
What: Tresor with Absolut Elyx Vodka, St. George Botanivore Gin, Lillet Blanc, butterfly pea extract, and a rim of mandarin lillet powder
Where: MGM National Harbor Resort & Casino, 101 MGM National Harbor, Oxon Hill, MD; (301) 971-5000; mgmnationalharbor.com
Price: $16
What You Should Be Drinking: For this Vesper-esque sip at the crafty bar in the lobby at the region’s new resort and casino, beverage director Ricardo Murcia takes the clean profile of St. George Botanivore Gin—made in California with 19 botanicals—and stirs it with Absolut Elyx, a luxury winter wheat vodka from the Swedish spirits giant that’s handcrafted in copper stills. He adds a splash of French apérifit Lillet Blanc and a few drops of an extract from the butterfly pea flower for sweet flavor and a hint of color.
Why You Should Be Drinking It: This cocktail should be a surefire bet for both gin and vodka fans. But because a neutral and flavorful white spirit play together sans syrups or juices, customers have been skittish about taking a chance. Forget about your libation loyalties and double down. Both base spirit brands are sublime choices, and delicate Lillet Blanc is delicious in any glass. Plus, where else can you find a cocktail whose natural color changes with the light and that’s served in a glass whose rim skips the expected sea salt or sugar? Throw one back to forget about that credit card advance, celebrate beating the house, or glean a little liquid courage before bellying up to the Texas Hold ’em table.