Sipping In Style at Venetian/Palazzo’s “COCKTAIL COLLECTIVE”

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Three moods and a whole lotta class at Venetian/Palazzo’s trio of sexy lounges…

Last week my house guest and I were relaxing during the late afternoon when some cool jazz came up on the CD changer (yes, some of us are still old school). Apparently that piano and saxophone set the right tone because he perked up and said “I’m in the mood for some fancy cocktails. Where do we go?”.

                   Dr. Ryan Cooley (right) and I start our evening at Venetian/Palazzo…

If you read this blog regularly then you’d know that my immediate response was “ROSINA“. I’ve had a love affair with Palazzo’s gorgeous art-deco lounge since it opened in the summer of 2017. A sister of sorts to Venetian’s The Dorsey, ROSINA was the latest jewel in the resort’s crown.

Since then, Venetian/Palazzo has added ELECTRA Cocktail Club, the third member of their upscale lounge offerings. Now known as the Cocktail Collective, this trio beckons you with a sophisticated take on the pub crawl. So we were off to shower and into our swanky duds for an evening of superlative martinis, signature cocktails and gorgeous surroundings.

Our first stop was ELECTRA Cocktail Club, a high-gloss and sumptuous space just off the casino floor near Mott 32 (read my review here). The largest of the three, ELECTRA has an open floor plan with large tufted sofas and luxurious lounge chairs. The far wall is a stunning and massive video screen with amazing resolution.

This “digital canvas” is almost subliminal as a mood-enhancer, as constantly-changing vibrant images alternately rivet your attention then become part of the background atmosphere. The effect is dazzling and memorable, helping to create the energy of a mega-club with the intimate trappings of a local hangout.

                      Performer Ruby Lewis surprises Sarah Delgado-Rith at Rosina…

Of course any cocktail lounge is only as good as who’s behind the bar. It was pleasing to recognize bartender Sarah Delgado-Rith. This lovely and wonderfully-skilled mixologist was the centerpiece of an article I penned last year. In it, Sarah was surprised by BAZ performer Ruby Lewis, who took over her shift as part of “National Plan for Vacation Day”.

Reintroducing myself, I brought up that article and asked Sarah if Miss Lewis had really worked her entire shift. “No, I wish!” she laughed. “As soon as the cameras were done rolling, girlfriend was outta here. But I actually did get the vacation, so that was cool”.

We all had a chuckle then got down to business with a look at ELECTRA’s magnificent cocktail menu. The newest member of the Cocktail Collective prides itself on being ahead of the trends in mixology. Their primary focus is on rums, agricoles and mezcals, but the skilled bartenders can create absolutely anything to suit your taste. I was drawn to Unicorn Tears ($18), a tall blend of gin, Fino sherry, fresh lime, pineapple and absinthe.

My companion, a family-practice physician from the Pacific Northwest, decided to take a walk on the wild side with Low Blow ($18). This union of bourbon, pineapple liqueur, chocolate and Angostura bitters is stirred and dramatically served on the rocks.

The ambience at ELECTRA tends to ebb and flow. Music changes throughout the evening just like that electric video wall. Resident DJ’s supply contemporary hits, hip-hop, rock and the occasional mellow selection. On Thursdays, the club hosts a fun-filled “Shake Off” in which celebrities participate in a cocktail-creation competition. A famous pair of guests is challenged to design drinks that reflect their tastes and sensibilities…and club attendees get to be the judges!

Saying farewell to Sarah and the ELECTRA staff, we sauntered across the casino to ROSINA. The eye-catching black and gold entrance lures you from the east side of the gaming floor and offers an intimate environment that’s in stark contrast to ELECTRA’s party vibe. Famous for it’s unique “Champagne Call Button” that keeps the bubbly flowing, ROSINA specializes in fine wines and classic cocktails delivered with panache.

ROSINA’s stunning space is the perfect size to host intimate groups and celebrate special events. Our visit happened to coincide with “Rosina Connoisseur Nights”, a series that recognizes noteworthy Las Vegas women. This evening was celebrating Women in Television and was hosted by reporter/personality Jillian Lopez.

