Bright Side

Fresh takes on the classic sour

By Alison Bailin Batz

Some cocktail trends come and go, but sours have stood the test of time for their balance, brightness and striking visual beauty. Today, local mixologists are putting creative new spins on the classic builds, resulting in perfect pours that never cause a pucker.

Macallan Paper Plane
Dominick’s Steakhouse

Macallan 12 Year Single Malt elevates Dominick’s take on a classic paper plane with rich sherry-cask character. Aperol, Amaro Nonino, and lemon juice complete the build before the cocktail is served in a coupe. On the palate, expect bright citrus to give way to dried fruit and oak notes. $34. www.dominickssteakhouse.com.

A Man’s Game Charges A Man’s Price
Course

Part of Course’s cocktail series inspired by HBO’s True Detective, this sour begins with Key lime-infused vodka and graham- and brown butter-washed vodka, both combed with lime juice, lemon juice and clarified graham cracker consomme. It is served in a liquid nitrogen-chilled Nick & Nora glass, finished with toasted graham cracker meringue and topped with tart, bright lime curd. $20. www.courserestaurantaz.com.

Aam
Nadu Phoenix

Named for the Hindi word for “mango,” this cocktail combines the tropical fruit with tequila; lime juice; chili; and gondhoraj citrus, an aromatic lime native to eastern India and Bangladesh. Served over ice in a rocks glass with a lime wheel and chili garnish, the cocktail opens with juicy tropical sweetness before bright citrus and a gentle kick of heat create a refreshing finish. $16. www.naduphoenix.com.

Salt River Sour
Wolf by Vanderpump

Rosaluna Mezcal anchors this Southwestern-inspired sour, complemented by pineapple, lime juice and agave. Shaken with aquafaba, the cocktail is served with a silky foam, a Tajin rim and delicate chili threads. When tasting, expect juicy pineapple and zesty lime before gentle smoke and lingering spice round out the finish. $23. www.wolfbyvanderpumpscottsdale.com.

Al-Andalus Sour
Telefèric Barcelona

An homage to the region of the Iberian Peninsula, celebrated for its rich blend of cultures and culinary traditions, this cocktail is as layered as its namesake. Idiazábal, a sheep’s milk cheese from Spain, is washed into pisco before it is paired with mezcal, lime juice, quince cordial, and frothy egg whites. Served with a small fork holding a bite of Idiazábal cheese, the cocktail offers savory richness and a velvety finish. $16. www.telefericbarcelona.com.

Hare on Fire
Jade Bar at Sanctuary Camelback Mountain Resort & Spa

Mezcal Unión Uno sets the stage for this earthy offering. It is blended with Strega, an Italian herbal liqueur made with more than 70 botanicals, as well as carrot, lime juice, orgeat, and orange bitters. Served in a coupe and garnished with a carrot wheel and mint leaf, expect bright lime up front before herbal notes, nuttiness and subtle sweetness come into play. $21. www.sanctuaryaz.com.

Bull Moose Sour
Rough Rider

Buffalo Trace Bourbon and Sazerac Rye lead this take on the amaretto sour. They are joined by Crème de Noyaux, a French liqueur with a distinctive almond flavor, as well as toasted coconut demerara, walnut bitters, lemon juice, orange juice, and a whole egg. The drink is finished with a sweet yet salty white chocolate, coconut and salt rim as well as a spritz of absinthe. $17. www.roughrideraz.com.