Good news, cocktail geeks! The wait is finally over. As of this Friday, May 30 you'll be able to grab a cocktail at Bitter & Twisted, downtown's newest drinking spot.
It's been a year since we first told you that Ross Simon, co-founder of Arizona Cocktail Week, had plans to open a bar inside the historic Luhrs Building. It was originally expected to be open by the fall.
See also: 10 Best Cocktail Bars in Metro Phoenix
Though Bitter & Twisted will offer a selection of beer and wine, the focus will definitely be on the cocktails. There will be a 24-page "Book O' Cocktails" (cocktail menu) complete with 10 chapters, over 50 cocktails, plus spirits and mocktails.
It will even a cocktail map/scattergram designed to help you find a drink that's right for you. Quadrants include, "experimental," "play it safe," "to the point," and "refreshing."
There will be both retro and modern classic drinks, as well as a few new creations. A examples include the Kaffir Lime CC, a drink made with house infused kaffir lime gin and house made lime cordial mixed then carbonated and served straight up or on the rocks with a lime twist. There's also the The Accidental Connoisseur, "an elegant mix of Carpano Bianco and lush plum wine stirred to taste with bitters, lemon juice and red wine syrup," and the Solero made with Forty Two Below passion fruit vodka, vanilla liqueur mixed with fresh passion fruit and half and half.
There will also be a menu of bar bites and dishes created by executive chef Bob Tam. More importantly, there will be a late-night menu available until 1:30 a.m.
On the weekends look forward to live DJs spinning music inside the redesigned space, which features banquettes and high-top table seating that overlook the exhibition-style central bar.
Simon, who will serve as general manager and lead bartender, worked in restaurants and pubs in Scotland and England before coming to Arizona in 2006. He's won the Finlandia Vodka Cup (USA) and Don Julio Tequila (AZ) cocktail contests and is a co-founder of Arizona Cocktail Week.
Bitter & Twisted Cocktail Parlour 1 West Jefferson, Phoenix 602-340-1924 www.bitterandtwistedaz.com
Tuesday - Saturday 4 p.m. to 2 a.m.
