Although Phoenix literally sits in the Sonoran desert, it is anything but a desert for great cocktails and has quite a few great places to quench ones thirst with a well crafted tipple. One such shining oasis is The Gladly, a creative, globally inspired
little bistro tucked away on Camelback road in the heart of Phoenix.
I’ve had the pleasure of eating and grabbing a cocktail at
The Gladly twice and left both times feeling it was time really well
spent. Not only was the food creative
and well executed, but the cocktails were very memorable. Attention to detail, combined with a
knowledgeable wait staff, created a unique cocktail experience.
Two Highlights off the Menu Featuring Tobacco
The Gladly Manhattan:
A Manhattan is a classic and fairly easy to construct, so
the artistry that is required to make a Manhattan truly great is often nuanced. While I’m happy to be married to one of the
best Manhattan makers on the planet, this leaves me with very high-level of
expectations for one of my favorite classic cocktails. In this regard, the Gladly Manhattan did not
disappoint. As with any Manhattan, the
devil is in the details and the use of Russell’s Reserve Bourbon, Guinness
maple syrup, toasted orange peel and tobacco bitters added nuances of flavors
that combined to deliver an exceptional Manhattan experience. Even the cherry offered more flavor than your
run-of-the-mill soaked cherry floating in a bourbon-based classic.
The Conflagration
Nation:
In contrast to the simplicity of a great Manhattan, the
Conflagration Nation is a truly unique Gladly creation (which has won several
awards) that balances many great flavors to deliver a very intensely pleasing
result. This drink combines Angel’s Envy
rye whiskey, Bulleit 10 year Bourbon, Amaro Nardini, Sandeman Reserve Ruby
Port, Calvados, mint simple syrup and tobacco smoke. As good as the Manhattan was, this may have
been even better – and much more original!
It was obvious from both drinks that there is some stellar
talent behind the bar at The Gladly. It
was also interesting to see tobacco used in two different ways to good effect
in creating both a classic and a signature drink.
In all cases, if you want a cocktail with a flavor that is
taller than the Seguaro cacti that proudly adorn Phoenix’s magnificent
landscape, I recommend that you try The Gladly.
Come hungry . . . .the food is also worth a visit!
