Spirited Slushies

The Mexicano’s Frozen Margarita Flight offers a frosty passport to paradise

By Alison Bailin Batz / Photo by Debby Wolvos

When asked to describe chef Joey Maggiore’s approach to the cocktail programs at his growing empire of eateries – Hash Kitchen, Sicilian Butcher, Sicilian Baker, The Italiano, The Delicatessen, and The Mexicano – many on his leadership team harken back to their childhoods.

“Remember pop-up books? Every turn of the page brought characters and scenes to life in three dimensions,” says Seth Widdes, vice president of operations at Chef Joey Concepts. “That’s how I describe Joey’s approach; his drinks come to life before your eyes.”

At The Mexicano, Maggiore focuses on larger-than-life preparations, garnishes and colors with every cocktail. “We change our cocktail menu several times a year to fit the vibe of the season,” Widdes says. “Right now, it is all about cooling people off with tropical flavors.”

Enter the Frozen Margarita Flight ($19).

“While our laundry list of fan-favorite and seasonal margaritas, from watermelon and mango to passion fruit and dragon fruit, are always on the menu, during the summer months, it is hard to top this foursome of mini tropical frozen margaritas.”

The flight consists of four 4-ounce mini margaritas, each featuring the same frozen base. “To create our flavored minis, we start by batching our classic frozen margaritas by combining blanco tequila with lime juice, triple sec, and agave nectar.” Widdes says. “That base is then turned into a slushy.

To create the island-inspired flavor profiles, specialty coconut, guava, peach, and prickly pear syrups are then added to each base margarita, creating four new flavors.

The refreshing mini treats arrive on a Mexicano-embossed flight tray, giving diners a variety of ice-cold cocktails to pair with their favorite similarly over-the-top tacos, burritos, and other twists on Mexican favorites.

The Mexicano, 4801 E. Cactus Road, Scottsdale; www.themexicano.com; 602.812.2100.