Two local lawyers thought central Omaha needed pink squirrels and sidecars.

"It's time people be reintroduced to these classic cocktails," Sam Hohman said.

She and husband David Hohman plan to open LIV, a classic cocktail lounge, on May 1 in Aksarben Village. The Hohmans are leasing 3,100 square feet at the opposite end of the building housing Wohlner's Grocery, which sits at the northeast corner of 67th Street and West Center Road.

Sam, a Duschesne Academy graduate, and David, a Mount Michael Benedictine School graduate, worked at bars to help pay for college.

The couple, who graduated from the University of Nebraska law school and live near 90th Street and West Dodge Road with their three children, were looking for a comfortable, convenient bar.

"We always had kind of talked about it, but until you find that perfect location . . ." she said.

Sam, an attorney for a nonprofit group, and David, a business and real estate attorney, signed a five-year lease last fall because they believed that Aksarben Village was perfect for their vision.

"We're going to try to bring back the notion of why people started to go to bars," Sam said. "It was sort of a home away from home. You could get that perfect cocktail and really good service."

The streamlined décor will feature couches and big, soft, leather club chairs, an indoor fireplace, stainless steel accents and zebra rugs. Colors will be dark: chocolate, grays and splashes of purple. A large outdoor patio will feature a fire pit.

There will be two cocktail menus: one with progressive drinks featuring new combinations of liqueurs and one with classic cocktails such as Manhattans, rusty nails and gimlets.

They are targeting the business crowd, including nearby office tenants and travelers staying at nearby hotels, as well as residents of new, neighboring apartments and town homes and "anyone that is looking for a good drink and excellent service," Sam said.

• Contact the writer: 444-1183, christine.laue@owh.com

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