A flight abroad may be out of the question due to COVID-19 travel restrictions, but epicurean escapism in the form of fanciful food and drink flights is alive and well in the Valley. From a boozy cereal sampler to a smorgasbord of bloody marys, here are 12 local spots to try a twist on the traditional flight.
U.S. Egg
This locally owned and operated breakfast and lunch joint recently ramped up its cocktail menu with new mimosa and bloody mary flights that feature innovative flavors and Instagram-worthy presentation. Bloody mary options include the traditional tipple garnished with a pickle and olive as well as more adventurous accoutrements like jalapeño, bacon and a boiled egg. Choose from four mimosa combos including pink lemonade and cranberry juice with a generous pour of Prosecco.
Six Valley locations, useggrestaurant.com
Hula’s Modern Tiki
Need an island escape? The Scottsdale location of this upscale tiki haven will transport you to a tropical oasis in no time. Try one of nine different rum flights, each one highlighting a different brand. The rum flight is a perfect partner for Hula’s spicy shrimp tacos or pan-fried salmon.
7213 E. 1st Ave., Scottsdale, 480-970-4852, hulasmoderntiki.com
JOJO Coffeehouse
Head to this cute Scottsdale coffeehouse for mimosa and coffee flights (and a side of live music on weekends.) With cozy couches, cool art and tables full of pals catching up over cappuccinos, you’ll feel like you walked right into an episode of Friends. If Rachel Green had an Instagram, she’d surely post a pic of JOJO’s photogenic flights. The colorful mimosa flight includes five flavors: apple pie, peach, cranberry-lime, traditional and pineapple. The apple pie mimosa reminds us that fall needs to get here faster and the cranberry-lime is a refreshing sipper that allows us to tolerate the summer for a little longer. The coffee flight consists of JOJO’s signature cold brew and an iced mocha, latte, white mocha and caramel macchiato – all in cute miniature glasses.
3712 N. Scottsdale Rd., Scottsdale, 480-907-6100, jojocoffeehouse.com
The Screamery
For a more family-friendly flight, check out this ice cream parlor’s six-flavor sampler of delicious, handcrafted ice cream. Choose from 24 different flavors including Mississippi Mudpie , which combines coffee, fudge and chocolate cookies and Ooey Gooey Buttercake, featuring classic vanilla ice cream mixed with pieces of cake. The most popular flavor is Sweet Cream Honeycomb made with natural honey sourced from honeycombs in Marana. The Screamery is known for its old-fashioned flair and all-natural ingredients. You won’t find chemicals, corn syrup or pesticides in any of its sweet frozen treats, including an eight-scoop sundae that’s perfect for sharing – or not. We won’t judge.
Two Valley locations, thescreamery.com
Aioli Gourmet Burger
Classic french fries or sweet potato fries? Get both with Aioli’s fry flight, which comes with a slew of the burger bistro’s signature aioli sauces – basil garlic, chipotle, white truffle, green chile, roasted garlic and black pepper. The famed local restaurant – helmed by award-winning chef Tommy D’Ambrosio – started as a food truck and now has three Valley locations, including a brand-new brick and mortar in North Phoenix. The food isn’t the only expression of creativity at Aioli – the new location will feature an art gallery displaying the work of both regional and nationally recognized artists.
Three Valley locations, aioliburger.com
Taco Guild
Housed in a historical church, Taco Guild embraces the traditions of the past while incorporating modern twists. One of those twists – top-secret tequila flights. These off-the-menu offerings allow guests to explore Taco Guild’s selection of more than 200 tequilas. Each sampling provides information about each tequila, including its region of origin, cooking method, age and proof. If you’re not a tequila connoisseur, you might just become one after a flight or two at Taco Guild.
546 E. Osborn Rd., Phoenix, 602-264-4143, tacoguild.com
CRUjiente Tacos
This modern taqueria has a fun create-your-own flight where guests can select three to four different spirits in one-ounce or two-ounce pours. Choose from 200 different tequila and mezcal variations and nearly 150 whiskeys – and maybe take an Uber home.
3961 E. Camelback Rd., Phoenix, 602-687-7777, crutacos.com
Fairmont Scottsdale Princess
Duck fat fries with rotating dipping sauces, different rum variations, 200 tequilas, oh my! This ritzy resort has it all. At award-winning chophouse Bourbon Steak, diners can indulge in a flight of duck fat fries which comes with an assortment of sauces that currently range from truffle to pickled ketchup to Frank’s Red Hot aioli. Find fusion fare at Toro, where you can pair your sushi or ceviche with a rum flight. And La Hacienda is known for its tequila flights – the Snakebite, which feature three different agave sprits from Mexico, is a best-seller.
7575 E. Princess Dr., Scottsdale, 480-585-4848, fairmont.com/scottsdale
The Mission
Mas tequila! Whether you’re feeling fancy or frugal, The Mission has you covered. Its flights, which feature four of your favorite tequilas, range from $25 to $215. The restaurant and lounge serves up Latin-inspired cuisine and 60-plus tequila options in swanky environs.
Two Valley locations, themissionaz.com
Hash Kitchen
Enjoy the best of both worlds at Hash Kitchen, where you can be a kid again by indulging in sugary cereal while simultaneously enjoying being an adult by getting your drink on. The trendy brunch spot serves up a flight of four childhood-inspired, alcohol-infused shots. Enjoy a Cinnamon Toast Crunch shooter comprised of spiced rum and horchata rum; a Fruity Pebbles shot made with fruit-flavored vodka; a Cap’n Crunch version with peanut butter whiskey and hazelnut liqueur and a chocolaty Cocoas Puffs concoction consisting of chocolate vodka and espresso liqueur. Each shooter is also made with coconut milk and topped with the corresponding cereal.
Four Valley locations, hashkitchen.com
Macayo’s
What’s better than a margarita? Four margaritas! Macayo’s purveys a margarita quartet with your choice of apple, mango, peach, prickly pear, raspberry, strawberry, wildberry and house. The colorful cocktails are served on a pretty wooden plank that makes for great pictures.
Six Valley locations, macayo.com
Modern Margarita
While this buzzy restaurant is known for its booze – choose from 10 different margaritas that you can order in fishbowl form – it’s actually its food menu that has a famous flight. And you’ll want to come hungry. Modern Margarita’s taco flight boasts 15 tacos – three each of chicken, pork, fried fish, carne asada and veggie.
5410 E. High St., Phoenix, 602-795-8111, modernmargarita.com
