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Eating & Drinking Food & Drink Mixology Most Popular

Vegas cocktails just got Sexier, Smokier — Bark and Barware Shows You How with Cocktail Smoker

By Joe Winger — 1 year ago

Vegas cocktails just got cooler — Bark and Barware Shows You How with Cocktail Smoker

Bark and Barware enters the cocktail market with their premium cocktail smoker, including 6 flavors. 

Bark and Barware’s Harel Levy

Bark and Barware’s Harel Levy

Today, Bark and Barware’s Harel Levy joins us for a conversation about cocktails, creating your long-lasting drinking crew, picking the right flavors, the perfect pairings and more!

The below conversation has been edited for length and clarity.  Find the full conversation at our YouTube channel.

 

Joe Winger: Can you tell us a little bit about your story? And what inspired you to create this cocktail smoker kit?

Harel Levy:  I’ve been an entrepreneur for the last seven years. While there are no mistakes, I actually found [the cocktail smoker] by mistake. I was planning to buy something for my Dad. I usually won’t give something if it’s not 100%. So I’d rather not give a gift that I don’t really like.  Because I really care about what the recipient is going to feel. 

“I really love the idea of cocktail smoking kits. […]  It’s another tool to have a great night.

I don’t want to give something cheap, because if you really love someone, you really want to make sure that everything is spot on, right? 

Even on yourself, you will be more forgiven in terms of what you buy than someone else.

I really love the idea of cocktail smoking kits. It’s not that it’s only cool and it’s a great addition to having those nights with friends, with family.  It’s another tool to have a great night.

I went to Amazon and I saw there is no one who actually sells it in a premium, wooden box.  And with many flavors.  I talked with [my company’s] CEO about it, what’s missing here.

Bark & Barware's Smoker Kit

Bark & Barware’s Smoker Kit

We came up with a wooden box. It came from my passion to give something that looks good.

For almost a year, we went back and forth with factories. The smoke.  The flavor.  Details with the box.

When we released it, we were very happy.  We knew my criteria.  If I can give it to my Dad, not being afraid he’s not going to like it.  Then I know that other people are also going to enjoy it because I have high standards for giving a gift to someone that I love. That’s how we came up with the product and the product.

The second thing we are planning is to bring a mixologist,  make it a more holistic experience. 

Extend the journey with our customers, give them cocktails, give them recipes, give them ideas, The journey doesn’t end when the transaction happens for us. We want to continue to build trust and serve our customers.

 

Joe Winger: You have a very comprehensive website.  Can you walk us through your Cocktail Smoker Kit? When we buy it what do we get?

Harel Levy: There are six different chip flavors, the culinary torch, the smoke lid.  Ice tongs, whiskey stones. Unfortunately, we don’t include butane [gas for the torch] because shipping is very heavily regulated, 

“In every smoker kit you get six different chip flavors, the culinary torch, the smoke lid.  Ice tongs, whiskey stones.”

We have six flavors: cherry, oak, pear, maple, hickory and apple. Our plan is to listen to our customers and come up with new flavors based on what they ask for.  It’s not a one-time product release.  We’re going to offer refills, extensions, more.

Each taste is very delicate.  The world of wine, flavor, alcohol is so wide and you can get very specific sometimes. When you do get specific, you get the best results, right? 

 

Joe Winger: Has there been one or two major lessons you’ve learned?

Harel Levy: Initially we had more flavors. After we gave out samples and heard about which flavors were the favorite, we removed some. 

Joe Winger: You mentioned flavor pairing.  What’s your favorite cocktail pairing?

Harel Levy: It’s a tough question because taste is something that is extremely subjective.

We usually put it with scotch. That’s our personal preference.  Our customers get very creative with their ideas. That’s why we initially started with those six flavors. But listening to customer feedback, it’s going to grow and change.

 

Joe Winger: Over a year of research and development, were there any unexpected surprises?

Harel Levy: A lot of people agreed with me on the wooden box.  People started asking for smoke refills.  They’re going through the smoke faster than I thought.  When we launched, I was expecting this to be used for special occasions.  But people are using it every week, all the time.  

 

Joe Winger: In the past few weeks, I’ve been in Los Angeles, Brooklyn, New York, Philadelphia.  All those places have bars where they’re serving smoked drinks.  Now people want to have that experience at home.  

