Posts Tagged ‘Las Vegas’

Sammy’s Beach Bar & Grill inside Harry Reid International Airport was our final stop of our most recent trip to Las Vegas—fittingly during a delay, which is prime time for one last Bloody Mary.

This one is their signature hand-shaken Bloody, made with Ketel One vodka and Element’s Bloody Mary elixir. It’s garnished with pepperoncini, celery, and a pickled olive, finished with a chili lime salt rim and a fresh lime wedge. So on paper, it checks a lot of boxes.

Flavor-wise, it delivers. It’s got a nice spice to it, well-balanced, and easy to drink—exactly what you want while killing time at the airport. The chili lime rim adds a little extra kick, which works well with the overall profile.

That said, it’s Vegas—and airport Vegas at that. At $22.50, it’s definitely on the pricey side, especially considering it’s not a particularly large pour. But at this point in the trip, that almost feels expected.

The Bloody Mary

• Spices/Flavor: Spicy, well-balanced, and flavorful
• Fixin’s: Pepperoncini, celery, pickled olive, lime
• Chaser: None
• Presentation: Classic with a chili lime salt rim
• Price: $22.50

If you find yourself stuck at the airport, this is a solid way to wrap up a Vegas trip. It may be expensive and not oversized, but it delivers on flavor—and sometimes that’s exactly what you need before heading home.

Bourbon Steak by Chef Michael Mina inside the Four Seasons Hotel Las Vegas delivers a top-tier dining experience, and their cocktail program absolutely matches that level. Naturally, when I spotted Diane’s Bloody Martini on the menu, I had to give it a try.

This isn’t your traditional Bloody Mary—it’s a completely elevated, reimagined version. Made with Grey Goose vodka and Bombay Sapphire, it blends both vodka and gin with a jalapeño Bloody Mary mix, olive and pepper brine, plus celery and fire bitters. So right off the bat, you know you’re getting something layered and complex.

Presentation-wise, it leans martini-style. It’s served chilled with a side of ice rather than over it, along with a garnish set of cocktail onion, olive, red pepper, and lemon. It’s clean, intentional, and a big departure from the overloaded Bloody presentations you see elsewhere.

Flavor-wise, this is where it really stands out. It’s bold, briny, slightly spicy, and incredibly unique. You get that familiar Bloody essence, but refined and sharpened through the martini format. If you’ve been getting into martinis—or even if you just appreciate a creative cocktail—this one hits a really interesting middle ground.

At $24, it’s definitely in line with Vegas high-end cocktail pricing, especially at a place like Bourbon Steak. And while their cocktail list (not to mention the wine selection) is extensive enough to tempt you in other directions, this is absolutely worth ordering at least once.

Diane’s Bloody Martini

• Spices/Flavor: Bold, briny, slightly spicy with a refined edge
• Fixin’s: Cocktail onion, olive, red pepper, lemon (served on the side)
• Chaser: None
• Presentation: Martini-style, served chilled with side ice and garnishes
• Price: $24

If you’re a Bloody Mary fan—or a martini fan looking to try something different—this is a standout. It’s creative, elevated, and one of the more memorable takes on a Bloody you’ll find in Vegas.

As I mentioned recently, bloody marys hit differently at certain locations and, outside of airport bloodies, golf courses are the next best thing. Something about being out on the course, drink in hand, just elevates the whole experience.

Especially if you’re golfing in Vegas, after having spent a night out in Vegas…

At Serket Golf Club in Henderson, at the recommendation of a local, I went with a Bloody Caesar, a bloody mary made using Clamato. I’ve these before and it’s great because they bring that slightly briny, savory depth that a lot of people swear by. This one was really solid, especially for a grab-and-go golf course drink.

Then over at Boulder Creek Golf Club in Boulder City—completely different story in the best way. The Bloody here was phenomenal. The cart girl made it, and while I didn’t get to ask what mix she used, it stood out immediately. One of those where you take a sip and think, what is this? in the best possible way. Super flavorful, unique, and easily one of the better mixes I’ve had in a long time.

