Taste

Let’s explore Other Mama’s new cocktail menu

Image
Meet the new Phyllis: rye whiskey, orange blossom water, turbinado syrup, peach and blackberry.

Other Mama is well-armed, which is why it’s quickly become one of the hottest neighborhood restaurants in the Las Vegas Valley, but its secret weapon is its cocktail menu. As rare as it is to find such a fresh gem of a restaurant out in the ‘burbs, a fantastic cocktail spot is a truly scarce commodity once you stray from the Strip or Downtown.

Other Mama barman David English has renovated the entire menu with fall and winter flavors sneaking into the mix, but his original libations still maintain their friendly prices ($10-$12). As an aspiring regular, I have to say I’m going to miss my girl Beryl (apricot-infused Buffalo Trace and Creole bitters), but there are plenty of delicious options ready to take her place.

The new Phyllis, for one. Light, crisp notes of peach and orange blossom mingle with rye whiskey and a slight sweetness from turbinado syrup. The softness of Other Mama’s cocktails are tailor-made to match up with its fresh, occasionally raw seafood offerings, including the vanilla bourbon-lemon-rosemary flavored Sofia and the cinnamon vodka-pear-cardamom loveliness of Francesca. The softly sparkling Beatriz adds allspice and honey to bourbon, pumpkin-lemon soda and egg white, creating a drink that just barely teases fall and avoids the dreaded heavy pumpkin-o-rama you’ll find everywhere else.

Other Mama's Sofia cocktail blends vanilla bourbon, rosemary syrup, lemon, blood orange bitters and Yellow Chartreuse.

Subtlety works, but there are some powerful drinks on this menu, too. Bernadette is based on cranberry and horseradish-infused vodka, with Balsam Amaro, basil and sparkling wine. Penelope is not messing around, with pomegranate-infused mezcal, lime cordial and a topper of Stiegl Radler grapefruit ale. And then there’s Rosa, a fiery-sweet-savory storm of bacon bourbon, ancho chili liqueur, maple syrup, barbecue bitters and a garnish of salt-candied bacon.

It’s clear the food and drink at Other Mama were designed with each other in mind, and that’s the reason I just can’t stop visiting this humble little restaurant. It’s always a good idea.

Other Mama 3655 S. Durango Drive #6, 702-463-8382. Wednesday-Sunday, 4-11 p.m.

Share
Photo of Brock Radke

Brock Radke

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

Get more Brock Radke
Top of Story