Wynn Las Vegas recently debuted Aft Cocktail Deck and Bar Parasol, two distinctive lounges that feature an elevated craft cocktail experience. The new additions joined the newly unveiled Overlook Lounge, to complete the Cocktail Collection on the Wynn Las Vegas' Lake of Dreams.
Located in the heart of the resort, the new lounges were designed by President and Chief Creative Officer of Wynn Design and Development, Todd-Avery Lenahan, and feature inventive cocktail menus from resort renowned mixologist Mariena Mercer Boarini.
“We consistently challenge ourselves to deliver unique experiences that encourage a sense of discovery for our guests,” said Brian Gullbrants, president of Wynn Las Vegas. “Our new collection of lounges offers just that: beautiful new spaces, spectacular cocktails and a singular location that can only be found at Wynn.”
Lenahan noted, “Aft Cocktail Deck is inspired by the parties hosted on the aft of super-yachts, while Bar Parasol is inspired by an intimate grotto in a fantastical garden setting. Together with Overlook Lounge, the Cocktail Collection on the Lake of Dreams offers three unique destinations and personalities.”
Mariena Mercer Boarini Says the 'Experience' Is Key
Mercer Boarini shared that the "experience" is important with bars and cocktail lounges. “Experiential cocktails with thrilling presentations are trending in cocktail lounges,” she said. “At our Cocktail Collection on the Lake of Dreams, Bar Parasol, Aft Cocktail Deck and Overlook Lounge, we certainly create experiences through cocktails with glasses that are unique and beautiful, cocktail builds that are nuanced and innovative, and garnishes that are showstopping – and beg to be photographed.”
Mercer Boarini noted that “We all had ample time to drink our own cocktails at home during the pandemic, so guests are searching for new and exciting experiences to excite and seduce their senses.”
Aft Cocktail Deck Focuses on New Experiences Through Familiar Favorites
Located on an outdoor patio overlooking the water, the terraced seating at the new Aft Cocktail Deck offers guests a prime location for viewing Wynn’s signature Lake of Dreams show. Sporting a classic nautical color scheme of blue, white and periwinkle, Aft Cocktail Deck features swivel deck chairs, luxe banquettes and nautical flags – which spell out “Wynn LV” – flying overhead. Umbrella coverage is offered in the spring and summer months, and seat warmers in the cooler months, creating a comfortable environment for the year-round waterside experience.
“I love to be inspired by the spaces I’m creating for, so when making the cocktail menus for Aft Cocktail Deck and Bar Parasol, I drew inspiration from some of the most glamorous and revered locales around the globe,” said Mercer Boarini. “I also wanted to reinvent classic cocktails to offer guests new experiences that are reminiscent of familiar favorites.”
At Aft Cocktail Deck, guests can enjoy an array of cocktails such as: the Turks & Caicos, a guava mojito with Bacardi Tropical Rum, pink guava, passionfruit, mint, fresh lime and sugarcane; the Monaco, a seaside spritz with Belvedere Lemon Basil Organic Vodka, St Germain Elderflower Liqueur, lemon verbena, fresh lemon juice, ginger, butterfly pea blossom, and finished with a spritz of Mediterranean Sea-inspired edible parfum; and the Ibiza, a take on the classic Spanish carajillo made with Madagascar Vanilla-infused Absolut Elyx Vodka, Kahlua Blonde Roast Coffee Liqueur, Licor43 and cold brew espresso. Small dishes – including tuna tartare, beef carpaccio, seafood platters and more – are also available.
Bar Parasol Takes Its Cue from Iconic Global Destinations
Bar Parasol is an imaginative enhancement of its predecessor, Parasol Down, where guests can also enjoy caviar-inspired bites and creative cocktails. Elements such as rock crystal lamps, couture passementerie and tiles gilded in 24-karat gold complement the garden-inspired color scheme and add a new level of opulence to the venue, while the addition of greenery creates a boundary from the surrounding resort and a heightened sense of intimacy.
Like Aft Cocktail Deck, the cocktail menu at Bar Parasol takes inspiration from iconic global destinations with offerings like: the Havana, a rum take on the Old Fashioned for two made with El Dorado 12 Year Rum, Bacardi 8 Rum, Amaro Meletti, cardamom and cassia and finished tableside with cherry wood smoke; and the Catalina, a verde Bloody Mary with Grey Goose Vodka, Ancho Reyes Verde Chile Liqueur, house-made heirloom green tomato Bloody Mary mix, green apple, pineapple and seaside accoutrements; and the Jet Set, a bump of Kolikof Premium Sturgeon Caviar served alongside a shot of Perrier Jouët Champagne. Guests can also take a “flight” at Bar Parasol by enjoying a tasting of Champagne or vodka with two tier choices for either “First Class” or “Upper Deck.”
Aft Cocktail Deck and Bar Parasol are open Sunday through Thursday from noon to 2 a.m., and Friday and Saturday from noon to 3 a.m. Light bites are served daily from 2 to 10 p.m.
Overlook Lounge
Also available for Wynn Las Vegas guests to enjoy, Overlook Lounge – the first of the new lounge concepts that debuted in August 2021, offers a hideaway in the heart of the resort’s atrium and overlooks Wynn’s Lake of Dreams waterfall. Décor in jewel tones inspired by the atrium’s intricate mosaic flooring is complemented by crystal chandeliers, comfortable period furnishings, stunning artwork and a classic array of vintage European design elements.
The refined cocktail menu features a series of spritzes and bespoke takes on cocktail classics that borrow names from the most iconic figures in fashion, film, history and mythology. The spritzes are vibrant in color and flavor and are finished with a mist of edible aperitif parfums inspired by the most fashionable destinations in the world.
Menu favorites include the Evangelista with Empress 1908 Gin, St. Germain Elderflowers, citrus and sparkling rosé, finished with the Paris aperitif parfum; the Hudson, comprising El Tesoro Blanco Tequila, grapefruit liqueur, thyme, pink grapefruit bubbles, finished with the Milan aperitif parfum; and the Brando, a take on the New York sour made with Whistlepig Rye Whiskey, lemon, cardamom and malbec wine.
Overlook Lounge is open Sunday through Thursday, 2 p.m. to 3 a.m., and Friday and Saturday from 2 p.m. to 4 a.m.
To learn more, visit WynnLasVegas.com.
Aaron Kiel, based in Raleigh, N.C., has worked in the beverage, tea and coffee industries for nearly two decades. He’s a journalist and writer at heart, but he also wears a PR hat through his consultancy, ak PR Group. He works as an editor with Questex’s Bar & Restaurant Group, including editor of World Tea News, and he’s served the tea community and Questex’s World Tea Conference + Expo since 2010. Contact him here.
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