When it comes to drinking the night away, there are a few cocktails that reign supreme.

Today, the editorial staff of AZ Big Media would like to present the 15 essential drinks that every connoisseur of Arizona nightlife — or day drinking — has to try before they die. We’re not including any PBRs or vodka and cranberry here. This list goes way beyond Cocktails 101. The drinks on this list showcase the mixologists who have turned cocktails into an art form. Cheers!

1. Torino, Caffe Boa

Caffe Boa-Torino1

Caffe Boa’s Torino is made with Smalls Gin, Vergano Americano, Grapefruit, Orange Bitters, is the perfect tangy cocktail for an evening drink to follow a dish from their delicious and eclectic menu.

2. Blood Orange Margarita, Joyride Taco House

Photo Courtesy of Instagram
Photo Courtesy of Instagram

Joyride’s Blood Orange Margarita is made with Tequila + Triple Sec + House Blood Orange Sour + Hibiscus Syrup to form a fun, fresh, and unique flavor that any margarita lover can enjoy.

3. Handmade Blueberry Hibiscus Wine Cooler, Federal Pizza

Photo Courtesy of Instagram
Photo Courtesy of Instagram

It’s old school made new! Federal Pizza’s Handmade Blueberry Hibiscus Wine Cooler is the perfect refreshing drink alongside their noteworthy pizzas.

4. Duce Lemonade, The Duce

Photo Courtesy of Instagram
Photo Courtesy of Instagram

The Duce Lemonade, made with Prairie Organic Vodka, homemade duce lemonade & strawberry garnish, has the traditional homemade lemonade taste we all know and love, adult style!

5. Berries & Bubbles, Ocean Prime

Ocean Prime-Berries & Bubbles (Facebook)

It’s no surprise that the Berries & Bubbles, made with Belvedere Cytrus Vodka, Marinated Blackberries, House Made Sour, Domaine Chandon Brut, is Ocean Prime’s all-time best selling cocktail. It’s a complex, refreshing and balanced cocktail – not too sweet, not too tart and lightly effervescent.

6. Second Generation, Citizen Public House

Photo Courtesy of Instagram
Photo Courtesy of Instagram

The Second Generation, made with Absolut Pear, Chareau aloe liqueur, Aperol, lemon, simple syrup, cucumber & mint, up, is a smooth and light cocktail perfect for Arizona’s dry heat.

7. Solero, Bitter & Twisted

Solero-Bitter-twisted-WEB
Courtesy of MMPR

Made with Forty Two Below passion fruit vodka, vanilla liqueur mixed with fresh passion fruit and half & half. Served tall and tower over crushed ice.

8. Verde Bloody Mary, The Windsor

The Windsor-Verde Bloody Mary

Made with Cucumbers, Roasted Poblano, Cilantro and Watercress.

9. Hibiscus Mimosa, Barrio Urbano

Photo Courtesy of Yelp
Photo Courtesy of Yelp

Made with House Agua Fresca de Jamaica, fresh orange juice, and featured sparkling white wine.

10. After School Special, Culinary Dropout

Photo Courtesy of Yelp
Photo Courtesy of Yelp

Made with raspberry tea infused tequila, ginger agave, lime, and modelo especial.

11. Sun Devil-Rita, Fuzzy’s Taco Shop

Photo Courtesy of Instagram
Photo Courtesy of Instagram

A frozen mango margarita with a red Coronita.

12. Muddled Strawberry Margarita Bucket, CASA Sunbá

Photo Courtesy of Instagram
Photo Courtesy of Instagram

$5 Bucket refills before 5 p.m. You’re welcome.

13. Watermelon Mint Blossom Margarita, Diego Pops

Diego Pops-Watermelon Mint Blossom Margarita

Made with Don Julio blanco, muddled watermelon, mint, watermelon liquor, house made sweet and sour, fresh lime, and a sugar rim makes for a light and sweet drink, perfect alongside Diego Pops’ delicious tacos.

14. Watermelon Mule, The Montauk

The Montauk-Watermelon Mule

Made with Tito’s Handmade vodka, muddled watermelon, lime, and ginger beer.

15. Smoking Berries, The Mix Up Bar

The Mix Up Bar-Smoking Berries Cocktail

Made with maestro dobel tequila, xicaru mezcal, lemon, local honey creme de cassis, and blackberry ginger shrub.