MGM GRAND DEBUTS NEW LOBBY BAR EXPERIENCE
Refreshed Beverage Program Curated by Renowned Beverage Expert Julian Cox
MGM Grand has reimagined the Lobby Bar experience for guests and visitors with a new beverage program by MGM Resorts International’s Executive Director of Beverage Julian Cox. Now open, the new Lobby Bar offers a newly designed social gathering space with elevated bar offerings within a welcoming and fun environment for guests to enjoy on any occasion.
“The Lobby Bar is such a fun and interactive part of the guest experience whether meeting before or after an MGM Grand Garden Arena event, hanging out with friends, or people watching,” said MGM Grand VP of Food & Beverage Andreas Reich. “We’ve created a place where everyone will feel welcome, at any time of day, along with an outstanding cocktail program crafted by the talented Julian Cox.”
Cox is widely viewed as one of the great culinary talents in the United States. His innovative style, progressive cocktails, and unprecedented techniques have garnered national recognition in the food and beverage industry, in addition to his work alongside industry icons. Cox’s unparalleled artistic vision contributes to cocktail menu development, bartender training, cultivation of a resort’s spirits collection, and more for restaurants and bars across MGM Resorts International’s iconic Las Vegas and regional casino-resort destinations.
Conceptualized by Cox exclusively for MGM Grand’s Lobby Bar, the menu features an array of new specialty libations and large format cocktails such as:
- Gru Old Fashioned, made with Woody Creek Single Barrel Whiskey, El Dorado 12 Year Old Rum, crème de banana, and orange bitters
- Pop Star (like a margarita…. what’s popping?), created with Paladar blanco, citrus, passionfruit, habanero, carrot and Mal Bien Mezcal
- Fist Full of Dollars (kinda similar to a sidecar), handmade with Remy 1738, Amaro Montanegro, lemon, Cointreau, and cinnamon
- Yuzu Illusion (color changing, juniper-laced lemon drop energy), crafted with Woody Creek Summer Gin, St. Germain, lemon, and yuzu
- MGM Grand Espresso Martini, made with Ketel One Vodka, Mr. Black, demerara, fresh espresso, and white chocolate
- Billions (our version of a Baller Old Fashioned), this shareable cocktail for 2-4 people is served in crystal glasses and is made with Old Forrester Prohibition series, Macallan MGM Private Label, local honey, MGM house bitters, and gold leaf
- First Class (a citrus and fruit based margarita riff), this large-format cocktail serves 4-6 people and is handmade with tequila blanco, hibiscus, Aperol, pineapple, Don’s Mix, lime, and Peychaud’s bitters
The new venue design features a beautiful color palette of purples, maroons, light pinks, and creams on lounge chairs, banquettes, barstools, pillows, and drapery. Fixtures and furniture pieces are accentuated with gold metal finishes adding visual appeal as marble cocktail and communal tables sit atop a luxe patterned carpet that spans the venue. Decorative lighting with glass pendants above the bar and specialty chandeliers throughout the lounge set the mood as rose gold mirror shelves highlight an assortment of available spirits.
Lobby Bar at MGM Grand is located on the casino floor across from Whiskey Down and is open 24 hours daily. For more information, visit MGM Grand online.
ABOUT JULIAN COX
From a young age, Julian Cox was talented artistically and used that gift to channel his passion and dedication into revolutionizing the food and beverage industry. He progressed quickly, developing new ideas, executing the highest quality of service, and presenting first-class, memorable guest experiences that soon led to him being recognized as a notable trendsetter and visionary in his field.
When Cox began his career, he gained invaluable knowledge and business savvy working with hospitality royalty. Studying under legendary restaurateur Rich Melman at Lettuce Entertain You in Chicago, Cox increased liquor sales by $144 million across nine properties for the restaurant group. At speakeasy Tiki bar Three Dots and a Dash, Cox’s mastery of high-volume tap cocktails increased revenue by $6 million and earned the venue a nomination for “America’s Best High-Volume Bar” at Tales of the Cocktail in 2016. The following year, Cox moved to San Francisco and helped Chad Robertson and Liz Prueitt obtain their liquor license at Tartine Manufactory SF, along with being the lead for Tartine Manufactory openings in Korea and Los Angeles.
Cox’s professional work in Los Angeles and San Francisco also include a role as architect of celebrated cocktail menus at prestigious restaurants such as Bestia, Otium and Redbird. Most recently, he oversaw the beverage programs at Banc of California Stadium, home to the Los Angeles Football Club, and Fanny’s, the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures restaurant and café. In January 2022, Cox was named MGM Resorts International’s executive director of beverage.
ABOUT MGM GRAND
MGM Grand Hotel & Casino, “The Entertainment Authority,” offers the ultimate Las Vegas experience with a variety of accommodations to serve every need and signature dining by top celebrity chefs including Tom Colicchio, Wolfgang Puck, Joël Robuchon, Morimoto, Michael Mina and Ayesha Curry. In addition to a pampering spa and salon and an elaborate conference center with more than 850,000 square feet of meeting space, the hotel offers a wide-range of world-class entertainment at the MGM Grand Garden Arena; the epic KÀ by Cirque du Soleil; world-famous dance crew Jabbawockeez; master illusionist David Copperfield; Topgolf Las Vegas; Brad Garrett’s Comedy Club; and Hakkasan Las Vegas. MGM Grand is operated by MGM Resorts International (NYSE: MGM). For more information and reservations, visit mgmgrand.com, call toll free at (877) 880-0880, or find us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.