GetOut Magazine

Scottsdale knows how to shake things up
By KELLY WILSON
Get Out
Sept. 25, 2003

The words "shaken, not stirred," have become popular at East Valley lounges over the last few years, where you'll find beer drinkers trading in their suds for a drink with more sophistication the martini. The libation has made a comeback, and Scottsdale bars are staying on top of the trend by offering a bevy of choices from simple to exotic. The next time you're craving a martini, head to one of these four fine spots, where martinis are their specialty.

Devil's Martini
4175 N. Goldwater Blvd., Scottsdale,

Although this Scottsdale bar is as hip as any other club in the downtown district, Devil's Martini serves up a different kind of sophistication. The club offers free smokes at the bar as well as an extensive martini list with colorful cocktails such as the Banana Milkshake, Orange Julius, Black Devil and French Devil. Patrons can enjoy these tasty beverages for a sweet price from 5 to 9 p.m. Thursday and Friday, when the martinis are on special for $5.50.

Signature martini: Devil's Martini (the club keeps this smooth and fruity recipe under wraps)

Price: $7.50

Elixir Lounge
7419 E. Indian Plaza, Scottsdale,

The Elixir Lounge, which was formerly Buddha Bar, offers 26 specialty martinis ranging from its Connoisseur Martinis (the Aloha, Chocolate Raspberry and Damsel in Distress) to the Luxury Martini Collection (Manhattan Supreme, Luxury Appletini and Rob Roy Supreme) to the Premium Martini Collection (Mandarin Sunset, the Decadent Orange Martini and the Baja). We recommend hitting the club on a Friday night, when it hosts Flirt Fridays with $3 Flirt-Tinis throughout the night.

Signature martini: Flirt-Tini (Skyy Vodka, DeKuyper Peach Tree Schnapps, orange juice, cranberry juice and champagne)

Price Range: $7.50-$9.50

Furio
7210 E. Second St., Scottsdale,

The intimate and edgy bar, which looks like something straight out of the New York nightlife scene, offers 12 specialty martinis that are categorized as either Femme Fatales, Gelatotinis or Furiotinis. The martinis come in flavors such as the Summer Peach, Lady Furio, Joy Ride, Fast Ali and our favorite, the mouthwatering Chocolate Covered Strawberry.

Signature martinis: Subscene (Dekuyper Grape Pucker, Stoli Razberi, sweet and sour, pineapple and cranberry juices), 32 Molly (Stoli Razberi, Stoli Ohranj, Chambord, fresh-squeezed lime juice and triple sec), Caramel Appletini (Skyy Vodka, Apple Pucker and a touch of butterscotch schnapps)

Price range: $7.50-$9

Next
7111 E. Fifth Ave., Scottsdale,

You'll find more people sipping martinis than downing beers at Next. The popular downtown Scottsdale bar offers 13 Nextinis such as the Sweet Nectar, Metropolitan, Blue Spark and Maui Martini. Ladies, be sure to head down to Next on a Tuesday. The club offers the first six martinis on its menu for $2 from 9 to 11 p.m. during its popular ladies night. We suggest trying the Piñatini or Chocolatini, two of our favorites.

Signature martini: Citron Neon (Grey Goose LeCitreon, melon liqueur, Blue Curacao, lime juice and sour mix) and S.M.O.C.A. Tini (Bacardi Rum, amaretto, Blue Curacao, pineapple and lime juices)

Price range: $7-$8