Ginger Cocktails Spice Up Vegas

Our first stop on the cocktail trail is Sage. The restaurant's spin on the traditional whiskey sour is the Ginger Sour. The drink incorporates Rhum JM Gold Rum with the spicy, aromatic Canton Ginger Liqueur made with fresh, baby Vietnamese ginger. This stylish concoction is mixed with ginger syrup, lime, Angostura bitters and served in a champagne flute, creating an elegant drink to enjoy at the bar or with dinner. The flavors are so distinctive it's the perfect pre-dinner pick-me-up before you dine on executive chef Shawn McClain's New American fare.

Another traditional cocktail, the Moscow Mule, gained traction in New York and Los Angeles during the vodka craze of the 1950s and is seeing a resurgence due in part to the popularity of AMC's Mad Men. A modernized version of the ginger beer drink, available at American Fish by Michael Mina and Sage, is made with Stolichnaya vodka and Fever Tree ginger beer, giving it a warm, nutty taste. Served with lime in a copper mug to keep the drink cool, it's a new twist on an old favorite that's sure to be popular for many years to come.

Culinary legend Jean Georges Vongerichten is no stranger to Asian spices and flavors. It's no wonder then that the Ginger Margarita at Jean Georges Steakhouse pays homage to ginger's Asian roots. The cocktail combines the smooth, subtle taste of Sauza Hornitos Reposado Tequila with tangy lime juice and ginger. Served over ice and rimmed with an inventive ginger and salt blend, this refreshing drink is an ideal complement to the sumptuous steaks served nightly. What would executive chef Rob Moore pair with the cocktail? "Because of their Asian influences, the Ginger Margarita pairs well with the tuna tartare," Moore says. "Both use ginger as an ingredient, which blends the flavors of the drink and the dish perfectly."

Looking for a little more Asian experience? Known for its modern interpretation of traditional Thai cuisine, Lemongrass transports guests to the Far East with the Thai-inspired Ginger Peach. Created with black tea-infused Absolut Apeach Vodka, Canton ginger liqueur, fresh sour and garnished with shredded ginger, it's a simple concoction that packs a flavorful punch. It's the perfect companion to the restaurant's amazing whole prawn spring roll.