wine-tasting area. For an extra-special occasion, book the Table 67 VIP experience: You’ll enjoy private service at a secluded mezzanine table overlooking the bustle of San Diego’s lively Gaslamp Quarter.

Signature

The Night Owl offers a boost with espresso and Manoa chocolate-infused bourbon, Frangelico, cold-brew coffee liqueur, amaro, and salted sweet cream.

Don’t Miss

The chef’s tasting menu, a decadent selection of surf and turf, especially when paired with a Wine Journey or Whiskey Adventure.

Cottontail Lounge

Scottsdale, Arizona

Step inside the Cottontail Lounge at The W Scottsdale and you might feel like you’ve brought a piece of the spectacular desert landscape with you. Swirls of blue and white move across the ceiling like so many clouds against the endless native skies, and earthy tones of wood and leather wrap the space in warmth. But while the hip Southwestern clubhouse vibe might be what draws you in, you’ll stay for the fabulous cocktails served at the Cambria Bentley–topped bar: offerings like Peachin’ to the Choir, featuring both peach vodka and peach liqueur, and Killing Me Softly, which mixes rum with mango, coconut, pineapple, and fresh-squeezed OJ. And you can’t miss the establishment’s signature cocktail, says Davis Krumins, who designed the lounge, right down to the quirky bunny statuary. “I love the carrot-based whiskey drink, aka the Cottontail,” he says. “Just try it.”

Signature

How do you make a cocktail worthy of the name Cottontail? Add whiskey to rosemary and carrot-orange-turmeric juice for a sweet, natural-tasting tipple.

Don’t Miss

Yuzu crème fraîche, dill, shaved radish, pickled baby onion, and lemon oil top Smoked Sockeye Salmon Flatbread for a truly decadent nosh.

El Hefe

Scottsdale, Arizona

El Hefe means “the boss,” in Spanish, and this Scottsdale institution (which bills itself as El Hefe Supermacho Taqueria) certainly exudes take-charge confidence at every turn. From the moment you walk in—pausing, of course, at the famous entryway selfie station—you’re greeted by exuberant design by Davis Ink, from a burst of light from an upside-down chandelier to greenery swaying from suspended planters to the bold pattern of Cambria Bentley anchoring the substantial bar. The food is every bit as impressive, with Tex-Mex favorites like Street Corn and tacos, plus “Macho” Nachos and burritos, salads, and more. Bring your appetite: There are no small portions here. Cocktails are equally robust. Try the Desert Del Fuego, a flavor explosion of smoky mezcal, ginger liqueur, and a hint of prickly pear syrup, or the Coco Naranja Margarita, with tequila, fresh coconut puree, blood orange juice, and lime. As night falls, join in as the action heats up on a small but mighty dance floor. And if you like the energy but are ready for a change of scenery, head next door to Riot House, where you can enjoy food from the El Hefe kitchen in a more laid-back, beachy atmosphere.

Signature

You can taste the love in the Mi Amor Spritz, a combination of tequila rosa, strawberry puree, fresh lemon juice, Cointreau, and rosé.

Don’t Miss

A happy ending for your sweet tooth, the dessert nachos pile on puffed wheat, powdered sugar, cajeta caramel, chocolate sauce, and whipped cream.

More Spots to Try If You’re Stopping By...

The Shag Room

There’s more fun to be had after the game at Money, Baby! nearby at The Shag Room, which showcases local talent at open mic night and boasts an Upside Down Tea Party worthy of Alice.

Marjorie Barrick Museum

If your compass points to culture over cocktails, head to the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, to see a collection that highlights and celebrates underserved communities.

Arizona Boardwalk

Also in Scottsdale is this extravaganza of entertainment, which includes OdySea Aquarium, Butterfly Wonderland, Laser & Mirror Maze, Pangaea: Land of the Dinosaurs, the Surprise Your Eyes selfie museum, and more.

San Diego Chinese Historical Museum

Once your hunger is satiated at Huntress, head down the street to feed your soul. Explore the trans-Pacific history of San Diego’s Chinese community at this unique celebration of art, history, and culture.