Both were served in to-go cups, which isn’t ideal for presentation, but totally expected on the course. Neither had garnishes, which normally would be a knock—but again, golf course logistics get a pass here. And honestly, the flavor carried both.

The Bloodies (Golf Course Edition)

• Spices/Flavor:
 - Serket: Savory, slightly briny thanks to the Clamato
 - Boulder Creek: Standout, unique, and incredibly flavorful
• Fixin’s: None (to-go course style)
• Chaser: None
• Presentation: To-go cups, simple and functional
• Price: Not listed

If you’re golfing in Vegas, don’t skip the Bloody Mary. These two prove that great flavor can show up anywhere… and sometimes the most memorable ones come mid-round.

Brasserie B Parisian Steakhouse at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas is a popular brunch, lunch and dinner spot from Bobby Flay.

The vibe here is, according to Mr. Flay, “a mix of brasserie staples and flavor surprises I’ve become known for over the years.”

The bloody mary definitely sits in the “staples” category. Served with a classic lineup—a celery stick, lemon wedge, and olive—it’s definitely more of a no-frills Bloody compared to some of the over-the-top options you’ll find elsewhere in Vegas. No towering garnishes, no extras—just the basics.

One thing that I’ve mentioned several times before is the lack of chasers, not just in Vegas, but in most parts of the country. Coming from Wisconsin, it feels a little strange, but it’s just not part of the culture outside of the midwest. This one was no exception.

That said, the flavor delivers. It’s well-balanced, easy to drink, and exactly what you want alongside your brunch experience (I had the avocado toast and it was another excellent staple). Nothing groundbreaking, but it gets the job done.

The Bloody Mary

• Spices/Flavor: Balanced and solid, a dependable brunch Bloody
• Fixin’s: Celery, lemon, olive
• Chaser: None (typical for Vegas)
• Presentation: Clean, classic, no-frills
• Price: Not listed

If you’re at Brasserie B for brunch, the Bloody Mary is a reliable choice. It may not steal the show, but it fits the Vegas brunch vibe—simple, solid, and satisfying.isn’t just a drink—it’s an experience. Come hungry, bring a friend (or don’t), and be ready to fully commit.

Alexxa’s—located inside Paris Las Vegas Hotel and Casino—fully leans into the “go big or go home” Vegas mindset, and their Colossal Bloody Mary is exactly that.

This isn’t just a drink—it’s a full-on production. Served as an entire pitcher, it’s essentially two-and-a-half drinks in one (per the waitress), but the real headline is everything piled on top. And honestly, the menu description (“basil-infused vodka, king crab leg, shrimp, peppered bacon, pickled peppers, olive, cheese, okra, tomato, celery, cucumber, lime”) and pictures don’t even come close to doing it justice.

We’re talking crab legs, shrimp, bacon (a lot of bacon), okra, celery, pickle, cheese, cherry tomatoes, red peppers, cucumbers… it just keeps going. It’s overflowing with garnishes to the point where it genuinely replaces a meal. I didn’t order anything else because, frankly, I didn’t need to.

Flavor-wise, the Bloody itself holds up, which is important given everything going on. It’s bold enough to stand behind the mountain of fixin’s, though let’s be honest—this one is as much about the experience as it is the drink.

At $50, it’s definitely a splurge. But in a city where cocktails can easily run $20–$25 each, getting essentially multiple drinks and a meal makes it feel a little more justifiable. Still, whether it’s “worth it” probably depends on how committed you are to the full Vegas experience.

The Bloody Mary (Colossal)

• Spices/Flavor: Basil-infused vodka and flavors bold enough to hold its own, but not the main event
• Fixin’s: King Crab legs, shrimp, bacon, okra, celery, pickle, cheese, tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers (and more)
• Chaser: None
• Presentation: Over-the-top pitcher loaded with a full meal’s worth of garnishes
• Price: $50

If you’re in Vegas and want something memorable, this is it. The Colossal Bloody Mary isn’t just a drink—it’s an experience. Come hungry, bring a friend (or don’t), and be ready to fully commit.

Vegas is known for over-the-top drinks, but this Bloody Mary at Grand Lux Café, located inside the Venetian… not so much.

