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THE METROPOLITAN | THE EXTRAORDINAIRE | THE TOURIST | THE ARTIST | THE CRITIC | THE DINER | THE CRAFTMASTER | THE HIGHROLLER | THE GLADIATOR | THE YOUNGSTER | THE SHOWMAN | THE NIGHTOWL | THE THINKER
SHAKE,
STIR, MIX AND
Arizona Cocktail Week is back bigger than ever
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Alison Bailin Batz » The Entertainer!
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or one week each year, the art and science behind the perfect pour is celebrated across the Valley. From February 17 to February 24, Arizona Cocktail Week—the Southwest’s premier event for hospitality professionals and cocktail enthusiasts alike—is set to take over the Valley, featuring everything from parties, spirit tastings and educational seminars, to cocktail competitions, drinks specials and cocktail-themed dinners. In its sixth year, the event has grown to host more than 10,000 people over the course of the week, with an even bigger turn out expected this year. Here is a guide on how to best sip your way through it all:
THE COCKTAIL CARNIVAL – FEBRUARY 17 Hosted annually at the Hotel Valley Ho in Scottsdale, this kick-off to the week’s activities has quickly come to be known as Arizona Cocktail Week’s signature event. It’s no wonder why, between the Cirque du Soleil-style acrobats, contortionists and other performers mixing and mingling amongst more than two dozen tables, games, interactive attractions and booths from the world’s top spirit brands. Never been? Don’t be surprised to see an Alice in Wonderlandthemed booth with a “Drink Me” tonic, or to be offered to taste some boozy caramel corn. There is something for everyone including invitations for folks of every shape and size to visit “secret suites” within the hotel with bonus parties, games, attractions, food and drink. Tickets start at $40.
STORYTELLERS – FEBRUARY 18 Now a formal part of the award-winning AZ Storytellers Project, this event brings together celebrated chefs and mixologists from across Arizona to share their stories from behind the bars and kitchens that have put Arizona on the foodie map. During the event, eye-popping food and drink will be served family style under the stars in the Hotel Valley Ho garden while the chefs and mixologists come together to give guests a rare glimpse of their private lives and what drives them. WWW.ENTERTAINERMAG.COM
The lineup of culinary superstars is being kept under wraps until just before the event. The proceeds benefit Careers in Culinary Arts Program, a nonprofit for disadvantage youth. Since it was founded in 1990 by author and culinary educator Richard Grausman, the organization has awarded more than $50 million in scholarships, provided job training and internships, college and lifetime career support, teacher training and product and equipment donations to classrooms. Tickets start at $150.
CRUSHBREW – FEBRUARY 18 TO FEBRUARY 19 Celebrating and promoting the craft beverage movement, Crushbrew Craft Beverage Festival is the only festival
where craft beer, small boutique wines, hard cider and artisan distilled spirits share center stage. The event, which benefits Southwest Human Development, will take place at the Scottsdale Waterfront and will also include food pairings, hourly cocktail, wine and/ or beer demonstrations and live music. Tickets start at $56.
ARTISANAL MARKET – FEBRUARY 20 The indoor/outdoor farmers market at the Hotel Valley Ho features locally sourced ingredients and proud local food/drink businesses boothing next to some of the most innovative spirits in the world. Think infused sugars, locally sourced bitters and even handmade
tonics along with newly released and favorite spirits. It is a feast for the senses—and samples are highly recommended. Tickets are $20.
LAST SLINGER STANDING – FEBRUARY 20 This event at The Yard in Tempe is the premier bartending competition in the Southwest. The competition brings together United States Bartenders Guild chapters from Arizona, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah and Austin, all of whom will send their best bartenders to compete for the title of the Last Slinger Standing. The winner walks away with the coveted Centennial Cup, a cash prize and a donation to his or her USBG chapter. Tickets are $10.