A stunning desert sunset, a glitzy hotel bar, and a perfectly crafted cocktail in your hand equal warm-weather vacation living at its finest. Sampling the hotel bar’s signature drinks introduces you to how the bartender utilizes local ingredients, highlights the history of a hotel, or simply tastes great. All good reasons to try a hotel bar’s signature cocktail, you might just discover a new favorite adult beverage.
The hotel bars listed below are in no particular order.
Note: Information in this piece was obtained during a sponsored press trip, but all recommendations are my own.
1. Zuzu At Hotel Valley Ho
The hip and mod Hotel Valley Ho is filled with old Hollywood glam, Scottsdale style. The mid-century modern decor offers guests a relaxing yet chic stay within walking distance of Old Town Scottsdale.
Signature Cocktail: The Sunsetter
The beautiful Sunsetter is the signature cocktail at ZuZu, Hotel Valley Ho’s open-concept bar/restaurant. Bold, but beautifully balanced, the Sunsetter is made with Knob Creek Rye, Cointreau, lemon juice, and demerara syrup. Whether you are visiting Old Town Scottsdale on business or a holiday vacation, just sit back, relax, and sip to celebrate the twilight sun with the Sunsetter.
2. Thirsty Camel Lounge At The Phoenician
The Phoenician is a perfect spot for a luxurious Sonoran Desert getaway. After 18 holes at The Phoenician Golf Course, enjoy a refreshing cocktail at one of their two bars.
Signature Cocktail: Cloud Nine
You will feel like you are floating when you sip the Thirsty Camel Lounge’s Cloud Nine. This smooth concoction is made with Belvedere Vodka, St. Germain Elderflower, lime, mint, cucumber, simple syrup, and egg whites. There may not be too many dromedaries in Scottsdale Arizona, but the Thirsty Camel Lounge is the perfect place to wet your whistle.
3. Mowry And Cotton At The Phoenician
The second bar at The Phoenician is Mowry & Cotton. Snag a seat on the porch while you sip a sweet concoction. You can enjoy the breathtaking views watching the desert sky turn painterly orange.
Signature Cocktail: Spice Cake Martini
Dessert in a glass, the Spice Cake Martini is a sweet adult treat. Made with Tito’s handmade vodka, vanilla bean syrup, pumpkin spice, cinnamon, Godiva chocolate liqueur, and Kahlua rum, then topped with whipped cream. It is a delicious way to end a fabulous day.
4. Cottontail Lounge At W Scottsdale
The W Scottsdale is a weekend party central venue. Located in the Entertainment District, the W Scottsdale has late-night vibes rocking until 2 a.m. Try one of their two signature drinks and expand your adult beverage repertoire.
Signature Cocktail: The Cottontail
In honor of its namesake, the Cottontail Lounge, The Cottontail is sophisticated and packed with flavor.
To craft The Cottontail, add the ingredients below into a shaker with ice. Shake and then strain over a coupe glass. Garnish with a sprig of fresh rosemary.
- 2 parts whiskey
- 1 part demerara syrup
- 3 parts fresh carrot orange turmeric juice
- Spring of rosemary for garnish
Signature Cocktail: The Getaway
W Scottsdale’s second signature drink is inspired by their guests who come to get away. The Getaway is refreshing and is ready to get this party started.
The Getaway is a tropical, fruit-forward libation. Combine the ingredients below in a shaker. Shake and then strain into a double old-fashioned glass filled with ice. Top it off with sparkling soda water. Garnish with a lime peel and Luxardo cherry. Enjoy!
- 1.5-ounce tequila blanco
- 3/4 ounce guava puree
- 3/4 ounce lime juice
- 2 dashes of plum bitters
- 2 dashes of Peychaud’s bitters
- Garnished with lime peel & Luxardo cherry
5. Discovery Lounge At Boulders Resort And Spa
Boulders Resort and Spa’s signature cocktail, a Cherry Wood Smoked Grand Old Fashioned, was inspired by the resort’s gorgeous fireplaces. The wood-burning fireplaces in the private casitas and the outdoor patios burn cherry wood. The cherry wood aroma fills the air with “The Perfume of the Desert.” Immerse yourself in the rich scent of burning cherry wood while sipping a richly flavored Old Fashioned — living the good life.
Signature Cocktail: The Cherry Wood Smoked Grand Old Fashioned
The Cherry Wood Smoked Grand Old Fashioned is a simple build-and-stir drink. Serve it over one large ice cube — you don’t want to water this one down.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 ounce (oz) of Makers Mark
- 0.5 oz Cointreau
- 1 dash Angostura
- 0.25 oz black cherry juice
6. The Canal Club At The Scott Resort & Spa
At The Scott Resort & Spa, you can explore two different signature, handcrafted cocktails. The first is the smokey Salt River Society.
Signature Cocktail #1: The Salt River Society
The Salt River Society is a spicy sipper with hints of smokey goodness. Made with mezcal, amaro, lemon, aji amarillo, and pineapple, it is perfect after a day exploring the desert. Enjoy it while lounging in an overstuffed chair with a great book or fabulous conversation.
Signature Cocktail #2: The Helen And Maude
The second signature cocktail at the Canal Club is the Helen & Maude.
Paying homage to the Canal Club’s traditional Cuban roots, the Helen & Maude is a tropical Mojito crafted with Puerto Rican rum, coconut, lime, mint, and soda. Snag a seat at the bar for a little bit of old Havana ambiance.
7. The Onyx Bar And Lounge At The Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale
When you visit the Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale At Troon North, you will love the luxury hotel juxtaposed with the rustic outdoor surroundings. It is the perfect combination of outdoor adventures, fabulous golf, and sumptuous amenities. The Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale At Troon North’s upscale bar, Onyx Bar & Lounge, is the perfect place to relax after a busy day exploring.
Signature Cocktail: The Troon Traditional Margarita
The Troon Traditional Margarita is a staple in the Onyx Bar & Lounge. It features tequila, hibiscus, and prickly pear syrup. A perfect combination of sweet and sassy, it’s just the beverage you are craving after a perfect playday in Scottsdale.
8. Rita’s Cantina & Bar At JW Marriott Scottsdale Camelback Inn Resort & Spa
The JW Marriott Scottsdale Camelback Inn Resort & Spa offers guests luxurious casitas, beautifully landscaped grounds, and a stunning view of Camelback Mountain. At Rita’s Cantina & Bar, you can explore their excellent menu while enjoying one of their handcrafted cocktails.
Signature Cocktail: Prickly Pear Margarita
The outdoor patio at Rita’s Cantina & Bar is a lovely spot to take in the view and sip their Prickly Pear Margarita. The drink’s red-violet hue is a perfect complement to the colorful desert sunset.
Simply shake the drink’s ingredients together and pour them into a pretty glass. The cocktail’s stunning reddish-violet color is a showstopper. You will enjoy this refreshing drink that offers a light fruity finish thanks to the prickly pear.
- 1 oz Espolon Tequila from Los Altos de Jalisco, Mexico
- 0.5 oz triple sec
- 2 oz of sweet and sour mix
- 0.5 oz of lime juice
- 0.5 shot prickly pear syrup — made from the fruits of the prickly pear cactus
- 2 tablespoons of Tajín for the rim — a spice blend of chili peppers, lime, and sea salt
- Garnished with lime
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