6 Distinctive Drinks

THINGS TO DO

IN THE VALLEY 2

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6Distinctive Drinks

There are those who prefer a vodka soda at happy hour, and certainly those who prefer a mug of beer or glass of wine. And then there are the more daring drinkers—those who are willing to try anything once in the name of flavor. These more unique-to-drink cocktails are for them—and perhaps their friends willing to test the adventurous waters. ALISON BAILIN BATZ

1 GRAND NACIONAL

Big and complex with a savory spice, this one stars Becherovka. It may sound intimidating, but it is actually an exotic and ultra-herbal bitters that is most often enjoyed as a digestif. The Becherovka is combined with mezcal that has been infused with black currants, followed by passion fruit purée, and Big Marble ginger beer. $14 at www.riseuptownhotel.com 2 THE PASSIONISTA

Tipsy tea, anyone? Geordie’s at Wrigley Mansion developed this cocktail to honor afternoon tea aficionado Ada Wrigley, for whom Wrigley Gum magnate William Wrigley, Jr. initially built the mansion for as a gift 100 years ago. It features yuzu-infused Effen Vodka, Aperol Apertivo, Cointreau, passion fruit syrup, and lemon juice. It gets its tea-like look as much from an intricate clarification process as the fine china into which it is poured. $28 at www.wrigleymansion.com

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3 THE AFTER SMOKE

Taking the term “smoke ’em if you got ’em” literally, this whiskeybased cocktail at Orange Sky starts with Bulleit Rye, which is known for its layered spice notes. It is combined with orange and cherry bitters, and garnished with an expressed orange peel before being poured into a rocks glass and put into a glass smoking device. Once tableside, the glass is removed from the device, providing an actual smoke show. $18 at www.talkingstickresort.com 4 BIG CITY NIGHTS

This refreshingly herbal variation on a classic European-style sour combines blackberry-infused gin with fresh lemon, dry vermouth, and Suze liqueur, which is a French aperitif made with a mountain shrub known for its medicinal qualities, as well as simple syrup made with Herbes de Provence, and cinnamon. Oh, and then there is the presentation, a truly grand frothy egg with a circle of edible rice paper that has been imprinted with a collage featuring Phoenix icons both past and present. $15 at www.littleritualsbar.com 5 CLOUD 9

This sky blue beauty is meant to transport one to the vibrant shores of the Mediterranean Sea. It features Platinum Vodka and Giffard Blue Curacao, which has bitter and sweet citrus notes, as well as an electric blue hue, plus a hint of Coco Reàl Coconut purèe, and a squeeze of lime. It is strained into a coupe glass before being finished with toasted coconut sugar. $12 at www.evoscottsdale.com 6 BEBIDA VERDE

Though often relegated as a garnish or ingredient in guacamole, cilantro takes center stage here, serving as a starring ingredient along with mezcal in this smoky, earthy cocktail. The bold flavors are balanced here with citrus, and then spiced up thanks to potent chile pepper dust, which is rimmed along the glass. $12 at www.chanticophx.com