If you’re someone who loves craft cocktails, Mexican spirits, or exploring the Las Vegas dining scene beyond basic margaritas, this is for you. The challenge? Many cocktail menus throw around terms like mezcal, reposado, or additive-free tequila without explaining what they actually mean – leaving you guessing instead of enjoying. That’s where La Neta Cocina y Lounge steps in, offering a modern, agave-forward cocktail program that breaks down tradition and reinvents it through thoughtful, elevated mixology.
Here’s the thing – Las Vegas has officially outgrown neon-colored, sugar-loaded cocktails.
In 2026, the city’s cocktail culture has shifted toward intentional drinking: cleaner spirits, bolder flavors, and drinks that actually tell a story. Mexican cocktails sit right at the center of that evolution, especially in Las Vegas, where diners expect both spectacle and substance.
What’s driving the trend?
Tequila is made exclusively from Blue Weber agave and can only be produced in specific regions of Mexico, primarily Jalisco.
Popular tequila styles used in modern cocktails:
In Las Vegas, bartenders lean toward high-quality blancos and reposados for refreshing drinks that let the agave shine.
Mezcal is tequila’s smokier cousin – and a much broader category.
Key differences:
While all tequila is technically mezcal, not all mezcal is tequila – and that distinction matters in the glass.
Traditionally, tequila has been more widely consumed due to mass production and export. Mezcal, however, has deep regional roots and is often reserved for slower, more ceremonial drinking. Today, mezcal’s popularity has exploded globally – especially in modern cocktail culture.
More drinkers are paying attention to what’s not in their glass. Additive-free tequila focuses on:
This movement has reshaped cocktail menus across Vegas.
Forget frozen mixes. Modern margaritas now feature:
Popular additions include:
These elements add complexity without overpowering the spirit.
Bartenders are pushing mezcal into new territory:
Many of these agave-forward cocktails also pair surprisingly well with daytime dishes, which is why La Neta’s brunch menu features drinks designed to complement bold, modern Mexican flavors.
While margaritas still reign, the modern mezcal margarita has surged in popularity – especially versions that balance smoke, citrus, and subtle heat. Agave-forward variations now dominate cocktail menus across the city.
At La Neta, cocktails aren’t an afterthought – they’re part of the experience. The bar program is built around:
Instead of masking spirits, the approach highlights them – giving guests clarity, depth, and something worth talking about long after the glass is empty.
If choosing between tequila styles or mezcal expressions feels overwhelming, this is the kind of place where the menu – and the people behind it – actually guide you.
Experiencing modern Mexican cocktails like these is part of the broader atmosphere La Neta creates, where food, design, and drink come together as one immersive experience.
Looking ahead, expect:
Las Vegas isn’t just following the trend – it’s helping define what modern Mexican mixology looks like.
Check out our full menu or Reserve your table today!
We are located at 1770 Festival Plaza Dr Suite 200, Las Vegas, NV 89135, United States
