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COCKTAIL CULTURE Drinks with Cinco de Mayo in mind
Wright Bar at the Arizona Biltmore Believe it or not, the original Tequila Sunrise was invented more than 80 years ago right here in the Valley. Then-Arizona Biltmore bartender Gene Suilt came up with the iconic cocktail in response to a patron who challenged him to use tequila to make the perfect poolside beverage. Suilt combined tequila with crème de cassis (blackcurrant liqueur), lime juice and soda water, making history. All these years later, the Wright Bar at the Arizona Biltmore still serves this drink, but also offers an updated version — the Topical Tequila Sunrise ($13). It features tequila, pineapple juice and pomegranate liqueur. The sipper packs a powerful punch and makes for the perfect poolside refresher. www.azbiltmore.com.
While Cinco de Mayo is technically meant to commemorate the Mexican Army’s unlikely victory over the French Empire at the Battle of Puebla in 1862, in the United States, the holiday has evolved into a celebration of Mexican and Mexican-American culture … and cocktails. Locally, there are several Valley venues with drinks that go far beyond a basic margarita developed with this celebration of culture in mind. And, they are available right now. Sample them all to prepare for the big day!
BY ALISON BAILIN BATZ
Chico Malo For those unfamiliar, Chico Malo translates to “bad boy” in English. It’s ironic considering how many good things there are on the menu! The cheeky venue, located at CityScape, offers Mexican and South American cuisine such as chilaquiles, tortas, nine varieties of tacos, salads, nachos and tostadas. The drink menu is similarly themed with inspired takes on several Mexican favorites as well as Latin twists on American favorites. Of particular note is their Oaxacan Old Fashioned ($12), a dizzingly combination of tequila, mezcal, honey, cardamom bitters and anise-flavored liqueur. www. chicomalo.com.
PHOTO BY MICHAEL HUNT
Taco Guild Recently named by Travel Channel as among the best Mexican restaurants in the country, Taco Guild has been getting rave reviews for its food and drink – and venue itself as it the restaurant is housed in an old church – for years. Heralded by Thrillest as a top spot for tequila in recent months, their cocktails are all about elevating the spirit in ways you never thought possible. Case in point, the Sinner or Saint ($9.95). This aromatic drink starts with tequila and fresh lime juice. The team then muddles and adds fresh blueberries as well as sweet Velvet Falernum before shaking, pouring and garnishing with fresh rosemary. www. tacoguild.com.
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Uptown April '18
CRUjiente Taco This 2017 Arizona Taco Festival Grand Champion and Foodist Award winner has the mixology chops to match. There are five signature margaritas made with the freshest ingredients and top shelf tequilas, but beyond that, they offer a menu of handmade cocktails, many with a great Mexican punch. The Cru Paloma ($10) is a smoky stunner with a generous pour of mezcal combined with pamplemousse, which has a great grapefruit tanginess, as well as fresh-squeezed grapefruit juice and househopped honey. www.crutacos.com.