drink
TEQUILAINSPIRED COCKTAILS
Bitter & Twisted Cocktail Parlour
The Lime and the Coconut: This fruitflavored cocktail is an amazing mix of 100 percent agave blanco tequila, housemade limoncello, lime juice and pineapple syrup, finished with a coconut foam. Cost: $11 1 W. Jefferson St., Phoenix; 602.340.1924; www.bitterandtwistedaz.org.
Sierra Bonita Grill
The Paloma: This is Sierra Bonita’s version of a traditional Mexican cocktail with a base of tequila and grapefruit soda. Their spin on this sip stays true to the core recipe but adds fresh muddled orange and lime – as well as cayenne salt to its rim – for an added kick. Cost: $9 6933 N. 7th St., Phoenix; 602.264.0700; www.sierrabonitagrill.com.
Macayo’s Mexican Kitchen
The Mule-Jito: Sauza Blue Reposado Tequila mingles with coconut water, ginger beer, mint leaves, soda and a few secret ingredients to create this part-Mexican mule, part-mojito showstopper. Cost: $9 11107 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale; 480.596.1181; www.macayo.com.
TapHouse Kitchen
The Sweet Lily: Patron Silver Tequila, St. Germain Elderflower Liqueur and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice combine to cure whatever ails you on a hot, sunny day. Cost: $10 6137 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale; 480.656.0012; www.taphousekitchen.com.
Bink’s Kitchen + Bar
Altos Romero: This is an apple-infused cocktail – with tequila! To make it, Bink’s uses Reposado tequila as a base and then integrates apple liqueur, Aperol, lemon, orange and just a touch of an orange rosemary shrub for a fresh, citrus finish. Cost: $12 6107 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale; 480.664.9238; www.binkleysrestaurantgroup.com.
Mixology that goes beyond the margarita BY ALISON BAILIN BATZ
T
equila is the unofficial spirit of warm weather. And with Cinco de Mayo just around the corner, it’s no surprise that many Valley restaurants and bars are serving up cocktails using the Mexican liquor. The margarita may be one of the most popular mixers containing tequila, but that doesn’t mean all of the sipping spots in town are coloring inside the lines. We’re exploring how some of the Valley’s most innovative bartenders are making so much more than margaritas with this versatile ingredient.
The Clever Koi
The Paloma: Although it has the same name as Sierra Bonita’s offering, this Paloma has an entirely different feel. Rather than the orange kick, the cocktail adds in lemongrass soda and sea salt, along with fresh grapefruit and tequila for a fizzy and tart taste. Cost: $9 4236 N. Central Ave., Phoenix; 602.222.3474; www.thecleverkoi.com.
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La Hacienda by Richard Sandoval
The Bebidas de Fuega: Better known as a Flaming Coffee, this cocktail is a scenestealer as it is set on fire, tableside. There are several variations, but the Cafe Mexico, which blends tequila with Sabroso Coffee Liqueur and handmade whipped cream is a best bet. Cost: $14 7575 E. Princess Drive, Scottsdale; 480.585.4848; www.fairmont.com/scottsdale.
Waltz & Weiser Whiskey Bar and Cantina
The Cucumber-Dura: Waltz & Weiser’s signature Herradura Double Barrel Reposado Tequila is the star here. It’s mixed with citrus syrup, cucumber and mint to balance the tequila’s sweet notes and then finished with ginger beer. Cost: $12 6902 E. Greenway Pkwy., Scottsdale; 480.624.1000; www.kierlandresort.com.
Hula’s Modern Tiki
The Juan Ho Martini: This vacation-inspiring drink is made by adding Blue Curacao, orgeat syrup and lime juice with almond- and vanillatinged Velvet Falernum Liqueur, and silver tequila. Cost: $7 4700 N. Central Ave., Phoenix; 602.265.8454; www.hulasmoderntiki.com.
Okra Cookhouse & Cocktails
Cold Brewed Dude: True to its name, this cocktail starts with cold-brewed coffee from Cartel Coffee Lab mixed with Tapatio Reposado Tequila. Then, Workhorse Rye Salted Cacao Bitters and pineapple syrup are added for WOW factor. Cost: $11 5813 N. 7th St., Phoenix; 602.296.4147; www.okraaz.com.
Rusconi’s American Kitchen
The Pineapple Express: El Charro Blanco Tequila – infused with pineapple – is shaken with vanilla syrup and topped with a caramelized pineapple garnish. Cost: $10 10637 N. Tatum Blvd., Phoenix; 480.483.0009; www.rusconiskitchen.com.