Taste

Sipping on summertime at DW Bistro

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DW Bistro’s new Smok(e)y Islands cocktail comes with some surprises.

Las Vegas is still waiting for beloved southwest-area restaurant DW Bistro to expand with a market/café at the Gramercy—and possibly another location Downtown—but there’s at least one bright, boozy reason to revisit the original dining destination on South Fort Apache Road.

Summer has arrived early at DW Bistro in the form of a fresh new cocktail menu. Regulars are used to sipping on DW’s signature Bloody Mary during weekend brunch—you know, the one that comes with jalapeño bacon—or one of the gentle, fruit-infused “farmer’s market” cocktails, but these new libations explode with versatile flavors perfect for any time of day. And as a bonus, they match up well with DW’s spicy Jamaican fusion fare, putting out the flames that come with the turkey burger sliders or the Jamaican jerk-seared ahi tuna salad.

Smile on the Rocks.

If you believe a strong spirit still has its place in the summertime, check out Smile on the Rocks ($12), Elijah Craig bourbon blended with soft touches of pineapple and lemon juices, Luxardo Maraschino liqueur and Bittermens Tiki Bitters with a splash of Col Mesian Cuvée. It doesn’t get any smoother. For a unique twist on a classic, the Jamaican Mule ($13) uses Grey Goose melon vodka, fresh apricot, mint and ginger syrup with a topper of Jamaican ginger beer.

Co-owner and culinary mastermind Dalton Wilson’s favorite summer drink is called 50 Shades of DW ($20), and it’s served for two in that fancy pineapple copper mug that’s so trendy these days. Ultra-smooth Absolut Elyx finds friends in muddled ginger and basil, more Luxardo, Citron Sauvage, orange cream, pomegranate iced tea and mango purée. This drink gives the bar a chance to show off its deliciously refreshing teas, and it’s a sneaky one—very easy to drink it all yourself. Watch out.

Capri Sunny Slope.

If you like yours sweet, the Capri Sunny Slope ($12) is supposed to recreate the taste of Capri Sun juice pouches from your childhood—44 Degrees North Sunnyslope Nectarine vodka with mango, pineapple and orange and a float of sparkling wine. The resemblance is uncanny. For a more refined cocktail, definitely go with Smok(e)y Islands ($14), a Negroni-inspired mix of mescal, Contratto Bitter, Carpano Antica vermouth, pineapple juice, house-made lemonade, Bittermens Hellfire Habanero Shrub and autumn apple-flavored caviar cocktail spheres, which are like popping boba balls filled with booze. They’re fun to eat by themselves, but pop one in your face and take a sip of this smoky masterpiece and sparks will fly.

DW Bistro 6115 S. Fort Apache Road #112, 702-527-5200. Tuesday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; Friday, 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Tags: Dining, Cocktails
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Brock Radke

Brock Radke is an award-winning writer and columnist who currently occupies the role of managing editor at Las Vegas Weekly ...

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