The Casino Del Sol located in Tucson Arizona has 161,000 square feet of casino gambling space, 1,300 slots, table games, poker, seven restaurants, two bars and a hotel with spa. The new $100 million dollar, ten story resort hotel opened November 2011 with 215 rooms and a full service spa. At Tucson Casino del Sol Resort, guests are encouraged to relax and rejuvenate at the on-site Hiapsi Spa. A variety of services including body wraps, massages and facial enhancements are offered. Built in 1783, guests can enjoy the rich history of Mission San Xavier del Bac, 16 minutes from this hotel. From the moment the copper tower of Casino Del Sol came into view, rising from the desert sands like a glittering beacon, I could feel the energy resonating from Arizona’s only Forbes Four-Star and AAA Four-Diamond resort and casino. Managed by the Pascua Yaqui tribe, Casino Del Sol has 215 guestrooms and infinite entertainment options. Welcome to Casino Del Sol Resort, Spa and Conference Center, the Pascua Yaqui Tribe’s jewel in the desert and southern Arizona’s premier luxury and business travel destination. This gorgeous high-rise 215-room hotel is adjacent to Casino Del Sol and outdoor entertainment venue, AVA Amphitheater. Things to do near Casino Del Sol on Tripadvisor: See 75,703 reviews and 31,429 candid photos of things to do near Casino Del Sol in Tucson, Arizona.

With Aaron DeFeo

If you’re into alcohol, the sky’s the limit at Casino del Sol, says Aaron DeFeo, the casino’s Property Mixologist. A former freelance journalist, DeFeo turned to mixology over a decade ago, honing his craft as Beverage Manager for both Hotel Congress and Maynard’s Market. In 2011, he joined Casino del Sol, where he now oversees the drink program for the five full-service dining restaurants and multiple bars and lounges.

The Berry Bae, featuring Don Q Anejo Rum, Plantation OFTD dark rum, strawberry, blackberry, raspberry, fresh citrus, and bolivar bitters.

Named the 2013 Mixologist of the Year by the Arizona Restaurant Association, DeFeo has helped Casino del Sol curate the largest liquor selection of any bar, casino, resort, or restaurant in the state. The casino’s Tequila Factory restaurant has a collection of close to 200 agave spirits, and PY Steakhouse maintains a collection of nearly 400 whiskeys. And at all times, the casino features eight different hand-selected single barrels of whiskey, tequila, and other spirits (including Whiskey del Bac from local Hamilton Distillers), completely unique to Casino del Sol.

“We serve a wide variety of people and a wide variety of tastes, and we’ve tried to appeal to everyone,” he says. “If you want a really nice whiskey on a big crystal clear ice cube, we can do that. If you want a fast gin and tonic, or even a Bud Light, we certainly have that. We have a selection of Mexican beer, and we can do micheladas. We do fun playful things, too—for example, a Lime in the Coconut, served inside a young coconut.”

Indeed, the drink program provides an impressive range, while also meeting each customer where they are. Patrons can get as simple or as complex as they’d like—poolside margaritas, a lounge drink called The Blueberry Smash made with vodka and fresh blueberries, or a mango-passionfruit mojito at Ume. But even with the simplest of drinks, you’ll be treated to the highest quality ingredients—fresh juices, housemade simple syrups, premium spirits, even the tonic water is excellent—and authentic, “state of the industry” recipes and techniques.

El Cucuy, a cocktail by PY bartender Stephen Kozlowski, featuring Kimo Sabe mezcal, house made fassionola syrup, fresh lime juice & firewater bitters.

If you’re craving a more adventurous drink experience, DeFeo and his team are happy to defy your wildest mixology expectations. The cocktail menu at PY Steakhouse features 32 cocktails (16 originals and 16 classics) made with diverse ingredients, unusual spices, and fresh ingredients. “These cocktails are second to none in the city, in my opinion,” says DeFeo, adding that they’re on par with drinks found in any metropolitan city or entertainment destinations such as Las Vegas.

The drinks program at Casino del Sol leaves no stone unturned, no spirit or technique unexplored, and is truly as vast and diverse as its clientele. And while DeFeo says the selection can be a little overwhelming, he also credits the talented bartenders who can help guide patrons into outstanding choices. Ultimately, he says, “I want to offer unique experiences that you can’t get anywhere else.”

Visit PY Steakhouse at the Casino del Sol for Happy Hour for half-price craft cocktails and half-price on most whiskeys (daily from 4-6pm.) Casino del Sol also offers Top Shelf Thursdays with $5 Grey Goose vodka, Patron Tequila, Johnnie Walker Black, Hendrick's, Crown Royal, and Hennessy all day.

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