Nightlife

Lily’s take on the classic Manhattan is all about presence and power

Image
Mixologist Emilio Tiburcio updates the classic cocktail at Lily inside Bellagio.
Sabin Orr
Sabrina Chapman

If there is a cocktail worthy of being called the quintessential drink of Vegas ... it is the Manhattan ($20), as made by mixologist Emilio Tiburcio of Lily. Not for its flash, love of excess or thrill of the game, but for an eloquence in presentation that speaks pure power. The Vegas of insiders and influencers.

Tiburcio doesn’t reinvent the wheel in this classic cocktail; he just makes the ride that much smoother. The libation begins before a sip is taken with the visceral effect from an ice sphere resting delicately in a pool of deep amber. “In every sip you experience a different journey,” Tiburcio explains, “and when you hold the Manhattan, it is as if you are holding the world in the palm of your hand.”

Build a bourbon empire in a snifter glass at home, or for a night on the town less Hangover and more Rat Pack, head to Lily at the Bellagio and let Tiburcio show you the way.

The Manhattan

Ingredients:

2 oz. Russell’s Reserve 10-year Bourbon

1 oz. Dolin sweet vermouth

1/5 oz. dark cherry juice

Dash of Aztec chocolate bitters

Lemon zest

Ice sphere

Method: To build cocktail, first put ice sphere in a snifter glass. Add Russell’s Reserve, then Dolin sweet vermouth, then dash of Aztec chocolate bitters, followed by cherry juice. Zest the glass with lemon peel. Swirl once to chill and serve.

Share

Previous Discussion:

  • When creating the cocktail, Brett Offutt's goal was to use Old Forester 1920 and island-inspired flavors for an irresistible libation you won’t want to put ...

  • This cocktail was inspired by the fragrances of autumn, including fresh pine, stewed berries and baking spices.

  • Party with Old Forester this holiday season!

  • Get More Cocktail Stories
Top of Story