Smooth Rum

Behind The Bar

Big 5 Gold Rum

Havana social clubs circa the 1950s inspired this bold, award-winning rum. This Florida distillery used locally sourced fresh ingredients to embrace the traditional Caribbean process. Blackstrap sugar cane molasses is gathered from local sugar cane growers, then is distilled four times to create a smooth spirit. This rum boasts rich caramel, toffee notes. Ideal for sipping or in a crafted Cuban-style cocktail.

DOS MADERAS 5+3

The process of creating this impressive rum involves the merging of two cultures and two locations! The process starts using sugar cane harvested in the tropics of Barbados and Guyana. The sugar cane is harvested at peak season and then refined and fermented. The hot temperature of the Caribbean is perfect for the first round of maturation, and the rum ages in the casks for five years. Next, the finest casks are chosen and blended for a distinct profile and then shipped to Spain to be aged an additional time in sherry barrels. The final product is a stunning amber rum with distinct flavors of fruit, tropical spices, vanilla, pecan, and smoky notes of sherry and tobacco. For a delicious cocktail, try this rum in a Negroni.

Santa Teresa 1796 Rum

Distilled by a Venezuelan family with a long and rich history of over 225 years of experience in making award-winning rum. Santa Teresa 1796 shares the same flavor profile as bourbon or rye and works well in any classic cocktail as a substitute for whiskey. Thirty casks of rum make each batch of Relleno de Solera, resulting in a smooth and refined product with an unexpectedly dry taste that evolves in every sip. The rum is a rich amber color with notes of nuts, cinnamon, chocolate, vanilla, and honey.

After seeing the movie Cocktail, Robert Chavez realized that his calling in life was behind the bar serving creative cocktails. Devoting himself to this epiphany paved the way to his current gig at a highly sought-after, award-nominated establishment at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas. Home of the best Espresso Martini in town, Kassi Beach House has a stylish and unique Bohemian vibe. Here, guests can indulge in top-of-the-line Coastal Italian food while embracing the view of the Resort Pool below.

Much of his growth as a mixologist came from his experience working for the Hard Rock Hotel in Las Vegas. “I gained all my knowledge and work ethic there. I was privileged and honored to work with the original bar crew from the legendary Center Bar. They were the biggest influence in my development as a bartender,” shares Robert.

He started off as a barback, for those looking to follow a similar path. He says, first it allows you to build a solid work ethic. Then when it’s time to start tending bar, prepare adequately by consistently practicing drink recipes. According to Robert, knowledge of the history of spirits and cocktails is another essential skill. Additionally, classic cocktails should be learned, and the best way to improve is through experience.

Currently, his favorite ingredients are lemons or limes. He loves how they both can bring so many different flavors together to create a well-balanced cocktail. When creating a concoction, Robert prefers choosing the spirit that will go with your current vibe or mood. One tip he has for bartenders is always to use a jigger. He notes, “It’s important for accuracy and consistency.”

Looking at the big picture of cocktail culture, he believes it will continue to push forward, which is why he values the understanding of classic cocktails. After all, most everything you see nowadays is just an extension of the classics.

Robert Chavez

Kassi Beach House

Virgin Hotels, Las Vegas

The White Lotus

Ingredients

2 oz. Suntory Japanese Whisky

½ oz. Giffard Caribbean Pineapple Liqueur

1 oz. Good Fortune Mango Calamansi Tea

2 drops of Firewater Bitters

Preparation

All ingredients in a beaker glass, stir for 10 seconds. Double strain over a sphere ice cube into double rocks glass.