Photo by Bryan Hainer
"I wanted to create a light, refreshing, herbaceous cocktail with a touch of spice." —Michael LaPenna, Mandarin Bar
Live the life of a high roller at Las Vegas’ Mandarin Bar at the Mandarin Oriental with the sinful Ides of March, courtesy of head bartender and supervisor Michael LaPenna.
IDES OF MARCH
Sliced honeydew melon
4 basil leaves
2 dashes rhubarb bitters
1.5 oz. Belvedere Citrus vodka
.5 oz. St. Germain elderflower liqueur
1 tsp. John D. Taylor Velvet Falernum
(infused with ginger, orange zest and cloves for up to two days)
1 tsp. Luxardo cherry liqueur
.5 oz. ginger-infused simple syrup
.5 oz. fresh lime juice
Powdered sugar
In a mixing glass, muddle five pieces of honeydew melon with three basil leaves and rhubarb bitters. Add next six ingredients plus ice. Shake and double strain into a martini glass. Garnish with a basil leaf dusted with powdered sugar.