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’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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Made with Cucumbers, Roasted Poblano, Cilantro and Watercress.
9. Hibiscus Mimosa, Barrio Urbano
Made with House Agua Fresca de Jamaica, fresh orange juice, and featured sparkling white wine.
10. After School Special, Culinary Dropout
Made with raspberry tea infused tequila, ginger agave, lime, and modelo especial.
11. Sun Devil-Rita, Fuzzy’s Taco Shop
A frozen mango margarita with a red Coronita.
12. Muddled Strawberry Margarita Bucket, CASA Sunbá
$5 Bucket refills before 5 p.m. You’re welcome.
13. Watermelon Mint Blossom Margarita, Diego Pops
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
Made with Tito’s Handmade vodka, muddled watermelon, lime, and ginger beer.
15. Smoking Berries, The Mix Up Bar
Made with maestro dobel tequila, xicaru mezcal, lemon, local honey creme de cassis, and blackberry ginger shrub.
