Desert-themed pop-up bar springs into Scottsdale

On the edge of North Scottsdale, nestled amongst towering saguaros and soaring boulders, sits the Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North. As spring blooms in the desert, the property has just introduced a new way to celebrate the unique and inspiring landscape.

Running now through May 31, the Heart of the Desert program is being incorporated throughout the property, from special spa offerings to an Earth Day succulent workshop. One of the biggest components is the Heart of the Desert pop-up bar at Onyx Bar & Lounge in collaboration with The Lost Explorer.

The award-winning brand of agave spirits inspired a new menu to run during the pop-up, while also providing some unique experiences throughout the next few months. An ambassador with the brand will hold tastings on April 19 and May 31.

On April 4 and May 2, the Heart of the Desert pop-up bar will offer an event called Tarot & Magical Cocktails. The Lost Explorer drinks will be renamed to reflect tarot cards and complimentary readings will be offered from 6 to 8 p.m.

“This is something that The Lost Explorer has done at other activations and had a lot of positive feedback on,” says Brittany Williams, Director of PR and Digital Marketing at the resort. “It’s a unique experience for our guests to have a memorable night out.”

Onyx’s decor has been updated throughout the interior sitting area and the outdoor patio, with warm desert tones woven throughout with new pillows, cozy blankets and tabletop accouterments of woven blanket coasters and elegant succulent planters, all courtesy of local event specialists Cloth & Flame.

On the patio, a small area has been set up specifically as the Paloma Bar; part of the pop-up allows guests to create their own custom paloma by selecting from an array of toppings and garnishes while their server whips up the drink in front of them.

Four specialty cocktails have been created for the Heart of the Desert menu.

“These were created by mixologist Johnathan Jones from the Bandista Bar at Four Seasons Houston,” Williams says.

Using the desert as inspiration along with various products from The Lost Explorer, Jones has created an intriguing lineup of drinks, ranging from twists on the familiar to more exotic concoctions.

The eponymous Heart of the Dessert is a lovely and light libation utilizing The Lost Explorer espadin, with just a hint of sweetness from honey. A lavender cream on top manages to avoid being too floral, and a purple highlight on the cream is an attractive touch.

One of the big wins on the menu is the Maiz cocktail; don’t be put off by unusual flavor pairings. With a vibrant pink hue, it’s topped with a toasted corn husk whose scent immediately puts in mind summer barbeques. The combination of tequila, grilled corn, lime, prickly pear and a milk wash makes for a slightly savory yet completely crushable beverage. You get a light hit from the corn along with mild sweetness. It is the perfect drink to sip as we slowly head into the warmer months.

The Heart of the Desert pop-up uses a liquid format to tap into what makes our backyard so special. With some of the most enviable sunset views around, the desert resort at Troon North is the perfect spot to take it all in.

Heart of the Dessert

Through May 31
Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North
10600 E. Crescent Moon Drive, Scottsdale