AN ODE TO ARIZONA

Sip the flavors of the Sonoran Desert with drinks using locally made spirits

February 14 is more than just Valentine’s Day in Arizona. On that date in 1912, Arizona formally became the 48th state in the Union. Looking for a fun way to celebrate? Try one of these cocktails, each featuring a distilled spirit or spirits made right here in The Grand Canyon State.

Sonoita Sour

FnB Restaurant

A double shot at local love, this cocktail uses award-winning Del Bac Whiskey as its base spirit, which is based in Tucson and is unique in that it is made using smoky mesquite from the Sonoran Desert. It is paired simply with lemon juice and then topped with a float of fortified 2019 Callaghan Red Dessert Wine from Elgin. $17. www.fnbrestaurant.com.

Jale Berry

Fat Ox

This refreshing cocktail is made with Tequila Corrido Blanco, which is owned by the restaurant’s co-founder and known for its hints of citrus and a kick of spice. It is mixed with Bauchant Orange Liqueur, fresh lime juice, blackberry puree and sliced jalapeno. $18. www.ilovefatox.com.

CRUsin’ Together

CRUjiente Tacos

This sweet and spicy sipper starts with Corcel Blanco Tequila, a local tequila purveyor that sources from the Guadalajara region of Mexico, and floral elderflower liqueur. The spirits are combined with equal parts tropical passionfruit, strawberry, and freshly squeezed lemon juices, and then the cocktail is finished with cayenne pepper for a kick. $13. www.crutacos.com.

Scottsdale Skinny

Thompson 105

The Scottsdale Skinny is a premium take on a spritzer and made for those counting calories or with dietary restrictions in mind. It starts with ROXX Vodka, which is an ultra-smooth premium vodka based in Scottsdale. The ROXX is paired with a hint of Domain Canton

Ginger Liqueur and then topped with bubbly and effervescent sparkling citrus water and fresh mint. $14. www.thompson105.com.

Pick Your Poison

The Genuine

This customizable bloody mary asks guests to choose from several of O.H.S.O.’s Arcadia line of vodkas, including Arcadia Horseradish and Arcadia Jalapeno, or opt for Canyon Spirits Two Ghosts Vodka, which is made with Bhut Jolokia, one of the world’s hottest chili peppers. The vodka is combined with house bloody mary mix and then garnished with an olive and a lemon wheel. $11. www.thegenuineaz.com.

Midnight Train Pigtails

The popular hidden Desert Ridge bar sources its own private barrel of Arizona Distilling Company’s famed Copper City Bourbon for this cocktail. The bourbon is enhanced by rhubarb, blackberry and lemon juices, and is balanced with orange bitters. It is topped with a cabernet float to add visual appeal and a more layered flavor profile. $15. www.pigtailscocktails. com.

Scottsdale Sunset

Blue Clover

Given this Scottsdale restaurant doubles as a distillery, expect a full menu of cocktails infused with spirits that are made right on property. This twist on an Aperol spritz is especially refreshing thanks to its plentiful pour of Blue Clover Grapefruit Vodka. The vodka is combined with Aperol, prosecco, and lemon as with a traditional spritz, but then gets a dash or two of lavender bitters as well. $13. www.bluecloverdistillery.com.