Your Ultimate Phoenix Cocktail Bucket List for Spring/Summer 2019
While Arizona’s warm weather, ever-present palm trees and damn good tacos have made it a go-to margarita state, our culinary scene has much more to show for its efforts. From cereal-inspired breakfast cocktails to CBD-infused spirits, there are plenty of unexpected drinks to check off your list before you can call yourself a true Arizona cocktail connoisseur. Keep reading for our top picks.
1. CRUjiente Tacos, Cinnamon Margarita
This unusual take on the classic margarita offers the perfect amount of spice and depth, making your go-to summer drink a festive winter cocktail. It features reposado tequila, cinnamon simple syrup, lime juice, and agave and is finished with an orange wheel and ground cinnamon.
2. Bitter & Twisted Cocktail Parlour, Mint Julep
Bitter & Twisted is the crown jewel of Arizona’s cocktail scene, and there’s plenty to choose from with its extensive book of a menu, but we like keeping it classic with this mint julep that’s the perfect mix of fresh mint, cane syrup and Kentucky bourbon.
3. Hash Kitchen, Fruity Pebbles Cocktail
Mimosas and Bloody Marys don’t have to be your only breakfast cocktail options, and we can’t say no to this delicious cocktail that also serves as a great reason to drink vodka at 9 a.m. This nostalgic concoction is made with fruity vodka, cream, coconut milk and the star of the show—Fruity Pebbles.
4. Social Tap, Coco Fresca
Coconut is having a moment, and from toothpaste to flakes, we’ll take it any way it comes, especially when it’s paired with vodka. This tropical mixture is a blend of coconut vodka, muddled strawberries, lemon, and agave.
5. Taco Guild, Cafe De Olla
What’s better than tequila? Tequila and coffee. This celebration of our two favorite beverages features Partida reposado tequila, cold brew coffee, mole bitters, demerara sugar and an orange garnish.
6. Salty Sow, Curly Tail
This cocktail goes to show that spice isn’t just for your food, with a serrano-infused ice cube and serrano simple syrup paired with tequila, cilantro and blood orange concentrate—finished with a smoked-salted rim.
7. LON’s Last Drop at the Hermosa Inn, Tall in the Saddle
Love gin and feeling like a high roller? Give this $125 cocktail a sip. It’s crafted with top-quality Nolet’s “The Reserve” dry gin, Carpano Antica vermouth and Amaro Montenegro.
8. Spinelli’s Pizzeria, Drug Mule
While this drink won’t get you high, you will reap the benefits of the latest in buzzworthy ingredients, CBD, which is known to provide pain and stress relief. In addition to CBD extract, the cocktail contains Tito’s vodka, Agwa de Bolivia, ginger beer and fresh mint.
9. The Farm at South Mountain, Blood Orange and Soil & Seed Garden
The perfect cocktail can make any setting, even one as breathtaking as the Farm at South Mountain, a little bit more enjoyable. This favorite includes whiskey, blood orange juice, Bual Madeira and sweet vermouth with a splash of cherry syrup.
10. Farm & Craft, Forbidden Fruit
There’s something especially exciting about cocktails served outside of your basic glass, and the Forbidden Fruit cocktails are no exception—they come in either a grapefruit or watermelon. Plus, they’re completely customizable, so you can choose between a blended Greyhound, Paloma, cucumber melon or spicy melon cocktail.
11. Mastro’s Steakhouse, Lemon Drop
Set your basic lemon drop aside, because beloved steakhouse Mastro’s is taking things to the next level with this dry ice version that’s as delicious as it is well presented. The recipe also includes lemon-infused vodka, sweet and sour, triple sec and fresh lemon.