Harel Levy: That’s going to make you the hero of the party.  You’re the one who brings the cool stuff. I always like to do that. 

We really advise [anyone trying this] to taste all of the flavors. Not just one or two.   The spectrum of what flavors someone likes or doesn’t like is very wide.  You’re probably going to really like 1-2 [of the flavors], and less like the others.

Those 1-2 that you really like, we’re going to offer you refills.

When I host friends [at my house], I drink scotch and it goes well with cherry.

But it’s like a game.  You try a lot of things. You find out something that you’re really going to love.

“That’s going to make you the hero of the party.  You’re the one who brings the cool stuff.”

Joe Winger: This first kit is a starter kit or a sampler kit. I get those six flavors and I get to decide, “Oh my gosh, I really like this one. Now I need a refill.”

Harel Levy:  Exactly. It’s exciting me on a personal level because I’m curious […]. What’s going to make people upgrade a scotch that costs hundreds of dollars?

I can play with the flavor. That will upgrade an experience for the end customer cost hundreds of dollars. I did my part, right? And for them, they’re going to be over the moon. They’re going to be super happy. It’s just going to become one of their routine.

“What’s going to make people upgrade a scotch that costs hundreds of dollars?”

Joe Winger: There are smoking kits all over the place. Dozens of competitors on Amazon.  Why should someone choose Bark and Barware?

Harel Levy:  It’s the full experience that we offer. It starts with the package. Then the flavors. Most of our competitors offer four, we offer six. We tasted all of the competitors and our flavor is better.  Otherwise I would not have released the product.

Our post-purchase [experience] the recipes.  We’re working with a mixologist to just create a mini course to go with the kit, go with specific drinks. Customers are going to have access to all of it. How do I mix it? What should I mix it with? 

Joe Winger: What does the future of the brand look like?

Harel Levy: We’re planning to release big packages [re-fills] of each flavor. Second thing is the mini courses. We really want to inspire because that’s fun.  

The process of drinking with friends, the process of smoking. It’s a fun process. You sit on your balcony, with friends, you open a bottle of wine as well.  That’s a fun process. 

Our goal is to inspire. Someone [will realize they] like a specific cocktail.  We will give them all of the information on how to make it,  how to mix it, then we earn a customer for life. 

Joe Winger: You mentioned picking a cocktail is like picking a favorite kid. It’s so hard to do. What is your favorite cocktail to use with your smoker? 

Harel Levy: Yeah, so that’s a great question. I like the combination of the apple and scotch.

Joe Winger: Because you’re a foodie, are there any specific cocktail and food pairings that you really enjoy with any of your specific flavors?

Harel Levy: My favorite is having an apple flavored scotch with a ribeye. Someone I work with loves the hickory flavor.  That’s the beauty of this world, every person has their unique taste.

Shop for Bark and Barware’s Cocktail smoker hit on amazon here: https://amzn.to/3P5c42g 

Learn more at: https://www.barkandbarware.com

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The On The Rocks Cocktail That Stole the Show on the Las Vegas Strip—And Dylan Efron’s Pouring It Backstage at American Music Awards

By Rebecca Feinstein — 10 hours ago

The Cocktail That Stole the Show on the Las Vegas Strip—And Dylan Efron’s Pouring It Backstage

Forget the casino bars—On The Rocks™ Premium Cocktails brought mixology magic to the AMAs at Fontainebleau Las Vegas, and now it’s taking over the Strip.

Las Vegas knows how to party. From the glowing lights of the Bellagio to the edge-of-the-universe spectacle of the Sphere, the Strip is a living, breathing celebration of excess, style, and spectacle. But even in a city famous for flair, one bottled cocktail brand just managed to upstage the biggest night in music.

On The Rocks™ Premium Cocktails returned as the official cocktail of the 2025 American Music Awards, which aired live from the dazzling new Fontainebleau Las Vegas on May 26. And let’s just say—this was not your typical lobby bar experience.

Amid star-studded performances and red carpet drama, On The Rocks™ delivered a show-stopping performance of its own, serving up bold, bartender-crafted drinks that were as camera-ready as the celebs sipping them.

