Scottsdale is painting the town pink - one cocktail at a time. Across the city, mixologists are crafting drinks that mirror our gorgeous sunset hues while infusing them with flavors of prickly pear and hibiscus. These aren't just trendy additions; they're a taste of the local terroir. Prickly pear, the fruit of the prickly pear cactus, has been harvested by indigenous peoples for centuries and now finds itself in modern cocktail glasses. With its sweet, watermelon-like flavor and electric pink hue, it's the perfect addition to everything from margaritas to mimosas. On the other hand, hibiscus (known as jamaica in Spanish) brings a tart, cranberry-like punch along with its floral notes. Magenta calyxes from the flowers are harvested from a plant that thrives in our desert heat and has become a staple in local gardens, kitchens and bars.
From margaritas with a prickly pear twist to creative hibiscus-infused concoctions, these drinks are about to make your cocktail hour a whole lot rosier.
Andaz Scottsdale Resort & Bungalows
Check into this stylish 23-acre boutique resort, and you’ll be welcomed with a chilled glass of prickly pear lemonade (spiked with vodka if you’d like). Not an overnight guest? No worries. You can still get your prickly pear fix with a Prickly Pear Margarita at their signature restaurant, Weft & Warp Art Bar + Kitchen. With décor inspired by Sonoran art and a patio boasting picturesque views of Camelback Mountain, it’s the perfect place to savor a desert version of the classic cocktail.
The Mission
With two Scottsdale locations – Old Town and Kierland – The Mission has been quenching people’s thirst for margaritas for more than 15 years. Their Prickly Pear Margarita gets an intriguing twist with the addition of Fernet, an Italian herbal liqueur made from a secret blend of botanicals that includes herbs, roots, and spices. The prickly pear adds a hint of sweetness, while the Fernet introduces a layer of herbal complexity.
J.T. Prime Kitchen & Cocktails
For those seeking a more clandestine cocktail experience, JT Prime in Old Town Scottsdale offers a hidden retreat from the desert heat. Accessed through a tucked-away alleyway, this dark and sultry restaurant known for its sophisticated menu offers a beverage program to match. Look for a seasonal craft cocktail menu to deliver surprises like The Pink Flamingo, Joshua Solano’s gin-based libation with lemon juice and prickly pear puree, crowned with a float of Grand Marnier and adorned with edible flower petals.
J&G Steakhouse
Soak in sunset panoramas that match your cocktail at this elegant steakhouse on the top floor of The Phoenician, a Luxury Collection Resort. Located in the foothills of Camelback Mountain, admire breathtaking views of the valley while sipping on Gabe Chavez’s Lover Girl, a delicate balance of vodka and Aperol brightened with peach and lemon and enhanced by a house-made white wine cordial infused with hibiscus.
Beginner’s Luck
At Beginner's Luck in Old Town, the Hibiscus 75 is a beautiful homage to the classic French 75 invented in Paris in 1915. By substituting hibiscus syrup for the traditional sugar, it retains the charm of its predecessor while introducing a distinctly Southwestern twist. The result is a drink that balances citrus brightness and gin botanicals with the floral notes of hibiscus, all lifted by a stream of bubbles.
