Another scorching day is coming to an end and you’re probably already thinking about what you’ll sip on tonight to aid in that much needed relaxation. But you also swore to yourself you’d make healthier choices during the summer months. It’s a dilemma many of us find ourselves in--but don’t be discouraged, there may be just the right remedy for you!
What's your favorite summer pastime? For lots of people, maybe yourself included, the answer is doing absolutely nothing with a refreshing drink in hand. Let's be honest though, another bloody mary or a simple margarita just isn't going to cut it this time around. Solution? Grab your drinking buddies and check out the new summertime cocktails debuting at restaurants across the Valley. With the 4th of July right around the corner and the pool calling your name, now is a perfect time to sip something new. Check out the list below to see our summer cocktail highlights.
2018. January. New Year, New You. It’s resolution go-time… so what’s on your list?
A few of the people at the PHOENIX offices are partaking in the clumsily-named Drnuary: no drinking for the entire month of January. New York writer John Ore claims responsibility for inventing the portmanteau of “dry” and “January” in this Slate article, though the concept of abstaining from alcohol during the first month of the year is not a new one. “Janupause” has long been popular in the U.K., while getting generally healthier has always been the No. 1 new year’s resolution. Think of Drynuary as a sort of wringing out after all the egg nog, mudslides and endless wine of the holidays.
Has the holiday season already taken its toll on your psyche? Revive your spirits with one of these festive cocktails and you'll get back in the holiday spirit in no time.
Here at PHOENIX, it’s no secret we love experimental cocktails. Chile pepper-infused vodka shaken with purple mangosteen liquor and topped with palo verde essence bubbles? Yes, please. (I made that up, though I expect to see something similar on Valley mixologists’ craft cocktail lists any day now.) But while we aren’t scared to participate in “Fear Factor – Cocktail Edition,” it’s always nice to return to the classics every so often.
The Negroni is one such old faithful.
The humble margarita may be my favorite adult beverage. Tequila, lime, salt – what’s not to love?
Unfortunately, not every margarita is created equally. I’m looking you at you, frozen, glorified slushies with a ton of too-sweet sweet-and-sour mix. I’m getting a headache just thinking about you.
According to legend (from the soothsayers over at HuffPo), the Moscow Mule was invented in the 1940s as a way to get picky Americans to start drinking vodka and ginger beer. Before then, it seems stateside drinkers weren't fans of either vodka or ginger beer on their own. But a mash-up of the two had us singing a different tune. The Moscow Mule – just like the animal it's named for – is not simply the sum of its parts... something special happens when you mix vodka (or try gin!) and ginger beer with a healthy squeeze of lime in a copper mug. It's a magical hybrid.
We've scouted the best five mules in the Valley for your mash-up pleasure.
The leaves on the trees may not be changing color, but the vibes of autumn are all around in the Valley of the Sun – the cooler temperatures, the Halloween decorations, the Thanksgiving recipes, the pumpkin spice-flavored everything, and best of all – the flavorful fall craft cocktails at local lounges. Here are five favorites, with nary a pumpkin spice-anything among them.
El Segundo (The Parlor): mezcal, watermelon, Apertivo Capalletti, lime, black pepper. $11
With a subtle spice pinch and smoky tones from mezcal ebbing and flowing into a soothing, mellow melon finish, El Segundo’s like an Autumn equinox of cocktails. Served with mint leaves and a thick watermelon slice garnish over lots of ice. (pictured, left)