Sin City, Meet Your New Signature Serve

As nominees strutted down the red carpet and fans flooded the BleauLive Theater, On The Rocks™ took over the lobby, turning it into a full-blown cocktail lounge where guests could sip high-end classics like the Old Fashioned or Margarita—straight from the bottle, no shaker required.

The buzz wasn’t limited to the bar.

Backstage, Dylan Efron poured up a round of On The Rocks™ Margaritas before clinking glasses with an Old Fashioned. The scene, aired live during the AMAs broadcast, gave audiences a rare behind-the-scenes toast and introduced the brand’s new campaign, “Make it a Cocktail.”

His moment? Casual, stylish, very Vegas—and very much the vibe On The Rocks™ is serving.

Catch the content yourself at @otrcocktails. It’s enough to make you want to swap your casino comp drink for something a little more refined.

Changing the Cocktail Game—Vegas Style

“The American Music Awards are all about celebrating the moments that bring people together—and that’s exactly what On The Rocks™ is created to do,” said Carol Robert, managing director, U.S. ready-to-drink at Suntory Global Spirits.

That quote is more than a soundbite. It’s the heart of the brand’s latest campaign, “Make it a Cocktail,” which premiered during the AMA broadcast.

Instead of saving great cocktails for dinner dates or swanky lounges, the campaign dares you to elevate everyday situations—think: grabbing a Cosmopolitan from your hotel minibar, cracking open a Jalapeño Pineapple Margarita by the pool, or sneaking a Manhattan into your Sphere viewing party.

In a city where everything is larger than life, On The Rocks™ fits right in.

Vegas-Ready Cocktails Without the Wait

Founded in 2015 by a group of restaurateurs and bartenders who wanted to bring premium cocktails to places where mixologists aren’t usually found—airports, festivals, hotel rooms—On The Rocks™ is all about pairing convenience with serious craft.

You’ll find Vegas favorites like:

  • The Cosmopolitan (hello, Carrie Bradshaw)

  • The Margarita (classic or jalapeĂąo pineapple twist)

  • The Espresso Martini (because sleep is optional)

  • The Blue Hawaiian (poolside perfection)

  • The Manhattan (for when you’re feeling extra Rat Pack)

There are even limited-edition gems like the Spiced Pear Whiskey Sour and the Lemon Drop Martini, plus sparkling canned options ideal for pool days or pre-gaming before a concert at the Sphere: Sparkling Lime Margarita, Mango & Mint Mojito, and Cucumber & Lemongrass Mule.

This isn’t just convenience—it’s cocktail culture on your terms.

Where to Find It on (and Off) the Strip

Whether you’re staying at the Bellagio, pregaming before a show at The Sphere, or lounging at Resorts World, On The Rocks™ is a vibe you can take anywhere. Available at major retailers and hotel outlets across Las Vegas, it’s never been easier to “make it a cocktail” without waiting for table service or paying nightclub prices.

Check out the full lineup and campaign videos at ontherockscocktails.com or follow them on Instagram at @otrcocktails for exclusive content, new drops, and cocktail inspo.

Bottom line:
In a city that never stops celebrating, On The Rocks™ Premium Cocktails is the drink that keeps up. Whether you’re walking the Strip, lounging in your suite, or hitting an afterparty in a penthouse, this ready-to-pour cocktail brand brings the mixology—without missing a bea

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Las Vegas’s Best-Kept Secret? $49 Hotel Rooms With Free Perks Just Minutes from the Strip

By Contributor — 1 day ago

Las Vegas’s Best-Kept Secret? The Strat with $49 Hotel Rooms With Free Perks Just Minutes from the Bellagio & Sphere

In a city where luxury can come with a jaw-dropping price tag and $25 cocktails are just part of the vibe, one iconic Las Vegas resort is doing something rare—turning back the clock.

Just north of the Bellagio fountains and within sight of the dazzling new Sphere, The STRAT Hotel, Casino & Tower is pulling a bold move with its just-announced “Summer of Value” promotion. For those nostalgic for the days when Vegas was a playground for savvy deal-hunters, this might be the hottest (and most unexpected) offer on the Strip.

