Crafting The Phoenix cocktail: The Process
A few key things I considered while creating the official cocktail of Phoenix, Arizona
Use of Local Ingredients
I started by listing Arizona-grown produce I could incorporate into mixers. Even though I didn’t end up using them some of the standout options included
Dates, Nopales (cactus pads), olives, & Pecans or Pistachios.
Reflect What Arizonans Already Love
Spicy margaritas are huge here – probably the most ordered drink by locals. I knew I wanted to nod to that bold, spicy flavor profile.
Personal Inspiration
One of my favorite cocktails is the Bee's Knees, I absolutely love how the honey brings a subtle floral sweetness – something I really wanted to capture in my recipe.
Make it Simple and Accessible
It had to be delicious and easy enough for people to make at home with a few simple ingredients.
Who is Nicole Long?
“I started bartending in 2013 in Arizona dive bars while studying sustainable agriculture – because what pairs better with compost than cocktails, right? Somewhere between slinging well drinks and writing term papers on soil health, I discovered a love for mixology and realized I could marry fresh ingredients with booze. Turns out, locally sourced citrus makes everything better (especially tequila).
Over the past 12 years, I've grown from bartender to bar manager, and now serve as General Manager at Espiritu –a James Beard – Nominated agave focused cocktail bar in Mesa, AZ. Yes, it's as cool as it sounds. And yes, we take our mezcal very seriously ( but not ourselves).
Oh, and I created the official cocktail of the city of Phoenix, appropriately named The Phoenix – no big deal, just casually representing an entire metropolis in a glass. I'm also featured in the book Arizona Cocktails, which means I've officially made it onto at least one coffee table.
I'm all about cocktails with a sense of place, stories with flavor, and building bar programs that are as sustainable as they are delicious. And if you ask nicely, I'll probably make you something that'll ruin basic margaritas for you forever.”
Follow Nicole on Instagram: @The_Other_Nikki6