1. I’m not a fan of Bloody Marys, and yet, Herbs & Rye’s twist on the popular brunch cocktail still made it into my top five. Made with Don Julio Blanco Tequila and blood orange puree, this Mary had just the right amount of ripe citrus to offset the vinegary, tomato-y tang that I usually find too harsh and unsavory for my palate. Rounded out with a splash of Victoria beer and topped with a fried chicharrón (or pork rind), even a Bloody Mary hater like me couldn’t deny this perfectly balanced cocktail.

2. Waiting in line for the Caesars barbecue station wasn’t so bad with a couple of mini cocktails to juggle. While I waited for sliders and chicken wing lollipops, I sipped on “The Cointreaudiction” from Downtown favorite Atomic Liquors, made with Cointreau, orange and lemon juices plus a green herbal liqueur. A standout cocktail from Vegas’ oldest bar.

3. Served with an elegant, edible hibiscus flower preserved in hibiscus syrup, Echo & Rig’s “Chopin Tell” easily made the list just on presentation alone. With Chopin Wheat Vodka, hibiscus syrup and fresh cucumber, this refreshing, purple-hued cocktail was crisp and sweet—a wonderful thirst quencher to sip on during Vegas’ warmer nights.

4. I’m a sucker for anything made with ginger, so when I saw the “Jamaican Ginger Razz” from DW Bistro, I knew I had to try it. Somehow, the sum of its parts—Stolichnaya Razberri, Jamaican ginger syrup, lime juice and ginger beer—ended up tasting more like Fun Dip than ginger, but I wasn’t complaining.

5. When it came down to food selections, Samba Brazilian Steakhouse’s spring lamb chops—generously sized portions with tender meat and tamarind glaze—and Carmine’s chicken scarpariello wings stole the show. As for the most memorable booth on my list, that has to go to New Hampshire’s Moonlight Meadery. Specializing in ancient wine made from honey, my favorite was “Desire,” with a whopping 16.7 percent ABV. Made with blueberries, black cherries and black currants—this is a drink made to share and savor.