                                             Host Jillian Lopez with Kyle Markman…

The featured cocktail for the evening was Air Columbia, made with Belvedere Vodka, Aperol, Amaro Nonino, housemade simple syrup, lemon juice, fresh raspberries and MOËT ROSÉ.

                        Claudine Grant (right) is the resort’s Communications Manager…

Guiding the festivities was Claudine Grant, the resort’s dynamic and always-elegant Communications Manager.  In attendance was Keith Salwoski, Venetian’s handsome Executive Director of Public Relations. I’d been fortunate to meet both of these wonderful people during the 2017 BAZ Boot Camp experience that I told you about here.

Keith recommended that we try the Seasonal Fix ($18), a refreshing mixture of muddled seasonal fruit, spirit of your choice, fresh lemon, crushed ice and a whole-fruit accent. I enjoyed gin and raspberry while the good doctor chose vodka and blueberries. Open wide and say “Ahhhhhhh”….

                    GM Luis Lopez (second from left) and Keith Salwoski (far right)…

General Manager Luis Lopez, who also helms ELECTRA, told me about ROSINA’s growing collection of “Secret Menus”. Along with the regular list of wines and signature cocktails, guests in the know (and Vegas Unfiltered readers) can request a peek at the down-low Manhattan Menu. On Thursday June 6th they’ll be debuting a Champagne Secret Menu at a special cost for one night before a formal roll-out. Be sure to attend and tell them that Sam sent you.

On a side note, I learned via this piece in Las Vegas Magazine that Mr. Lopez regularly visits sick children in hospitals dressed as Deadpool and Batman. Performing the same heartwarming work as the team at Critical Care Comics (which I wrote about here), Luis says “It’s great for me to be able to do that for the kids. I wear those suits so I can take their mind off things—so they can have some fun.”

The founding member of the Cocktail Collective is The Dorsey, our final stop for the evening. Take a short stroll through Restaurant Row, past the recently-reviewed Factory Kitchen and a right at the Venetian casino.

The Dorsey is a distinctly fresh take on cocktail culture with a different vibe from either ELECTRA or ROSINA. An interesting blend of casual elegance, soothing atmosphere and hip culture, The Dorsey is the perfect place to begin…or close out…an evening on the town.

My favorite section of The Dorsey is the library, where you can indulge in one of famed mixologist Sam Ross‘s legendary creations while enjoying conversation and social interaction. It’s perfect for a first date or to mark an intimate personal event.

I was fortunate on my first visit to experience Sam Ross in person…as he graced our group with a fascinating presentation of his latest creations. You may not be so lucky to visit when Ross is with, but with so many things to taste, see, listen to and enjoy, every moment at The Dorsey is memorable.

Ross and his team now have introduced “The Dorsey Sessions”, an ongoing cultural exchange of sorts in which noteworthy bartenders from around the world come to The Venetian to share their craft, knowledge and influences on the latest cocktail trends.

When you’re at The Dorsey with a group of friends, bring a party atmosphere to the table with one of their outlandish shareable craft Disco Punch Bowls. Presented in an open-top mirror ball with copper mugs, your punch can be made with Dom Pérignon,  Laurent-Perrier, Absolut Elix or Patrón Tequila.

You can peruse the extensive wine, champagne, beer and cocktail list by clicking here. I highly recommend trying The Penicillin ($18), a true conversation starter made with blended scotch, lemon juice, honey-ginger syrup and a float of Islay Scotch on top. Sam Ross created this one at the Milk and Honey Bar in New York City and it’s become quite popular at The Dorsey…so much so that Ross created a frozen variation, The Penichillin, which is available at nearby ELECTRA.

Now that you too are in the know, it’s time to follow doctor’s orders and experience the Cocktail Collective for yourself. It’s an adventure for the senses that you won’t want to miss.

Photos: Sam Novak, Venetian/Palazzo