We’ve been obsessing over the new Netflix cocktail competition “Drink Masters,” so we were inspired to put together a list of five of our favorite cocktail bars in the Valley. These spots are influenced by the rich history of mixology while looking towards the future, pushing the envelope toward what’s new and exciting about the world of cocktails.

Garden Bar Phx

Garden Bar has adopted the familiar “farm to table” concept and molded it to fit its bar program, dubbing their philosophy “garden to glass.” Their seasonal, inventive cocktails are often named after elements of the history of their homey, unpretentious space, a converted bungalow with a rich history. Current menu highlights include a Thai negroni, the large format-friendly Plush Port Punch, and a boozy pumpkin spice cold brew slushie. Thursday through Saturday 5-10 p.m. 822 N 6th Ave. Phoenix, AZ; gardenbarphx.com // @gardenbarphoenix

Little Rituals

Over the last few years, Little Rituals has been nominated for Outstanding Bar Program by the James Beard Foundation and named Best Hotel Bar by Phoenix Magazine’s “Best of the Valley” series and Best Cocktails by the New Times’ “Best of Phoenix” edition. People are drawn to their imaginative takes on classic cocktails, intimate environment, and Asian-influenced menu of bar snacks. Sunday, Tuesday – Thursday 5-11 p.m., Friday + Saturday 5 p.m. – 1 a.m. 132 S Central Ave. 4th Floor, Phoenix, AZ; littleritualsbar.com // @little_rituals_bar

KHLA

Opened earlier this year with the goal of “bringing Southeast Asia to Downtown Phoenix,” Khla offers a flavorful, alluring blend of typical cocktail ingredients and less common components like tamarind, Thai tea, and herbal infusions. Favorites include the Silk Road, featuring Thai tea-infused bourbon, Hennessy, coconut rum, orgeat, and coconut milk, and Manila Vice, a brightly colored Rum drink made with use, coconut, calamansi, orange, and pineapple. Wednesday + Thursday 5 p.m. – 12 a.m., Friday + Saturday 5 p.m. – 1 a.m., Sunday 5-11 p.m. 218 E Portland St. Phoenix, AZ; khlaphx.com // @khlaphx

The Ostrich

This lost-in-time speakeasy is found in the basement of Crust restaurant in Chandler and is named after the ostrich feather warehouse owned by none other than Dr. AJ Chandler that used to occupy the space. Visitors can choose from a selection of classic concoctions that draw from the rich history of mixology, like the gin-based Aviation, originally crafted in 1916, and a Mai Tai created to the exacting standards of tiki godfather Trader Vic. Sunday, Tuesday – Thursday 5 p.m. – 12 a.m., Friday + Saturday 5 p.m. – 2 a.m.; 10 N San Marcos Pl. Chandler, AZ; crustrestaurants.com // @theostrichbar

The Rose Garden

This popular new downtown spot is known for their extravagant, floral-themed decor and friendly, accommodating bartenders. Their constantly changing cocktail menu is divided into shaken and stirred drinks, with plenty of herbaceous, botanical influences and helpful tasting notes at the end of each cocktail description. Favorites include the Instagram-ready Tales of Penrose, a tequila-based drink with pineapple, mango, Blue Curacao, and citrus, and the rich, hearty Wolfsbane, featuring bourbon, pistachio, China China liqueur, and mole bitters. Sunday through Thursday 3 p.m. – 12 a.m., Friday + Saturday 3 p.m. – 1 a.m.; 101 North 1st Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85003; therosegardenaz.com // @therosegardenaz

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