Las Vegas Weekly

Tropicana continues image overhaul with Ambhar Lounge

Tequila time: Server Adriana Schwenck awaits your Ambhar Lounge visit.

Photo: Justin M. Bowen

Tequila! At the Tropicana? In May we told you about the legendary Nikki Beach coming to the property in 2011 and how the hotel-casino built in the 1950s continues extensive renovations to attract the attention of the next generation. The Trop’s latest effort? The Ambhar Lounge.

Partnering with the award-winning tequila that first launched its brand right here in Las Vegas, the Trop has begun Phase 1 of overhauling the former Celebration Lounge. The ultra premium, five-time distilled tequila officially premieres the new lounge on December 1 with updated furnishings handpicked by Trop CEO Alex Yemenidjian, new swanky little black dresses for the cocktail servers and a fresh approach to tequila for the bartenders on staff.

“They’ve had mixology classes with master mixologist Bobby Gleason,” says Todd Kunesh, director of food and beverage at the Tropicana. But anyone can get in on the Ambhar action; the elite spirit will open a mixology contest to the public in hopes of finding additional signature cocktails to add to its menu. The preliminary contest will take place at Southern Wine and Spirits on November 29. Six competitors will advance to the finals during the Ambhar Lounge grand opening.

“Everyone has a crazy tequila story,” Ambhar’s Jennifer Hanson says. “I want people to see you can enjoy it beyond your basic shot or margarita—you can enjoy it in a cocktail.”