USBG Member Spotlight

Wendy Helene Hodges

Wendy Helene Hodges is a staple of our bartending community and a proud USBG member. This mother of three has the gift of gab and flavor in her fingers. If you are in The Palazzo during the day, you will find her delighting her guests with her beverage knowledge, classic cocktails and her ever-changing house-made infusions, all while she is prepping her bar and making it go. The Fusion Bar was the first mixology bar located on a casino floor and because of Wendy and her crew, continues to give one of the best bar experiences in the city.

Cocktail of the Month

Tiki drinks are in resurgence and what better way to introduce the world’s preeminent sugar cane spirit to those who are not familiar. In the “Wilson!” the hand-crafted Augusta Cachaça from Brazil, meets its Caribbean cousins in a light and dark rum. The round richness of Amaretto, and the saffron-cinnamon infused Amaro Meletti meld nicely and both soften & enrich the drink. A heavy dose of fresh lime juice brings bright acidity that cuts through and enlivens, while pineapple brings the flavor of the island. Most barmen worth their salt use bitters as seasoning, which can enhance the other components and transform a cocktail. This happens with the Australian bitters made from all indigenous Aussie ingredients to much delight. This cocktail is best enjoyed in a hollowed-out Honeydew with an array of edible flowers and basil that bring out the aromatics in the Cachaça.

“Wilson!”
by Adam Rains

1 oz Augusta Cachaça

1/2 oz White Rum

1/2 oz Dark Rum

1/2 oz Amaretto

1/2 oz Amaro Meletti

1 oz Lime Juice

3/4 oz Pineapple

4 dashes Australian Bitters

Directions: Combine all ingredients in a mixing tin with ice and shake till cold and frothy. Pour into the melon and garnish.


About the USBG

The United States Bartenders’ Guild is comprised of spirit professionals dedicated to the art of the craft of Bartending. What was founded in 1948 has now spread all over the US with Las Vegas being the largest chapter in the country. Through events, charity, and education they support and enhance the great American living-art that is Bartending.

For information on how to join, please go to www.usbg.org.


USBG Event Calendar
Some events subject
to change

10/03
Patron Bartender
Boat Party

10/24
Global Master Class

11/01
Anniversary Party

11/02
Breakthru Beverage Seminar