cheers
I’M YOUR HUCKLEBERRY Roaring Fork’s unique twist on the margarita BY ALISON BAILIN BATZ PHOTO BY DEBBY WOLVOS
R
oaring Fork, known for its roasting and grilling techniques, has been a Valley staple for more than 20 years. Yet a special menu item pre-dates the venue itself: the Huckleberry Frozen Margarita ($7.50). “The original cocktail recipe was the brainchild of co-founders Guy Villavaso and Larry Foles, who helped launch other brands such as Z’Tejas, Eddie V’s, and Wildfish Seafood Grille,” says Stephen Perry, lead bartender at Roaring Fork. According to Perry, the Huckleberry has several distinctions from more traditionally flavored margaritas. “First, the type of tequila matters. We use Oro, or gold, tequila as our base spirit,” Perry says. “Second, the type of triple sec matters. We use Leroux, which has a richer flavor than most brands.” Perhaps the biggest secret to the Huckleberry’s success is the blender used to mix the cocktail – or lack thereof. “You will never see a blender behind our bar,” Perry says. “Instead, we use a machine, which gives a smoothie-style consistency to the drink.” Of course, the main ingredient itself, the huckleberry, is often what encourages people to order the drink and also gives the concoction its purple swirled look. “The huckleberry is primarily found in the Rocky Mountains,” says Perry, noting Roaring Fork has ordered its huckleberries from the same small farm in Idaho for two decades. “It has the intensity of a raspberry and flavor notes of a blueberry.” Roaring Fork, 4800 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale; 480.947.0795; www.roaringfork.com.
SO SCOTTSDALE! |
SS_86_89Cuisine_Cheers_May16.indd 88
88
| MAY 2016
4/22/16 9:50 AM