Cocktail bar
Unclaimed profileAZ88
Scottsdale, AZ · $$$
Inebrious
Beverage Program Score
The editorial take
AZ88's cocktail program is the draw: a broad martini list from Espresso to Key Lime, plus inventive cocktails like the 21-day barrel-aged Old Fashioned and a Shōgun Manhattan built on Japanese whiskey. Proprietary Knob Creek Rye anchors signatures like the New York Sour and Maple Bacon Rye. The wine list spans from Chandon Brut to Dom Pérignon, and a dedicated non-alcoholic menu covers creative zero-proof options.
- What should I order?
- Start with the Espresso Martini ($18) or Key Lime Martini ($17). For something deeper, the Aged Old Fashioned ($15) is barrel-aged 21 days, and the Shōgun Manhattan ($26) pairs Japanese whiskey with passionfruit liqueur. The Maple Bacon Rye offers a candied-bacon garnish.
- Who will enjoy this place?
- Martini enthusiasts will find a variety of styles and strong pours. Cocktail explorers seeking creative spins on classics will appreciate the barrel-aged Old Fashioned and the proprietary rye cocktails. The non-alcoholic menu also makes it a fit for designated drivers.
- When should I go?
- Evenings suit the lively, chic atmosphere, with rotating art and upbeat music. Late-night outings are popular. The bar is a common spot for dates.
- What should I expect to spend?
- Cocktails range from $12 to $24, with martinis from $17 to $26. Wine by the glass starts at $9 for house red, with premium bottles up to $395 for Dom Pérignon. Non-alcoholic drinks run $8 to $14.
- What makes the beverage program distinctive?
- A proprietary Knob Creek Rye appears in signature cocktails like the New York Sour and Maple Bacon Rye. The cocktail list spans a wide range, from a $13 Moscow Mule to a $26 Shōgun Manhattan.
Beverage categories
We only score what a venue sets out to do. Categories a venue doesn't attempt are left unscored rather than penalized.
Cocktails
Wide-ranging menu from classic martinis to creative concoctions. Features barrel-aged Old Fashioned, Japanese whiskey Manhattan, and proprietary rye cocktails.
Menu strengths
- — Extensive martini selection with creative flavors like Espresso and Key Lime.
- — Innovative cocktails such as the 21-day barrel-aged Old Fashioned and Shōgun Manhattan.
- — Proprietary Knob Creek Rye used in signature drinks.
Standout selections
- — Espresso Martini - Smirnoff vodka, Kahlua, Irish Cream, creme de cacao, fresh espresso ($18)
- — Aged Old Fashioned - Barrel-aged 21 days with Bulleit bourbon, blood orange liqueur, Peychaud's bitters ($15)
- — Maple Bacon Rye - Proprietary Knob Creek Rye, Canadian maple, muddled fruit, candied-bacon garnish
Pricing: Martinis $17-$26; cocktails $12-$24
Wine
Diverse wine list with sparkling, white, red, and premier options. Includes Chandon Brut, Dom Pérignon, Flowers Pinot Noir, and HALL Cabernet Sauvignon. Pricing spans accessible to premium.
Menu strengths
- — Range of price points from $9 house red to $395 Dom Pérignon.
- — Premier wines like Flowers Pinot Noir and HALL Cabernet Sauvignon.
Standout selections
- — Chandon Brut - Napa sparkling, $12/glass, $48/bottle
- — Dom Pérignon - Epernay, France, $395/750ml
- — Flowers Pinot Noir - Russian River, CA, $90
- — HALL Cabernet Sauvignon - Napa Valley, CA, $95
Pricing: House red $9/glass, $36/bottle; premium wines $75-$495
Beer
Beer selection includes local Arizona craft breweries like Four Peaks and Mother Road, plus imports and non-alcoholic options. No prices listed, but the inclusion of local craft and NA beers adds breadth.
Menu strengths
- — Features local Arizona breweries Four Peaks and Mother Road.
- — Includes non-alcoholic options such as Athletic Lite and Deschutes Fresh Squeezed IPA.
Standout selections
- — Church Music Hazy IPA - Mother Road, Tempe, AZ
- — Four Peaks Kiltlifter - Tempe, AZ
- — Athletic Lite - Non-alcoholic, Milford, CT
Nonalcoholic
Dedicated zero-proof menu with creative options like Tequila Tease using Ritual alternative and Rosemary Sparkle. Includes non-alcoholic sparkling wine. Priced reasonably from $8 to $14.
Menu strengths
- — Creative non-alcoholic cocktails using Ritual Tequila Alternative and Seedlip.
- — Includes non-alcoholic sparkling wine (Mionetto N/A) and sodas.
Standout selections
- — Tequila Tease - Ritual Tequila Alternative, elderflower sirop, citrus, agave, balsamic glaze ($10)
- — Rosemary Sparkle - Sparkling soda with vanilla, blueberry, cinnamon, rosemary ($8)
- — Ging' and Juice - Seedlip 94, pineapple, citrus, ginger beer float
- — Mionetto N/A - Alcohol-removed sparkling wine ($14/200ml)
Pricing: Non-alcoholic cocktails $8-$14
Spirits
Spirits program centers on a proprietary Knob Creek Rye used in signature cocktails. The cocktail menu spans whiskey, gin, vodka, rum, tequila, and mezcal.
Menu strengths
- — Wide variety of base spirits used across the cocktail menu.
Standout selections
- — Knob Creek Rye - Proprietary, used in New York Sour and Maple Bacon Rye
- — Bulleit bourbon - Used in Aged Old Fashioned and Paper Plane
How it sits with the food
While food is not the focus, the cocktail list offers pairing flexibility: the Espresso Martini could complement desserts, and the savory Maple Bacon Rye might pair with hearty bar snacks. The wine list includes options like La Crema Chardonnay and HALL Cabernet Sauvignon that could match a range of dishes.
Inebrious does not score kitchens, food or the restaurant overall. We review the beverage program only.
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