The Chandelier Bar At The Cosmopolitan Debuts New Cocktails

By Melanie VanDerveer on November 1, 2024 at 5:00 PM EDT

Las Vegas is filled with lots of glitz and glamour, and The Chandelier Bar at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas takes it to the next level with its shimmering, three-story crystal cascade and elevated cocktail experience—perfect for a night of pure luxury.

This chic, three-level lounge features a breathtaking chandelier adorned with over two million crystals and has recently unveiled a cocktail program worth traveling for.

Gedeon Tsegaye, Head of Mixology at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas had some time to share information about the new cocktail program, the science behind creating and naming drinks, and much more with The Blast.

In a city famed for pushing the boundaries of nightlife, The Chandelier Bar at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas remains a true trendsetter. This iconic, multi-level lounge has launched a brand-new cocktail program that shines as brightly as the 2-million-crystal masterpiece that surrounds it.

Crafted by Tsegaye, the Head of Mixology of The Cosmopolitan, the reimagined menu is designed to elevate the guest experience across all three levels of The Chandelier, with each floor showcasing its own unique lineup of cocktails.

"For years, The Chandelier has been a place where Las Vegas guests experience mixology in its most artistic form," said Tsegaye, according to a press release. "This new program has reconceptualized how a cocktail can tell a story, engaging all the senses, and will transport guests through an unforgettable journey of flavor, innovation and elegance."

Tsegaye was a chef for 10 years before transitioning to beverage operations about a decade ago. He said The Chandelier Bar is "unlike any other venue in the world."

"It is incredibly magical in scale and ambiance. The Chandelier features three distinct floors and cocktail programs for guests to indulge and explore, groups can easily immerse themselves in our space before venturing into the rest of the resort and casino," he said. "I designed these programs to be light and experiential, allowing guests to enjoy multiple cocktails without guilt."

With nearly 30 unique cocktails and a handful of "spirit-free" mocktails, The Chandelier Bar caters to everyone's tastes. The new cocktail program is all about "the history of popular cocktail culture," that Tsegaye said is "embedded in the DNA of The Cosmopolitan."

"The Chandelier Bar offers nearly 30 cocktails that showcase my favorite techniques, from clarified milk punches, barrel aging, and bottle resting, to force carbonation and molecular gastronomy," Tsegaye told The Blast exclusively.

"What sets up apart is our capacity to execute a high volume of intricate cocktails all at once. Each level at Chandelier Bar allows us to tell a rich story that celebrates the evolution of cocktail culture and where I see it evolving in the future."

A lot of thought is put into creating the drinks, as well as properly naming them.

"I start with the message. What technique do I want to focus on to increase the core competency of our 150 team members? Next, I choose the seasonal flavor profile, ensuring each drink delivers a unique experience in texture, taste, and appearance," he explained.

"Then come the cool elements, like incorporating a carbon negative rhum to emphasize our commitment to social and corporate responsibility. The Chandelier has always had kitschy menu names, and I strive to honor our identity as a cocktail institution."

Wondering about some of the trendy drink names? "They Not Like Us," "Rare Characters-R-Us," "Meet The Grahams," and "My Friend Daiquirita" are just a few.

"I love weaving in pop cultural references whenever possible," he continued. "Honestly, I was listening to and enjoying that pop culture moment while crafting those two cocktails. It was only right."

And while the cocktail program is always evolving, Tsegaye said it will "never change just for the sake of it."

The uniqueness doesn't stop at the cocktails and the names, but also includes the venue itself. With three levels, there's a lot to see and experience.

"Three floors of unique cocktail programming, all nestled within a breathtaking two-million-crystal chandelier. To date, only two creative leaders have had the privilege of shaping and defining cocktail culture at The Chandelier Bar, each achieving remarkable success," Tsegaye told The Blast. "I am honored to be the third, with our team placing their trust in my creative vision. Our bartenders are truly world class, with an average tenure of eight years - eight years of etching The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas into the history books as one of the true epicenters of global cocktail culture."

Each of the three levels at The Chandelier Bar offers a different experience.

Level One: The Classic Cocktail - the bottom level of The Chandelier that transports guests to a time of secrecy and indulgence, inspired by the prohibition era. Cocktails found here are spirit-forward and are sure to leave a memorable impression.

Level 1.5: The Cocktail Party - a bit more playful with a modern twist on a classic cocktail party. The cocktail menu explores contemporary American drinking culture through modernist methods. With sleek glassware and playful techniques, this level gives off the energy of a fun social gathering.

Level Two: The Art of Bubbles - offers a menu that emphasizes champagne-forward drinks that are force-carbonated to order. Add in seasonal flavors and you have a modern twist on some classic favorites. This level is the perfect place to start or end any night at The Cosmopolitan.

If you don't drink alcohol, The Chandlier also offers delicious non-alcoholic drinks that give off the same energy and excitement as the alcoholic versions.

"Each floor has three unique 'Spirit Free' cocktails for those who do not drink alcohol," Tsegaye said. "Alongside our nine non-alcoholic options, we offer NA sparkling wine, perfect for celebrating any occasion."

The playful mocktails offer the same tasty flavors with an inventive approach. Some highlights include Mr. Orangesicles Nippy Mood and the Sparkling Maui Wowie.

Level 1 is open daily, 24 hours a day. Level 1.5 is open daily from 5 p.m. to 2 a.m. Level 2 is open Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 3 a.m. and Friday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 3 a.m. For more information on The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, visit their website.

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