I am really digging these Summer Sip series from Yelp. They are one of my favorite events. It's our opportunity to mix it up with some of the Valley's coolest Mixologists and sample their amazing creations. It's always a blast to see them at work and see the process of how they make these crazy concoctions.
The Place - Ladera Taverna y Cocina (Hillside Tavern and Kitchen) in Sunnyslope. This is another Genuine Concepts hidden gem. I am such a fan of what they are doing and a frequent visitor to many of their drinking establishments across the Valley. I didn't mind making the trip from Chandler for my first visit. Ladera Taverna is a beautiful space and has a gorgeous open patio area. The head chef is a native of Hermosillo and serves up traditional Mexican dishes. We got to sample some light bites that included chips paired with their amazing ceviche and guacamole.
The Mixologist - Colton Brock is a long time bartender in the Valley and a native to AZ (so he knows his tequila being from the southwest). He is also a painter and photographer. He is also a fan of using fresh ingredients in his drinks (an example is using honey as a sweetener) and a pretty cool guy.
The Drinks - El Tesoro and Hornitos were the tequila choices on display for us this evening. Both tequilas were founded in Jalisco, Mexico. The three samples we got to try were the Coupe Deville (Hornitos Blanco, agave nectar, brandy and lime), Pinche Paloma (Hornitos Blanco, grapefruit liqueur, bitters, lime and grapefruit soda) and Smoked Viejito (El Tesoro Reposado, honey and bitters). All three were delicious with the first one being my favorite. Colton put on a show for us by smoking up the Viejitos in a little glass container at the bar. I was really feeling those smoky drinks as they were pretty smooth going down.
This event was pretty awesome and super relaxing. We couldn't ask for better weather for an outdoor event. The Hornitos ladies came around with tequila samples and free swag for us. I was pretty excited to win a Hornitos towel from the raffle (perfect timing for my upcoming beach trip). I met some really awesome new Yelpers and we ended hanging around and closing up the joint. We even sampled some toasted grasshoppers that were brought in from one of the bartenders on his recent trip to Mexico. A well put-together event put on by Hailey and the Yelp crew and a great way to start my summer!