We examined, smelled and, eventually, drank. I mimicked his hmms as if I knew what I was hmming about. Martinez brought out a Caipirina, a Brazilian delight with Caçhaca, muddled lime and simple syrup. This somehow began a discussion of the role cinema has in mixology. "James Bond saved and ruined the martini," he said, referring to the notoriety the drink got from the spy, but also to the incorrect way it was made. Contrary to Bond's request, alcohol-based drinks (like martinis) should be stirredshaking is for cocktails with juice elements.
We galumphed out, en route to Sidebar, discussing the importance of ice cubes for 30 minutes. Upon arrival, Gleason told the young bartender, "Make me your best drink." A Mojito; Gleason was pleased. "You see, that tells me he is a good bartender right there. That is not a quick drink to make; he takes pride in what he does." Then we started moving fast.
Over to Downtown Cocktail Room, where Gleason taught a young gal how to make a proper Old Fashioned. Then on to the Bellagio's Petrossian Bar, where bartender Darren Feth was excited to see a fellow mixologist. Like when a chef cooks for a colleague, we got a drink that was not on the menu
Finally, it was over to I Bar to round out the adventure; our designated driver was getting weary. All the young bartenders scurried when Gleason walked in. Peter Medina was eager to show the veteran his newest concoction. He mixed Absolut Peach and Vanilla, Cruzan Pineapple and Malibu Coconut with rock candy syrup and muddled pineapple. A great drink, but again too new to have a name. We eventually decided on Pete's Crazy Coconuts.
We started doing vodka tastings, and the safari started to get dangerous. Gleason didn't want to share drinks anymore now that I was hugging him. The designated drivermy girlfriendthought it was time for me to go, and it was. Apparently, repeating "Pete's Crazy Coconuts" over and over again was only funny to me. "Balance," Gleason said, smiling. I think he was talking about my stumbling. "That's what makes a good cocktail. Not too sweet, not too strong. You should be able to taste every ingredient." My girlfriend decided that I had tasted enough ingredients for the night and put me into the car. Gleason is already planning our next safari ...
Justin Jimenez firmly believes we should draft beer, not people. And he always sees better through the bottom of an empty glass. The associate editor for Las Vegas Magazine, he can be reached at [email protected].