Now that most restaurants and bars are back in full swing, many have transitioned to summer menus. The Americano in north Scottsdale is no exception, according to Nicholas Padua, the restaurant’s wine and beverage director.
To that end, The Americano has rolled out some new summery cocktails, including the “Pop Rock & Drop It,” made with Franciacorta (Italian sparkling wine), Amaretto and strawberry essence garnished with a Pop Rock-studded strawberry. For those not familiar with Pop Rocks, it’s a candy that pops in your mouth and fizzes on contact. “It’s spring and summer carnival meets Dr. Seuss,” Padua says.
Another new creation, “The Third Monk,” is a combo of yellow chartreuse, Midori, mesquite honey, amaretto and frothy egg white served on a blacklight coaster for a glow-in-the-dark effect. “The egg white gives the drink a viscosity and a little bit of that unctuousness without adding cream or anything too weighty for the summer season.” When customers see the glowing drinks go by on trays, their interest is piqued and many want to try the green-hued cocktail, Padua says.
The Americano’s most popular cocktail, “Versace on the Floor,” made with chili-infused vodka, coconut white balsamic, mesquite honey and basil-olive foam, will never go off the menu, Padua says. “It’s the most popular item in our entire restaurant, including food. We’ve served nearly 7,000 “Versace on the Floor” cocktails since opening in February 2020.”
Padua and his staff are working on other summer-inspired cocktails using fresh peaches and sparkling rosé and a few other surprises. “We try to give our guests the best beverage experience,” he says. “We’ll continue to be inventive and creative.”
The Americano, 17797 N. Scottsdale Rd., Scottsdale, 480-573-0001, theamericanorestaurant.com
