Mi Patio Mexican Restaurant
There’s nothing especially fancy about this Midtown Mexican institution, but if you’re looking for an unfussy (and budget-friendly) margarita, Mi Patio is the place. For less than a five-spot (an extra-large marg is $4.99), you can indulge in a no-frills nightcap, and don’t be surprised if your server brings out some of Mi Patio’s signature margarita shots on the house. 3347 N. Seventh Ave., Phoenix, 602-277-483, mipatioaz.com
Smokey the Pear at Santé
Mezcal, the marvelously smoky agave spirit that seems to be showing up on all the cool kids’ cocktail menus lately, is the foundational spirit in this wonderfully balanced concoction from tony Scottsdale tyro, Santé. The cleverly named cocktail uses Rayu mezcal, which lends a light smokiness to fruit and citrus notes courtesy of spiced pear and ginger liqueurs, lime and simple syrup. We love the simplicity of a good Oaxacan old fashioned, but when it comes to more creative and complex mezcal cocktails in the Valley, Smokey the Pear is peerless. 15507 N. Scottsdale Rd., Scottsdale, 480-687-3189, lovesante.com
Best Culinary Use of Cleaning Materials
Little Rituals
Led by mixology maestro Aaron DeFeo, the cocktail geniuses at this Downtown Phoenix bar use an industrial-grade, ultrasonic jewelry cleaning machine to micro-agitate and deeply infuse ingredients – mezcal and lime leaf, to name two – in a drink called the Pleasure Island, one of eight new concoctions on their summer menu. Residence Inn/Courtyard by Marriott, 132 S. Central Ave., Phoenix, 602-603-2050, littleritualsbar.com
Valentine
You know how much you hated the Sex and the City reboot? That’s how much we love the Cosmo at Melrose hot spot Valentine. This is not Carrie Bradshaw’s cocktail. Instead of cranberry juice, the vodka is paired with hibiscus and pomegranate. But the thing that really kicks this one over the top is the hint of cinnamon. You’ll find none better – even in NYC. 4130 N. Seventh Ave., Phoenix, 602-612-2961, valentinephx.com
Garden Bar PHX
Who says cocktail bars should be dark and masculine? Not cocktail book author Kim Haasarud, who has created a light-filled, faintly feminine haven in a vintage bungalow replete with patio, porch and lawn. Meanwhile, her garden-to-glass cocktails – sophisticated yet playful – contain exotica such as pandan, CBD nano-tincture and marshmallow. 822 N. Sixth Ave., Phoenix, 602-612-4438, gardenbarphx.com
UnderTow
This “Best of” is sort of like awarding Best Austrian Action Star to Arnold Schwarzenneger. Not exactly stop-the-presses material. But with a brand new drink menu coming out this summer, and a second location opening in Gilbert’s Agritopia, the obvious absolutely needs to be repeated: This maritime-themed cocktail playground is the Arnie of tiki cocktaildom. 3626 E. Indian School Rd., 602-739-1388, undertowphx.com
Bar1
Catering to the volume-consumption lad-on-lad drinking scene, this patio bar on 16th Street might seem an unlikely BOV cocktail winner. But consider that it’s a 10-year Whistle Pig Old Fashioned. And consider that it’s under $20, an unheard-of good deal for hooch that fine. Bottoms up, boys! 3702 N. 16th St., Phoenix, 602-266-9001, bar1bar.com
Sake Haus
Sometimes you can’t beat the classics – we won’t contest the perennial popularity of old-school Corvettes and “Hotel California.” But we do appreciate deftly done modern riffs on classic cocktails. Take the lychee margarita from Sake Haus, a newcomer in the rapidly expanding Roosevelt Row dining and drinking scene: Lunazul blanco tequila mingles with Domaine de Canton ginger liqueur, fresh lychee and lime for a floral and acidic twist on the standard tipple – a new classic. 214 E. Roosevelt St., Phoenix, 602-218-6734, sakehaus.net
Revive Spa at JW Marriott Desert Ridge
Sure, it’s a traditional spa with the requisite facials, massages and mani/pedi offerings. But the real treat is the – surprise! – piña colada from the spa café. Rich, creamy, touched with fresh pineapple and topped with real shaved coconut, it’s a perfect slow-sipper for lounging at the serenity pool. 5350 E. Marriott Dr., Phoenix, 480-293-3700, jwrevivespa.com
AZ88
From the Pornstar Martini (vanilla vodka, passionfruit, lime juice and a groovy shot of Champagne) to the potent espresso martini (vodka, Kahlúa, Irish cream, crème de cacao, and a bold shot of espresso), the venerable Scottsdale outpost knows how to serve liquid therapy. More than a dozen signature (and reasonably priced) martinis populate the menu here. Toss back a Summer Solstice with Cointreau and raspberry vodka this July and embrace the summer heat with a smile. 7353 E. Scottsdale Mall, Scottsdale, 480-994-5576, az88.com
Bitter & Twisted Cocktail Parlour
And best martinis. And best daisies. And best mezcal cocktails. And just about the best everything, actually. One of only 10 finalists for Best U.S. Cocktail Bar at the 2022 Spirited Awards (i.e. the Oscars of cocktails), this Downtown gem from mixology pope Ross Simon kills it on all fronts. But it’s his special attention to the sublime art of Campari-based drink mixing that we most prize. Stanley Tucci would be proud. 1 W. Jefferson St. Phoenix, 602-777-3298, bitterandtwistedaz.com
Recreo
Palma
Best Classic Margarita
Best Mezcal Cocktail
Best Cosmo
Best New Cocktail Bar
Best Tiki Drinks
Best Old Fashioned
Best Creative Margarita
Best Surprisingly excellent Piña Colada
Best Specialty Martinis
Best Negronis
BEST COCKTAIL VESSELS
28 S. San Marcos Pl., Chandler,
480-590-0009, recreoaz.com
903 N. Second St., Phoenix,
602-580-0000, palmaphx.com
Best of the Valley 2022 Cocktail Spotlight
Editorial StaffJuly 1, 2022