Las Vegas The Strat

Yes, You Read That Right: $49 Rooms—All In

Starting June 1, The STRAT is offering midweek stays for just $49 per night—and that includes all taxes and resort fees. Weekend stays? Still a jaw-dropping $99. That alone is enough to stop scrolling. But they didn’t stop there.

“We’re bringing that spirit back this summer with unprecedented rates,” said Skylar Dice, senior vice president and general manager of The STRAT. “With all taxes and resort fees included, plus daily dining credits and admission to The STRAT Tower, this package delivers exceptional value for our guests.”

What You Actually Get: A Breakdown of the “Summer of Value” Deal

Book with the promo code SSOV25 and here’s what’s included:

  • $25 daily dining credit to use at any of The STRAT’s restaurants or bars—yes, including the famous Top of the World Steakhouse, which slowly rotates 360 degrees atop the tower, offering unmatched panoramic views of the Strip. Other options include PT’s Wings & Sports, the stylish CHÄŞ Asian Kitchen, and multiple grab-and-go eateries and bars across the property.

  • Free admission for two to the Observation Deck—the tallest of its kind in the U.S., perched at a dizzying 1,149 feet. It’s the kind of view people come to Vegas to Instagram.

  • Newly renovated rooms designed with a clean, modern aesthetic—think minimalist comfort meets retro-Vegas flair. These aren’t the tired hotel rooms of yesteryear; many have been refreshed to reflect a more upscale and inviting look.

More Than a Deal: Full-On Vegas Entertainment Without Leaving the Hotel

For thrill-seekers, The STRAT is also home to some of the city’s most extreme adrenaline-pumping rides, dangling right off the side of the tower. SkyJump, Insanity, Big Shot—they’re not for the faint of heart, but they are iconic.

Las VegasThe Strat

credit Anthony Mair

There’s also Terry Fator live, L.A. Comedy Club, and Atomic Golf, a state-of-the-art golf entertainment venue that blends nightlife with high-tech tee-offs. And let’s not forget the casino itself, which remains a favorite for both locals and visitors looking for a less congested gaming experience.

Why This Deal Hits Differently Right Now

As Las Vegas continues to explode with new luxury properties, mega-resorts, and billion-dollar attractions like the Sphere, many travelers are looking for a return to what made Vegas famous in the first place: unbeatable value, unforgettable experiences, and that unmistakable thrill of feeling like you’ve discovered something just before everyone else does.

The STRAT’s “Summer of Value” package checks all those boxes. For couples looking for a spontaneous getaway, families trying to stretch their summer vacation dollars, or even locals wanting a staycation with sky-high perks, it’s the rare offer that sounds too good to be true—and somehow, isn’t.

Fine Print & Fast Facts

  • Available June 1 through August 28

  • Book with code SSOV25

  • Subject to blackout dates (as always, check the site or call 800-998-6937 for availability)

  • Free self-parking for all Nevada residents

  • STRAT “True Locals” program offers additional exclusive discounts

The STRAT might not be the newest resort on the Strip, but this summer, it just might be the smartest.

For more details or to book, visit www.TheSTRAT.com. But if you’re thinking about it, don’t wait—at $49 a night, the odds of these rooms disappearing fast are higher than a blackjack dealer hitting 21.

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David “Big Papi” Ortiz with Ozama Rum
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David “Big Papi” Ortiz Hits the Vegas Strip with Ozama Rum—A Dominican Spirit Poised to Take Over Sin City

By Marty Neehin — 1 day ago

David “Big Papi” Ortiz Hits the Vegas Strip with Ozama Rum—A Dominican Spirit Poised to Take Over Sin City

In a city where big personalities, bold flavors, and luxury experiences are the currency of cool, David Ortiz’s latest project might be one of the most exciting new arrivals of the season. The Hall-of-Fame slugger—known to millions as “Big Papi”—has officially stepped into the world of premium spirits with the launch of Ozama Rum, a 100% Dominican-made brand that’s already generating serious buzz from the Bellagio to the Sphere.

Ozama Rum

More than just another celebrity-backed bottle, Ozama Rum is an unapologetically Dominican creation from top to cork. It’s bold, joyful, and beautifully made—just like its founder. And for a Las Vegas crowd that appreciates authenticity with a side of glamour, it’s hitting all the right notes.

