Jingle Juice
Raise a glass to winter-inspired cocktail offerings
By Alison Bailin Batz
The holiday season is in full force at eateries across the Valley, with many adding festive winter cocktails to their menus to give guests a spirited taste of the season, quite literally. Here are some inspired offerings across the Valley not to be missed this month.
Grandma’s Cookies
Hearth ’61 at Mountain Shadows
A nod to the cookies and milk children prepare for St. Nick, this winter wonderland cocktail captures the essence of the season in a glass. Allspice Dram lends a comforting warmth, layered with notes of clove, cinnamon and nutmeg that evoke the familiar scent of holiday baking. Served over a single rock, each sip delivers a smooth, spiced balance. $18. www.mountainshadows.com.
Coconut Eggnog Martini
Tommy Bahama Restaurant & Bar
There is no better way to ring in the season than with the taste of eggnog. Tommy Bahama kicks it up in true island style with this twisted take. It features equal parts of the restaurant’s own barrel of Straight Bourbon Whiskey and coconut rum, which are combined with coconut milk, eggnog and nutmeg. $17. www.tommybahama.com/scottsdale.
Le Belle
Fellow Osteria
As the name suggests, this drink is quite a beauty. Together, Belle de Brillet Pear Cognac and amaretto bring warmth and a whisper of sweetness, while lemon and absinthe brighten the edges. Black tea and black lemon bitters add depth and a faint earthy bitterness that lingers just enough to delight and pucker. It is festive, a bit earthy and slightly tart, like winter citrus after the first frost. $15. www.fellowosteria.com.
Adult Gingerbread Spice Shake
The Phoenician Tavern
An adult riff on a nostalgic holiday treat, this frozen cocktail is reminiscent of a freshly baked gingerbread cookie. It is made with house-churned vanilla ice cream as well as Van Gogh Vanilla Vodka, Captain Morgan Spiced Rum, and gingerbread syrup. The drink is served in an old-fashioned milkshake glass and topped with whipped cream and a gingerbread man. $18. www.thephoenician.com.
Up In Smoke
Tell Your Friends
Up In Smoke combines the rich, caramel notes of Maker’s 46 Bourbon Whisky with the sweet warmth of spiced pear and the fragrant depth of rosemary honey. Balanced by bright orange bitters, the cocktail layers complex flavors that evolve with every sip. What sets it apart is the tableside presentation in which a swirl of citrus smoke is added just before serving. This releases aromatic waves that heighten the tasting experience and creates a theatrical moment, inviting guests to savor each layer of flavor and aroma. $28. www.tellyourfriendsaz.com.
Clausemopolitan
McArthur’s at Arizona Biltmore
A cosmopolitan – but make it winter! McArthur’s kicks up the chic classic cocktail several notches by adding Amaro Nardini, Licor 43, and St. Elizabeth Allspice to the traditional build, which combines Grey Goose Vodka, cranberry, simple syrup, and lime. The garnish of rosemary and dried orange adds to the festive look and feel. $25. www.arizonabiltmore.com.
The Gingerbread Man
Grand Hyatt Scottsdale Resort
Served exclusively at The Naughty List, which is Grand Hyatt Scottsdale’s holiday pop-up bar, this warm and indulgent cocktail blends Volcán Reposado Tequila, spiced gingerbread syrup, smooth coconut cream, and a dash of cinnamon. Elegant, spirited and irresistibly festive, it is a must for those on both the naughty and nice lists. $18. www.hyatt.com.