We flew in on an early morning flight and were starving by the time we hit the Strip, so breakfast and Bloody Marys seemed like the perfect first stop. Unfortunately, this was a quick reminder that my long-standing opinion about Vegas Bloodies still holds true: Vegas simply lacks outstanding Bloody Marys.

I just don’t get it. In a place known for excess—flashy food, extravagant cocktails, and general overindulgence—you’d expect the Bloody Mary scene to be next-level. But time and time again, it’s the same story: basic, boring, and overpriced. I did spot a few more elaborate options, but at $40+ a pop? No thanks. Especially when so many people in this city are battling hangovers, you’d think there’d be a better Bloody Mary effort.

Maybe someday I’ll move out there and open a 24/7 build-your-own Bloody bar that doesn’t cost an arm and a leg… because clearly, there’s a market gap waiting to be filled.

The Bloody Mary: a salted rim, a stalk of celery, and maybe a hint of lime.

Flavor-wise, it was fine—nothing offensive, nothing memorable. And in Las Vegas, where every cocktail carries a hefty price tag, this one felt overpriced and underwhelming. Sometimes, simple isn’t synonymous with satisfying.

The Bloody Mary

  • Spices/Flavor: Mild, uninspired
  • Fixin’s: Celery, lime (maybe?)
  • Chaser: Not listed
  • Presentation: Simple, clean
  • Price: $$$ (Vegas standard)

A decent breakfast companion but far from the show-stopping Vegas experience you’d expect.

Blondie’s Sports Bar & Grill, located inside the Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood might just be one of Nevada’s best sports bars, and their Bloody Mary proves it… especially if you’re hunting for value.

This one came with a salted rim, a pepperoncini skewer, and is offered during a morning special for just $1.99 (between 7–11 a.m, Monday-Friday.). It’s not huge, but for that price, you can happily order multiples. The flavor is solid, the presentation simple, and it pairs perfectly with Blondie’s decent breakfast and bar menu. Definitely one of the best Bloody Mary deals in Las Vegas.

The Bloody Mary

  • Spices/Flavor: Solid, classic
  • Fixin’s: Pepperoncini skewer, salted rim
  • Chaser: Not listed
  • Presentation: Simple, classic sports bar
  • Price: $1.99 (morning special)

A steal for Vegas and worth a stop if you’re in the area early.

Recently, we visited Las Vegas, Nevada.

With the entertainment scene being what it is in Vegas and with how over the top a lot of things are in the city, you’d think there’d be 1) more Bloody Marys to go around and 2) bigger, better, bolder bloodies than anywhere else.

Sadly, this is not the case. There are a few build-your-own Bloody Mary spots that we’ve come across, but generally, that’s a Saturday or Sunday brunch offering.

In our opinion, a 24-hour Bloody Mary Cafe would go over well in Vegas, so you can have the hair of the dog and keep on partying at any hour of the day, but hey, we’ll take what we can get for now.

This time around, we stopped at Broken Yolk for breakfast before heading home after one wild night on the town. Broken Yolk is off the strip and on the way to the airport, plus it was a Tuesday, so we didn’t have a wait like most places in Vegas might.

This place has an extensive menu that includes not just one but four different Bloody Mary options and, for those who are indecisive, a Bloody Mary flight.

We tried the Bloody Best.

Photo Jul 30, 9 14 30 AM

Of course, it’s nothing but the Bloody Best for us!

The low down:

Spice: Not too spicy.

Mix: House Mix

Fixin’s: Waffle, Bacon, Olive, Celery, Salted Rim

Chaser: None offered

If you need to grab breakfast on your way out of town, or want to avoid the chaos of the strip, Broken Yolk is a great spot.

 

Price:  $10

Oh, Las Vegas. It’s been far too long.

We took a quick jaunt to Sin City this week and managed to sneak in a Bloody Mary review on the trip.

We had heard about the Bloody at Mr. Lucky’s in the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino but because it’s off the strip, we never made it there on our previous visit.