“To me, Ozama isn’t just about rum, it’s about identity, pride, and progress,” said Ortiz. “I wanted to build something that celebrates the energy and soul of my people and shows the world what we’re made of. It’s always been important for me to do things the right way, which is why this labor of love has been one of the most rewarding projects of my career. I can’t wait for people to try it! They say that perfection doesn’t exist, but you can get close to it.”

Ozama Rum: A Spirit With a Story

Named after the Ozama River in the heart of Santo Domingo—where Ortiz spent his childhood swimming, fishing, and crabbing for jaiba—this rum is as personal as it is premium. Every step of production takes place in the Dominican Republic, from sugarcane harvesting to fermentation, distillation, and aging in oak barrels for at least a year. The result? A rum that proudly carries the Ron Dominicano denominación de origen and a flavor profile designed to stand out on the Strip.

Launching in three expressions, Ozama offers something for every level of rum lover:

  • Ozama Blanco: A platinum-hued stunner with citrus and white pepper aromas, perfect for mixing at poolside cabanas or sipping over ice on a rooftop bar near the Sphere.

  • Ozama AĂąejo: A rich, copper-aged rum that delivers smooth layers of chocolate, vanilla, and toffee—ideal for pairing with an indulgent dessert at Lago or Mayfair Supper Club.

  • Ozama Gran AĂąejo: The crown jewel. This silky, amber beauty features notes of dates, raisins, honey, and fine wood. It’s made for cigar lounges and exclusive tastings tucked away behind velvet ropes.

Prices range from $25–$40 per 700ml bottle, making Ozama an accessible luxury—whether you’re a Vegas local or visiting for the weekend.

Why Ozama Rum Belongs in Las Vegas

With Vegas emerging as one of the nation’s premier markets for experiential dining and high-end mixology, Ozama Rum arrives at a perfect moment. According to GVR, the global rum market was valued at $11.77 billion in 2022 and is projected to grow by 5.6% annually through 2030. Consumers are looking for authenticity, story, and flavor—and Ozama delivers on all three.

This isn’t just a product—it’s a platform. Ortiz and his team, including Drink2Success CEO Abbott Wolfe, have big plans. “From day one, David had a clear vision to create an ultra-premium rum that feels authentic, vibrant, and undeniably Dominican—it was important to him to spotlight the Dominican Republic and at the same time give back to the community that raised him,” said Wolfe.

That “give back” piece isn’t just PR. Two percent of Ozama’s profits will fund cleanup efforts along the Ozama River and support local Dominican communities. For Vegas consumers—who are increasingly values-driven—this social impact component is another compelling reason to raise a glass.

Available Now: Where to Find Ozama Rum in Las Vegas

Ozama is currently available online at drinkozama.com and is rolling out across the Northeast and Dominican Republic, with expansion to select cities including Las Vegas expected by late summer. Expect to see it on cocktail menus at top Strip lounges, boutique hotel bars, and exclusive VIP events as early as this fall.

Want to be ahead of the curve? Keep an eye out for curated tasting events in partnership with Latin American restaurants, luxury liquor stores, and Vegas nightlife hotspots. Follow @drinkozama on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook to stay updated.

Final Sip: Vegas-Ready and Rooted in Culture

In a city built on spectacle and storytelling, Ozama Rum is more than a new spirit—it’s a cultural moment. Whether you’re unwinding in a Bellagio suite, mixing up cocktails for a private Sphere afterparty, or simply enjoying a quiet pour at home, this Dominican original brings joy, depth, and a taste of Big Papi’s pride.

And if you ask Ortiz, that’s the whole point.

“They say that perfection doesn’t exist,” he said. “But you can get close to it.”

In Vegas, we’d call that a win.

 

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About the Author
Joe Wehinger (nicknamed Joe Winger) has written for over 20 years about the business of lifestyle and entertainment. Joe is an entertainment producer, media entrepreneur, public speaker, and C-level consultant who owns businesses in entertainment, lifestyle, tourism and publishing. He is an award-winning filmmaker, published author, member of the Directors Guild of America, International Food Travel Wine Authors Association, WSET Level 2 Wine student, WSET Level 2 Cocktail student, member of the LA Wine Writers. Email to: Joe@FlavRReport.com

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