Tequlia!

In case you missed National Tequila Day like I did (it was last Friday, the 24th), you can make up for it by mixing up one of these delicious sips I discovered on one of my many trips to the Wynn Las Vegas this year.

Fiesta Fatale (left), made with Milagro tequila, Patron Citronage, passion fruit puree, fresh lime, and organic agave nectar.

Margarita al Melograno (right): Herradura reposado tequila, Luxardo maraschino liqueur, fresh squeezed lime juice, pomegranate juice, and organic agave nectar.

In the Graves

I already knew the Graves 601 in downtown Minneapolis was an amazing hotel, but the scene got even better when I found out they were as serious about their cocktails as they were about their uber-hip decor. At the hotel's Bradstreet Crafthouse Restaurant, they make their own bitters (shown), so I just had to try The Garden Walk made with Chamomile-steeped Beefeater gin, lemon juice, egg white, honey syrup, and housemade summer bitters, which added a fruity pineapple and cherry essence. YUM!

Must. Have. Tao.

OK, so I'm here in Vegas (4th time this year) and during my requisite stop at Tao (this restaurant should seriously pay me to eat here...), I decided to try the signature sip: The Tao-tini. Of course, it was amazing, just like the joint's delicious lobster wontons. Here are the ingredients.

The Tao-tini
Absolut Mandarin
Stoli Razberi
Malibu Rum
Cranberry Juice
Fresh lime Juice

PS: Really sorry I have not been posting...an no, sadly, I wasn't even at Tales. I've recently moved and became an aunt, so life has been a little hectic -- but there has been no shortage of cocktails to celebrate these new life events. Watch this space for more Martini Talk soon -- promise!