Well, our trip started off lucky as that’s where we were staying this time around. I guess you could say lucky for us, we got to try this beast at Mr. Lucky’s:

Lucky's Breakfast Bloody

While $19.99 may seek excessive for a Bloody Mary, in truth this might just be one of the best bargains in Vegas. When you consider that most drinks at the bars are about $10-15 a pop, here you’re also getting a meal and a souvenir.

Mr. Lucky's  Bloody Mary

Turn around, gorgeous:

Mr. lucky's Bloody Mary

Mix: House

Chaser: None offered

Fixin’s: Deviled egg, celery, pickle, shrimp, beef jerky, waffle breakfast slider with cheese & bacon, lime, olive

Price: $19.99 – steep but comparable in Vegas, plus you get to keep the glass!

Pro tip: Order this drink and you’ve got breakfast to boot. The waffle breakfast slider is quite possibly one of our all-time favorite fixin’s, quickly joining the ranks of Sobelman’s and the like back home. I can’t believe they don’t sell that sandwich as a stand alone breakfast item because it’s delicious. Our waiter even offered us syrup. Um sure, why not?

Down this beverage and consume the fixin’s and then you’re left with the glass, which is yours to keep. Sort of a badge of honor for tackling this monstrosity,a built-in souvenir.

The Breakfast Bloody is also not just for breakfast; it is available all the time, which puts it a step ahead of many Vegas establishments that offer similar over-the-top Bloodies, but only on weekends and what not.

Oh, and if by some small chance you’re not full after consuming this beverage, you can still order this:

The King Mr. Lucky's

The only downside is that here, what happens in Vegas will indeed stay in Vegas… We are going to miss you when we get home, Mr. Lucky’s! Well done.

 

I was departing Vegas in less than 24 hours and my quest to find the best Bloody Mary was in jeopardy.

I consulted my carefully researched list of other establishments. After learning from my experience at Hash House, I did a little more digging and discovered that yes, many of these specialty bloodies were only available on the weekends.

This posed a problem as my flight was early Saturday afternoon; however, I soon realized that nothing was preventing me from having a Bloody for breakfast before boarding the plane.

After confirming that they did in fact have the Bloody Mary bar I had read so much about, I quickly made reservations at Mon Ami Gabi in the Paris Hotel for 9am on Saturday morning.

From the moment I arrived, I knew that this Bloody was going to be the “Pièce de résistance” of the trip— we got a table outside on the patio, our waitress was nice, the food looked delish and the Bloody Mary cart was teeming with fresh ingredients and in full view.

Spice: You  play mixologist! The top of the bar is lined with every hot sauce under the sun. Also, add horseradish, Worcestershire, etc.

Mix: Choose from Clamato, Tomato Juice or a mix I had never heard of—Dr. Swami and Bone Daddy’s. I used this opportunity to try the new mix and must say it was very good!

Vodka; You call it! I chose Tito’s.

Chaser: None offered.

Fixin’s:  A wide variety to choose from, mostly consisting of fresh veggies such as: cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, pickled carrots, and peppers, plus lemons, limes and olives. (Notably missing to midwest folks: meat and cheese!)

Price: $11

This bloody was absolutely amazing—my compliments to the bartender—that’d be me! I had a ton of fun building my bloody.

BEFORE

AFTER


I finally hit the jackpot in Vegas and just in time, too! I highly recommend Mon Ami to anyone looking for a Bloody Mary fix in Vegas. The only downfall is that the Bloody Mary cart is ONLY available on weekends.

Given the Vegas nightlife scene, one would really think that there would be a big market for Bloodies there; however, I found it really difficult to find a good one that was available on a daily basis.

I realize by now that  fixin’s overloads and beer chasers are primarily a Midwest thing, but I’ve got to believe that in the city of excess, a Sobelman’s or O’Davey’s-style Bloody Mary would go over well there.Not once did I spy a beefstick, shrimp, bacon or cheese cube on my journey.

I’d be tempted to open up a specialty Bloody Mary bar there if I had any restaurant experience. I can see people making a pilgrimage to it and really having some fun with it. If you have the capital and wherewithal to do this, let me know, I’d be happy to help consult!

Regardless, Vegas, you redeemed yourself at the last minute. Until next time!