CHEERS

SKY BLUE BEAUTY

The tropical Cloud 9 at EVO tastes like summer at the beach

Many of the dishes on the EVO menu are inspired by classic recipes from central and northern Italy, where owner Nick Neuman would visit his mother’s family as a child. The same can be said for the cocktail menu, which has a smattering of Italian spirits, including Aperol, prosecco and Campari, in several recipes. “Even our cocktails that don’t have an Italian ingredient in the build are inspired in some small way by that region,” says Dominic Scappaticci, bar manager of EVO. “I am also personally inspired by bright, bold colors that make a statement when they come to the table.” The Cloud 9 ($12) is a perfect example of both ideologies in one glass. Its electric blue color transports consumers to the vibrant shores of the Mediterranean Sea. “We use the Platinum Vodka brand as our base spirit,” says Scappaticci, noting it is distilled seven times for exceptional purity and a smooth, polished, crisp finish. “And as one might expect, the hue is thanks to our secondary spirit, Giffard Blue Curacao, which has both bitter and sweet citrus notes.” Adding to this surefire summery cocktail is a hint of Coco Real Cream of Coconut puree as well as a squeeze of lime. “We shake [the ingredients] with ice and strain into a coupe glass before adding toasted coconut sugar as garnish and to bring out the island vibe bouquet,” Scappaticci says. Though the vodka gives the cocktail a bit of heat on the palate, the citrusy Blue Curacao brings a beachy feel while the toasted and pureed coconut add a touch of sweetness. EVO, 4175 N. Goldwater Blvd., Scottsdale; www.evoscottsdale.com; 480.265.9814.

BY ALISON BAILIN BATZ / PHOTO BY DEBBY WOLVOS