Temper, Temperance

Downtown Cocktail Room gives liquor-less libations a fighting chance

This summer, let's party like it's December 5, 1933. Or not—it’s your choice! When Downtown Cocktail Room bar manager George Sproule included a “Temperance” menu in his spring and summer drink lists, nestled slyly between the timeless classics and the newly re-legalized absinthe-based cocktails, he had no idea his assemblage of three teetotaling, spiritless cocktails would fly the way they did. But if prohibition isn’t really on your itinerary for the night (as it is rarely on ours), Sproule wisely suggests a suitable spirit to give the namby-pamby drink some spine.

The Sunshine, for example, combines lemon juice, lime juice, sugar, cream and Sprite for a sunny, refreshing libation for only $5. But, Sproule adds, “Try it with gin!” His Pineapple Mint Spritzer is a gas, with pineapple juice, fresh mint, Sonoma White Ginger Syrup and soda water. But, entreats Sproule, “Try it with rum!” And along much the same lines, the aptly named 18th Amendment pairs orange and cranberry juices with lemon and pomegranate syrup, served up. But, Sproule implores, “Try it with vodka!” Then, for a mere $4 upgrade, you can kiss temperance goodbye. They don’t call it a speakeasy for nothing. “I want no excuses to not have a cocktail,” says Sproule.

TIME FOR A FLING

New Vista Community flings itself heart-first into the game of love...for a good cause, of course!

It's an [Auction] Block Party! Break out the check book, it’s auction time. On the block this year are some of Vegas’ finest nightlife and entertainment personalities.

Sponsored by the Las Vegas Weekly, Fox 5, Lee's Discount Liquors and more, New Vista Community’s fifth annual Adam & Eve’s Charity Love Fling will be flung at Planet Hollywood's Privé Nightclub on Friday, July 11 with lovelies like Denise Pernula (Raw Vegas TV, pictured right), Tiffany Masters (CatHouse, pictured below), Yvette Brown (Vegas VIP Hottie Hosting), Jon Gray (The Palms), and trumpeter Rico DeLargo up for the bidding, not to mention the Chippendales dancers and cast members from Mamma Mia. Doors open at 7:15 p.m. Tickets are available here, $20 general admission, $85 VIP.

ALERT! Today only, save 50% on VIP booths for this event! Book a VIP table for eight people for only $300 (tomorrow the price goes right back up to $600). That's only $37.50 per person (GA is $20 per person!) for a bottle of Pearl Vodka, eight VIP tickets to the "Mingle with the Singles" party prior to the auction (6-7 p.m.), goodie bags worth $100, and martini glasses. But only if you purchase your booth today by calling Molly at 702-755-2912.

Still have money to burn? The Nevada Partnership for Homeless Youth’s Smokin’ Hot Bachelor and Bachelorette Auction will be held the following Friday at the Palms with even more attractive singles to bid on. Tickets and info here.

COMING ATTRACTIONS

The latest in from the construction front lines

Get a pen. You might just want to jot this down.

Christian Audigier The Nightclub - Now open at T.I. House of Audigier Sunday industry night to begin soon.

Wasted Space - In soft opening now, with private parties up the wazoo, the Hard Rock's new live music venue/nightclub arrives officially July 16.

Yellowtail Sushi - Light Group's new raw deal at the Bellagio soft opens July 18 with an official public opening of July 21 and a grand opening further out.

Sugarcane Ultralounge - Friday, August 1.

Lavo - The newest creation from the Tao/Strategic Group folks, was confirmed by two high-level insiders this week to be on track for an early August soft opening with a grand opening slated for the week before Labor Day. Labor Day Weekend itself has been set aside as a plan B but here’s hoping Lavo gets its druthers.

The Ultra Lounge at Dal Toro and Lamborghini - Winning the award for the longest name in Vegas nightlife, The Ultra Lounge at yada yada soft opens August 6, with a grand opening on or around August 16.

Rok Vegas - Of NY and Miami’s brand Rok Bar and of which there have been more false alarms than we’d care to recall, Rok Vegas will finally be arriving at New York- New York on or about August 21 in Rita Rudner’s former theater space. We’re not holding our breath, but we’re saving the date and selecting an outfit nonetheless.

Xania Woodman has never met a martini she didn't like.