SPRINGFIELD, MASS. (Aug. 2, 2018) – MGM Springfield will boast a Vegas-style cocktail program featuring modern mixology fused with the history of Downtown Springfield. Anchored by three unique concepts—mixology hub Lobby Bar; high-limit lounge The Knox Bar; and the energetic Commonwealth Bar and Lounge—the resort will introduce exciting nightlife offerings, custom spirits and twists on classic drinks when it opens August 24.

Created by MGM Resorts International’s award-winning Corporate Mixologist Craig Schoettler, the property’s beverage program will include highlights such as a globally inspired Old Fashioned tableside cart and the Indian Sidecar accompanying a brand new Indian Motorcycle; yes, you read that correctly.

“We want this to be a place where visitors can experience something they’ve never had before, while also being able to order their favorite traditional cocktails,” said Schoettler. “Our goal is for MGM Springfield to be the crown jewel of mixology in New England.”

MGM Springfield’s cocktail program will include the following offerings:

Lobby Bar
Defined by personable bartenders and drinks sure to have the city buzzing, eclectic glassware, explosive flavors and progressive recipes, Lobby Bar will be the epicenter of the resort’s mixology program. Partnering with regional distilleries such as Berkshire Mountain, Privateer and Hartford Flavor Company, Lobby Bar’s menu will offer cocktails with an emphasis on gin. 

·         In Full Bloom – The Ramos Gin Fizz is notorious for being intricate and difficult to create, making it hard to find at just any watering hole. At Lobby Bar, guests will be able to call off the search with the Fizzy Lifting Drink. Created with Tanqueray Gin, orange blossom, lemon, lime créme and egg white, the Fizzy Lifting Drink will blossom with shapeshifting colors.

·         A Whimsical Sip – Quirky glassware options will include pears, pineapples and more. One standout drink, Tequila Mockingbird, will infuse Fortaleza tequila, strawberry, Dolin dry vermouth and lemon all in an ornate bird-shaped glass with a tail comprised of Thai basil leaves.

·         Pipe Dream – Another standout of the menu will be Fahrenheit 451, a Chartreuse Swizzle served in a pipe-like glass with Green Chartreuse, fresh pineapple, fresh lime and flaming mint. Its mint garnish will be ignited by the bartender, intertwining acidic flavors and aromatics for a breathtaking display.

·         Milking It – The Polar Espresso—presented in a mini milk carton glass vessel—will include aged rum and hand-whipped cream sitting atop coffee liqueur and espresso. The carton will be served with a built-in glass straw, and gold dust mixed with cocoa powder will line the mouth.

Commonwealth Bar and Lounge
Paying homage to Springfield’s legacy, Commonwealth will blend a hip atmosphere with a turn-of-the-century vibe. A stunning chandelier with intricately placed vintage photographs will entice visitors in to check out the space as waitresses with flapper-style uniforms serve beverages in this high-energy destination seven days a week.

·         Buy a Drink, Get a Bike – The most expensive cocktail in Western Massachusetts will have tongues wagging—and engines revving. The $25,000 Indian Sidecar—mixed with 1901 single vintage Croizet cognac, Grand Marnier Quintessence, fresh lemon and a gold sugar rim—will come with its own Indian Motorcycle and a bottle of 1901 cognac. It’s a historic—and historical— drink: the 1901 cognac references Indian Motorcycle’s founding year, while the Sidecar drink complements America’s landmark first motorcycle company. Those looking for the same cocktail sans the new ride can choose to sip on the Commonwealth Sidecar, which will feature Hennessy XO cognac for a price tag with three fewer zeroes.

·         Old-Fashioned Fun – Commonwealth will roll in some global flair with a modernized Old Fashioned tableside drink cart, featuring a multicultural take on the classic American beverage with flavors from around the world. Waiters will prepare these special drinks in front of guests, including a Japanese Old Fashioned with Japanese whisky, black sugar and orange bitters; a Canadian Old Fashioned with Canadian whiskey and maple syrup; and the Mexican Old Fashioned with aged tequila, grapefruit syrup and chocolate bitters.

·         Good Intentions and Dirty Secrets – Additional Commonwealth menu highlights will include the Good (Or Bad?) Intentions—featuring Privateer Rum out of Boston, chartreuse, falernum and Peychaud’s Bitters— and the D.L.S. (Dirty Little Secret) will feature Ketel One Vodka, mango puree, lime and Fresno chili in a mango-shaped drinking glass.

·         Night on the Town – Commonwealth will amp up the weekend energy with curated entertainment and local DJs on Friday and Saturday nights. When sports seasons pick up in the fall, Commonwealth will get the ball rolling with big screens for watching the big games. 

The Knox Bar
The Knox Bar will take its cues from Henry Knox—who built the historic Springfield Armory and for whom Fort Knox is named. Setting a new gold standard for gaming lounges, its elevated cocktails will be on par with its high-roller gaming offerings.

·         Striking Gold – The Knox Bar space will live up to its theme with an appropriately titled Gold Standard drink. The vanilla-bean-infused vodka with coffee liqueur, espresso and heavy cream will incorporate gold dust—and a real gold coin—with every order.

·         All That Glitters Is Not Gold – Knox’s Bar signature First Impression will go darker—and fruitier—with El Tesoro Tequila, aloe vera, watermelon and lime, adorned with a flower and black salt rim on the glass.

Lobby Bar will be open 3 p.m. to 12 a.m. Monday through Friday and 12 p.m. to 12 a.m. Saturday and Sunday; Commonwealth Bar and Lounge will be open 1 p.m. to 2 a.m. seven days a week; and The Knox Bar will be open 10 a.m. – 4 a.m.

MGM Springfield, a $960 million project from parent company MGM Resorts International, marks the first casino resort in Massachusetts.

For additional information and high-resolution images of MGM Springfield, click here.
 

About MGM Springfield
MGM Springfield covers three city blocks in the heart of downtown Springfield, Mass. Igniting a cultural
and economic renaissance in a historic New England city, the approximately 2 million square-foot development, which combines new construction with revived historic buildings, will offer more than 125,000 square feet of gaming space, a 250-room boutique hotel on Main Street and superior spa services, diverse retail and inspired dining headlined by award-winning Chef Michael Mina’s Cal Mare. MGM Springfield also will feature the seven-screen Regal luxury cinema complex, bowling lanes, a seasonal skating rink and outdoor marketplace displaying local art, events and talent. MGM Springfield will open August 24, 2018. For additional information, please visit mgmspringfield.com.

 
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Media Contact:
Natalie Mounier / Kara Rutkin
MGM Resorts International
(702) 737-3100
nmounier@kirvindoak.com / krutkin@kirvindoak.com