5 Ho-Ho-Holiday Cocktails

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5Ho-Ho-Holiday Cocktails

Despite the obvious lack of snow in the desert, the Valley has managed to transform itself into a magical winter wonderland for the holidays. The spirit of the season shines bright even at local restaurants and lounges—especially these five local hot spots, each of which is offering a themed cocktail to help get guests in a celebratory mood. ALISON BAILIN BATZ

1 CRANBERRY MARGARITA

Margaritas are a staple in Arizona any time of year. Through New Years, Ling & Louie’s Asian Bar & Grill is offering a cranberry-infused take on the State 48 staple. To make it, the team starts with a reposado tequila that spent between two months and one year aging in steel or oak. It is paired with premium orange liqueur, lime juice, and then a hefty pour of fresh cranberry juice. After shaking it with ice, it is strained into a margarita or martini glass that has been coated with sugar. Dried cranberries are dropped in as garnish. $14. Locations in Scottsdale and Chandler; www.lingandlouies.com 2 FLIP NOG

Bourbon Steak, which is located at Fairmont Scottsdale Princess and is actively taking part in the Christmas at the Princess festivities across the resort, decided to flip the classic recipe for eggnog this winter. The riff combines the acidic bite of H by Hine VSOP Cognac with Amaro Montenegro, Frangelico, half and half, and house-made vanilla bean syrup. The ingredients are shaken with one whole egg white until perfectly fluffy with a dreamy foam. Garnished with fresh ground nutmeg, this cocktail will make anyone who visits feel like they are cozy by a fire. $17. 7575 E. Princess Drive, Scottsdale; www.scottsdaleprincess.com 3 THE MONK

While called The Monk, this vibrant green goddess at The Genuine looks like it should be called The Grinch! Sure to make anyone’s love of local mixology grow three sizes, The Monk features Arizona Desert Commerce Gin, which is a London-dry style gin made from locally grown grain infused with coriander, cumin, cardamom, cinnamon, and a hint of citrus before being blended with bold juniper notes. The gin is combined with Midori melon liqueur, Yellow Chartreuse, a honey reduction, and fresh lemon, and is garnished with basil leaves and Fee Brothers Fee Foam. $14. 6015 N. 16th St., Phoenix; www.thegenuineaz.com 4 GENTLEMEN’S HEIST

This aromatic, red-hued stunner at Platform 18 stars Rémy Martin 1738 Cognac, created in celebration of Rémy Martin’s royal recognition by King Louis XV in 1738. Its butterscotch and spice notes are complemented by Fiorente Elderflower, Lustau Amontillado Sherry, and Cardamaro, and it is finished with mustard seed and passionflower bitters, then garnished with rosemary and orange oils, which are smoked tableside. $23. 3626 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix; www. centurygrandphx.com 5 WINTER WHITE

COSMOPOLITAN

Thirsty Lion Gastropub & Grill sweetens up the holiday season with its newly released Winter White Cosmopolitan. The cocktail combines Tito’s Handmade Vodka, which is certified gluten-free, St. Germain Elderflower liqueur, triple sec, fresh lime juice, simple syrup, and white cranberry juice. It is served straight up with a garnishment of sugared cranberries and fresh mint, and a portion of proceeds from each sale benefits No Kid Hungry, which helps feed hungry children nationwide. $11. Locations in Chandler, Phoenix, and Tempe; www.thirstyliongastropub.com