Inspired by the travels of Anthony Bourdain, The Ends in Old Town Scottsdale will top many must-try lists this fall. Master mixologist Ben Browning presides over the bar and took inspiration for this light, refreshing cocktail from his mentor, Ryan Magarian, the legendary Oregon mixologist who founded Aviation American Gin. Figuring a bright citrus flavor profile would better suit his Phoenix audience, Browning swapped out the Aviation for Plymouth Gin, known for its earthy, citrusy character. A bit of elderflower liqueur softens the cocktail, adding a hint of honeysuckle and pear, while muddled green grapes give it the juicy sweetness you’d imagine, balanced by lemon juice and a touch of orange bitters. Wondering about the name? Owner Tommy Plato came up with it, saying it’s about long-term relationships and dancing through life’s ups and downs. I’ll drink to that.
To make this easygoing sipper:
- muddle five green grapes (a wooden spoon in a sturdy glass will work) in a cocktail shaker
- add 2 oz. Plymouth gin
- ½ oz. St-Germain elderflower liqueur
- ¾ oz. fresh-squeezed lemon juice
- ½ oz. simple syrup (1 cup water, 1 cup sugar heated on stove until blended, then cooled)
- 2 dashes Regan’s No. 6 orange bitters
- Fill shaker with ice and shake vigorously for six seconds
- Fine-strain into a stemmed cocktail glass
- To garnish, make a small slice on the vine end of a green grape and push the notched end onto the glass’s rim
It’s a means to a very pleasant end.
