Scottsdale, Ariz., has long been known for its nightlife — and the cocktail craze is no exception. From the repurposing of a former bank building to a beach-club ambience, here are the five best newcomers.
Tucked into a former bank in Old Town Scottsdale,
The Mint cashes in on chic with Hollywood Regency design and all the nighttime staples — tapas, cocktails, a 4,500-square-foot patio and DJs that stoke the vibe just right. (480) 947-6468, 7373 E. Camelback Road,
www.themintaz.comIt wouldn’t be hot in the desert without a beach party.
Spanish Fly, with its Mexican beach-club theme, is celebrating its second summer. Refreshing cocktails — signature margaritas, punch, frozen drinks and mojitos — are the real deal, as are daybeds, private cabanas and a swimming pool. (480) 949-8454, 4341 N. 75th St.,
www.spanishflyscottsdale.com
Old Town Whiskey
Mark W. Lipczynski
Inside the Saguaro Scottsdale, an Old Town Scottsdale hotel, lies
Old Town Whiskey, which offers a library of more than 100 whiskeys, bourbons, ryes and scotches paired with a food menu developed by Jose Garces, who also had his hand in creating the Prohibition and Repeal cocktails. (480) 970-4444, 4000 N. Drinkwater Blvd.,
www.jdvhotels.comThere’s a spirit for almost every day of the year at
The Casablanca Lounge (360 of them to be exact). Mixologists in the sultry, cavernous spot enjoy slaving over cocktails that include housemade cordials, grenadines and infusions, and hand-chiseled ice. (480) 970-7888,
7134 E. Stetson Dr.,
www.thecasablancalounge.comCask 63’s Gainey Village location functions as both a wine bar (pouring homemade mulled wine) and an intimate cocktail venue (with drinks like New Fashioned Old Fashioned and Smoke & Ginger Margarita — perfect for kicking back with in a comfy booth). (480) 922-5666, 8877 N. Scottsdale Road,
www.cask63.com