Howling For More

Doberman Drawing Room takes cocktail enthusiasts on a world tour

By Jen Smith / Photo by Angelo Clinton

It may be tempting, but resist the urge to wolf down these craft cocktails—each one is meant to be savored.

The new Downtown Las Vegas cocktail bar Doberman Drawing Room makes waves this spring with its exclusive membership program and one-of-a-kind libations. While serious drinkers complete a unique questionnaire to earn members’ only perks—and the spots fill up fast—everyday carousers are welcome to stop in and try the internationally-inspired cocktail lineup.

Mixologist and Doberman beverage head Juyoung Kang marries her love of whisky and cantaloupe in the Howling Wolves—drawing from the Italian word “cantalupo,” meaning “howling wolves”—an original concoction of Japanese whisky, Amontillado sherry, Supasawa mixer and a housemade cantaloupe cordial. A spicy rice cracker garnish gives Howling Wolves a whimsical finish.

“The idea came to me from a story about how cantaloupe symbolizes life’s sweetness and earth’s generosity,” Kang says.

The Doberman menu sticks strictly to cocktails, so there are no food pairings to note.

To follow up on the Howling Wolves, opt for a Seventh Chord, Kang’s custom Negroni take with a “slight bitter quality with a harmonious blend” of Ford’s gin, Istine di Radda vermouth, ripe and fruity Byrrh Quinquina and the famous Salers Gentiane aperitif.

Famous for her innovative recipes and long-standing presence in the Las Vegas beverage scene, Kang’s reputation at Fontainebleau and other Strip-resort cocktail bars precedes her stint at Doberman.

Howling Wolves is just the start—expect to see more Asian and European influences in her creations in the Doberman lineup.

The Howling Wolves cocktail is $20 and comes in a rocks glass. 1025 S. First St. dobermandtlv.com.