240 NIGHTLIFE BEST BOURBON BAR STILL & BARREL 5812 N. 16TH ST. 602-399-7600 STILLANDBARRELPHX.COM The little brother concept from 16th Street stalwart Phoenix City Grille has plied its boozy trade since February, offering top- notch tipples over surprisingly robust plates. Revelers who belly up to the shotgun-style operation are greeted by a fantastic Mark Twain quote: “If I cannot drink bourbon and smoke cigars in Heaven, then I shall not go.” It sets the tone for what’s about to be one helluva night, if you’re looking to enjoy cock- tails in a high-end space. Throw in Still & Barrel’s food items, including the juicy short ribs and simmered green chile, and you have the ingredients for an elevated date or friendly gossip sesh. i i i BEST SPRITZES PINYON COASTAL MEDITERRANEAN 7363 E. SCOTTSDALE MALL, SCOTTSDALE 480-863-8990 PINYONRESTAURANT.COM Spritzes, where have you been all our lives? Of course, there’s nothing new about the Italian wine-based cocktails, which were invented back in the 1800s. But this year, it felt like they were popping up on cocktail menus all over town. Never one to neglect a trend, we started ordering them and noticed the light, fizzy drinks paired wonderfully with warm-weather socializing. Pinyon Coastal Mediterranean opened late last year and instantly earned accolades for its delec- table hummus, chargrilled skewers and other plates — but, man, those spritzes. Pinyon has three on the menu (plus a nonal- coholic version sober folks will love) and they’re all great. Our favorite is the Sant’ Andrea Spritz, a huge, potent goblet of Ford’s gin, Italian aperitivo, house citrus-cello and sparkling wine that goes down dangerously smooth. We recommend trying it out during happy hour, when the $19 price tag dips to an $11 bargain. i i i BEST FROZEN COCKTAIL IL BRACCO 6160 N. SCOTTSDALE ROAD, SCOTTSDALE 480-550-7238 ILBRACCORESTAURANT.COM In Best of Phoenix, we love to celebrate things born here in Arizona. But we couldn’t resist this Dallas import that has enthralled Scottsdale’s hotspot seekers. Il Bracco is the talk of the town here as it is in Texas, serving Phoenicians fresh-made breads and pastas. As you wait for your table, tide yourself over with The Bracco, their frozen signature twist on a greyhound. The drink became a fast favorite among Scottsdale drinkers. What’s in it? Well, we do know it’s fresh-squeezed ruby red grapefruit juice, Aperol, Amsterdam gin and lemon juice. Beyond that, it’s hush- hush. Don’t drink it too fast; brain freeze can be an unintended side effect, and anyway, you should savor its pleasant tartness. If you really can’t get enough, $40 will get you a 32-ounce bottle to take home. i i i BEST ESPRESSO MARTINI THREE BEANS CAFE 7150 E. FIFTH AVE., SCOTTSDALE 480-478-8834 THREEBEANSBODEGA.COM Health, wealth, and happiness — that’s what the three coffee beans on top of an espresso martini represent. Three Beans Cafe staff reveal this obscure tidbit to you as they serve up a variety of creative espresso martinis. Since 2024, the stylish Old Town coffee bar has claimed today’s most popular cocktail as a passionate pursuit, offering more than mere vodka as the base. The Ginesso has gin, the Tres Frijoles has mezcal and The Mint contains Tullamore Irish whiskey, to name a few. We tried the Dude, a bourbon-based espresso martini that might please Manhattan-drinkers; the Three Beans with Stoli Vanilla, their standard offering; and the Banana Bread with crème de banana, a popular choice. You’ll be sipping your selec- tion while eyeing the record albums on display as music plays on a vintage Marantz stereo. How chic.