Little Rituals’ Paloma with blanco tequila, grapefruit soda, Key lime and sea salt, $12
Inside the the moodily lit, swank-styled Little Rituals, intimate seating nooks give way to expansive views of downtown. Don’t let the bar’s name fool you; there’s nothing little about the place, from the floor-to-ceiling windows to the ambitious 10-page menu boasting drinks with handstamped ice, housemade infusions, foams and more. This latest concept comes from the genius minds of iconic mixologists Ross Simon (Bitter & Twisted Cocktail Parlour) and Aaron DeFeo (Tucson’s Casino Del Soul and one of GQ magazine’s 10 most inspired bartenders). Forget ordering your usual. Simon and DeFeo want you to indulge your adventurous side. For example, Big City Nights ($14) melds blackberry gin, vermouth, herbed cinnamon syrup, lemon and an egg white in a sultry blend, while delicate gold flakes dance in a coupe of pineapple Glenmorangie, Sauternes and Lillet Blanc in the elegant Gold Rail ($14). To keep you steady on your feet, dip into a plate of umami truffle fries ($11). 132 S. Central Ave., Phoenix, 602.603.2050
Photography by: v Shelby Moore/courtesy of little rituals and mmpr
