Cocktails loved and inspired by Las Vegas Figures

My favorite thing about both cities and cocktails is the stories that come along with them, and Las Vegas is a city with no shortage of stories. I pulled together some cocktails loved by or inspired by historical Las Vegas figures of the past and present. This was such a fun community project, and my friend Holly from Battleborn Pins even created these beautiful pins for the aviation cocktail, the martini, and the rusty nail! I also got tons of stories and images from the UNLV Special Collections, who does an amazing job preserving Vegas history and sharing it with others. I hope you enjoy these stories from one of the most mythologized cities in the country!

Welcome Home Howard sign dedicated to Howard Hughes in 1972, image digitized and made available through Special Collections and Archives at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.

“I like to think of Las Vegas in terms of well-dressed man in a dinner jacket, and a furred female getting out of an expensive car. “ - Howard Hughes

The Aviation cocktail is a classic drink that has seen a resurgence in popularity in recent years. This cocktail, with its distinct blue hue, was first created in the early 20th century by Hugo Ensslin, a bartender at the Hotel Wallick in New York. The original recipe called for gin, maraschino liqueur, crème de violette, and fresh lemon juice. The inclusion of crème de violette gives the cocktail its characteristic sky-blue color, reminiscent of the open skies—hence the name "Aviation."

Howard Hughes, an iconic figure in both aviation and the history of Las Vegas, was a pioneer aviator, inventor, and film producer who later became a significant figure in the development of Las Vegas. His impact on the city began in the 1960s when he slinked into Las Vegas to avoid the media. He purchased Desert Inn in order to live on the top floor, and then purchased the Frontier, the Silver Slipper, and the Landmark. Hughes brought in corporate casino owners, which fundamentally changed Las Vegas from a town run by the mafia to a town run by various corporate interests. When Hughes left Vegas, his corporation still had substantial holdings and ultimately built Summerlin, a master planned community.

Las Vegas, known for its vibrant nightlife and world-renowned entertainment, is also a city that celebrates the art of mixology. The Aviation cocktail, with its historical roots and sophisticated flavor profile, fits perfectly into the eclectic and dynamic cocktail scene of Vegas. Visitors to the city can find this classic drink in many upscale bars and lounges, where skilled bartenders pay homage to the timeless elegance of the Aviation.

Here is a classic recipe for the Aviation cocktail:

Aviation Cocktail Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 oz gin

• 1/2 oz maraschino liqueur

• 1/4 oz crème de violette

• 3/4 oz fresh lemon juice

• Lemon twist or maraschino cherry for garnish

Instructions:

1. Add the gin, maraschino liqueur, crème de violette, and fresh lemon juice into a shaker with ice.

2. Shake well until the mixture is chilled.

3. Strain the mixture into a chilled cocktail glass.

4. Garnish with a lemon twist or a maraschino cherry.

Enjoy the Aviation cocktail as you reflect on the rich history of aviation, the legacy of Howard Hughes, and the vibrant culture of Las Vegas.

Howard Hughes and the aviation cocktail