Every bartender worth a damn I’ve ever talked to has said: “Drink what you like.” Even if you have a booze geek’s palate that might occasionally include a species of beverage abused for being very sweet and very frozen.
On the Strip, these cocktails are often called “daiquiris,” though the real thing is rum, lime and sugar without any ice, let alone blended and served in a busty plastic torso. But if you let Vegas’ frozen daiquiri be what it is, a refreshing punch of fruity, boozy coldness mellowing the heat and party fatigue, it can be just perfect.
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Mango at Margaritaville Nothing but Bacardi Superior white rum and mango purée here. Intense and exotic, the mango’s sweet-tartness amplifies the rum’s nutty notes, and velvety ice lends the essence of ripe fruit. $10, Flamingo.
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Rumfecta at La Bayou This classic is about Mardi Gras beads and “New Orleans Daiquiris.” Three house specialties are made with rum, so blend Hurricane, Piña Colada and Banana Bayou for the best alcoholic Slurpee of your life. $13 24-ounce, Fremont Street Experience.
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Tangerine-Lime at Squeeze Fresh-pressed juice makes you feel vital. Cruzan Aged Light Rum makes you feel warm and fuzzy. Mix, and the rum’s vanilla melts into tangerine and lime so sharp and bright your lips truly will smack. $10.95, the Linq.
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The Booze Issue
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Strawberry at D Bar The outdoor bar beckons with a rainbow of spinning flavors (hello, maple bacon doughnut!), and rum options range from orange cream to strawberry. The latter is a refreshing, balanced blast of berry and booze—dessert with a straw. $15 32-ounce, Fremont Street Experience.