Santos Tacos Guisados & Beer is opening a new mezcal bar and cocktail menu to be served in their new expanded bar. Developed by master mixologist Michael Carlisi, the crafted drinks pair perfectly with the authentic and traditional guisados tacos.

Featuring small batch mezcal from Oaxaca, crafted Sangritas and housemade specialty salts, each beverage on Santos’ new cocktail menu is a treat. Having lived in Oaxaca and worked directly with the regional spirit, Carlisi is using his extensive mezcal knowledge and expertise to create delicious drinks like the seasonal red, green and orange Sangritas – a customary partner to a shot of mezcal meant to cleanse the palate between each sip; and the Holy Water – the mezcal of the week served with one of the Sangritas. The housemade salts elevate the cocktails, add a complex twist to the flavor profile, and balance the acidity of the drink. The dried chili, grapefruit, and hibiscus salt enhances the Downtown Paloma; while the dehydrated lime peel salt brightens the Classic Margarita with subtle, but clear orange, lime and earthy tequila flavors. In addition to the new cocktails and mezcals, beer, wine and sangria will continue to flow.

“We are thrilled to now offer margaritas and signature cocktails to complement our amazing tacos for a fully enjoyable experience,” said owner Eduardo Cordova. “Having someone like Carlisi, who was recognized for making the best margarita in the Bay Area, is a privilege. We are excited to see how his creativity continues to expand our bar program.”

Born and raised in the Bay Area, Carlisi has been involved in some of the most formative restaurant and bar entities that have shaped the current culture of the hospitality industry in northern California, such as Comal (where he won best margarita award), Slanted Door, The Douglas Room and Cesar. Now in the Las Vegas area, Carlisi will continue his passion for hospitality and creativity in the front and back of the house at Santos.

“I am so excited to have been able to develop Santos’ new cocktail program,” said Carlisi. “Mezcal and tequila are such unique and underappreciated spirits. Cheers to adding more flavor to the downtown scene.”

Santos Guisados Tacos & Beer is located at 616 E. Carson Avenue and is open from 11am-9pm Monday-Thursday, 11am-11pm Friday and Saturday, and 11am-7pm on Sundays. For more information on Santos please visit www.santostacoslv.com or call 702-826-3515. Get social with Santos by following on Facebook and Instagram.