Shareable Showstopper

Cala’s larger-than-life Smoke Show will set tastebuds ablaze

By Alison Bailin Batz / Photo by Debby Wolvos

At Cala, the restaurant’s breezy Mediterranean-meets-modern Arizona aesthetic is seamlessly integrated into its entire culinary program, especially its cocktails.

“Our drinks – much like those served along the coastal cities kissed along the Mediterranean Sea – are designed to be part of the full dining experience,” says Kaylen Connors, beverage director of Cala.

Seeking to create a communal, full-sensory experience for guests, Cala recently launched a new lineup of extravagant shareable cocktails. Among the most popular is the Smoke Show ($280). “Dramatic does not begin to describe this cocktail, which starts with Código 1530 Origen tequila and Lillet Rouge, a French aperitif with flavors of berries, cherry, vanilla, spice, and orange,” Connors says.

Luxardo Apricot and orange bitters finish the initial build, but rather than add to a shaker or stir in a glass, the contents are poured into a custom-made glass absinthe fountain and slow dripped over ice.

“As the liquid flows, we introduce a warm cherrywood smoke into the fountain, allowing layers of aroma and flavor to build in the fountain without overwhelming the table,” Connors says.

The experience continues once the cocktail is poured into the glass. Bright agave and subtle minerality open the palate, followed by velvety stone fruit notes from the apricot liqueur and gentle bitterness from Lillet Rouge. The cherrywood smoke adds warmth and depth, carrying through an impressively smooth finish.

Smoke Show anchors a menu of eye-catching shareables, including Shore Thing ($175), a tequila-forward cocktail poured over a frozen fruit sphere and topped with a shimmering bubble; and Pearlfection ($425), a Champagne and caviar pairing revealed inside a clam shell.

Cala Scottsdale, 7501 E. Camelback Road, Scottsdale; 602.241.2742; www.calascottsdale.com.