THE ART OF THE COCKTAIL Cocktail bars offer creative libations in cool settings For a speakeasy vibe, visit The White Rabbit in Gilbert. “We’re a modern take on a Prohibition-inspired cocktail bar. We want our space to feel sexy and hip, but before anything else, inviting,” said Fernando Zelaya, director of marketing and guest relations. The White Rabbit’s evolving menu features cocktails with unique flavors and aesthetics. Black Ribbons of Coal gets its pitch-black color from activated charcoal and a foamy top from egg white. Made with Mezcal Naran and Crème de Violette, Ghost on the Sea features an enchanting blue hue and is garnished with three drops of saffron oil floating on top. “Presentation is important because it shows how much thought we put into creating our cocktails,” Zelaya said. “We want to inspire our guests to explore new flavors, whether they’re well versed in the world of craft cocktails or a first-time participant in the experience.” Another place to get beautiful cocktails made with quality ingredients is Blue Clover Distillery ’s tasting room in Old Town Scottsdale. In 2017, Weston Holm and Duane and Scott Koch opened Blue Clover Distillery, offering handcrafted artisanal gin and vodka. “Growing up on a farm, I saw the difference that fresh ingredients made, and I knew that if I was ever going to get into spirits, it would be through a farm-to-bottle process with ingredients from top-quality farms,” Holm said. In Blue Clover Distillery’s tasting room, guests can sample spirit flights and enjoy creative cocktails. “One of the most eye-catching cocktails is the Lucky Lady made with Blue Clover gin, Crème de Violette, elderflower and citrus,” Holm said. “It’s our top-selling cocktail because it has an interesting flavor profile and the vibrant violet-blue color always steals the show.” Photo courtesy of Lindsey Hahn KITCHEN DOORS { let’s eat } AUG/SEPT 2021 | 76 | FRONTDOORS MEDIA

In recent months, a few new cocktail bars opened in Phoenix, including 36 Below , a fully immersive underground cocktail lounge designed to transport guests to a new locale each season through the use of wall-to-wall video screens and audiovisual effects. The menu features inventive cocktails, including Utopia with bourbon and toasted marshmallow, and Garden of Gypsies with butterfly pea flower-infused gin and mushroom reduction. “We wanted to create a completely unique concept that allows guests to escape reality and indulge their senses,” said Josh Katz, one of the owners. Photo courtesy of Fernando Zelaya Photo courtesy of 36 Below “WE WANT TO INSPIRE OUR GUESTS TO EXPLORE NEW FLAVORS, WHETHER THEY’RE WELL VERSED IN THE WORLD OF CRAFT COCKTAILS OR A FIRST-TIME PARTICIPANT IN THE EXPERIENCE.” continued...