This is Spartan!

Summerlin Greek restaurant offers a fresh take on traditional ingredients

By Jen Smith / Photo By Jose Salinas

The qualities of a Spartan often include bravery, discipline and strength. The namesake cocktail at Naxos Taverna embodies those traits and is steeped in Greek tradition.

Naxos Taverna brings modern Greek cuisine to the west side, from loaded dip plates to expertly prepared fish dishes that incorporate authentic Mediterranean flavors. The restaurant’s cocktails match the heritage cuisine with light and fresh takes on classic favorites.

The Spartan was created as a collaboration between Ironbound Projects managing partner Tim Keller and a friend. (Ironbound is the hospitality group behind Naxos.) Keller designed it as a stage-setter for a night of dining.

“We started by looking at staple ingredients in Greek cuisine, which citrus and rosemary both play a large role, so that became the basis of the drink,” Keller says. “This is a very approachable cocktail and well-balanced, making it a great drink to start your dining experience at Naxos.”

The cocktail undergoes a dry shake, a process that mixes ingredients at room temperature. The blend includes vodka, lemon juice, grapefruit liqueur, a house-made rosemary nectar exclusive to Naxos and retsina, a traditional Greek wine flavored with pine resin that carries a history dating back millennia. The concoction is then poured into a large red wine glass with two slices of grapefruit and ice cubes. A splash of soda water and a sprig of rosemary finish the drink.

The Spartan is $18. Keller recommends pairing with charcoal-cooked whole fish, Greek salad, grilled meats or mezzes served with fresh pita.

Naxos Taverna is open daily at Red Rock Casino Resort in Summerlin.

11011 W. Charleston Blvd.; naxosredrock.com