In a region as sweltering as Phoenix, quality beverages are essential. For ten years, the city’s finest brewers, mixologists, and baristas have been quietly garnering attention, with the best harnessing the distinctive energy and creative essence of the desert. Recently, a fresh wave of talent has surfaced.
The top destinations can be hard to find. Phoenix sprawls across an impressive 517 square miles, not accounting for neighboring locales like Scottsdale and Tempe. To experience the drink scene in its entirety, you’ll need to venture beyond the central hubs.
Craft beer enthusiasts understand that the Valley of the Sun’s brewing scene has thrived for a decade. Two of the most prominent establishments—Arizona Wilderness Brewing Company and Wren House Brewing Company—have opened new locations that broaden their aspirations.
At the same time, the coffee scene is becoming increasingly exciting. Think about the island-inspired atmosphere and shakerato variations at Wonderift Coffee in Ahwatukee, while Malegría Cafe on Grand Avenue fuses Salvadorian horchata lattes, demonstrating how the local coffee culture is embracing Latin influences.
For the last ten years, cocktails have served as the cornerstone of the beverage landscape, and a new wave of experts is venturing into innovative realms. With emerging establishments like the produce-centric, technologically advanced Legends Never Die and the Indian-inspired cocktails from Indibar, the Valley’s cocktail culture continues to evolve into a bold, multi-sensory experience.
No matter your taste, here are eight top new venues to enjoy drinks in Metro Phoenix.
Coffee Shops
Photograph by Ivory Rose
1031 Grand Avenue, Phoenix
instagram.com/malegria.cafe/
Situated on Grand Avenue, a dusty thoroughfare lined with art galleries and remarkable eateries, vibrant storefronts burst with charm: handcrafted piñatas, retro neon signage. The newcomer Malegía Cafe seamlessly integrates, adorned with a mural featuring the national birds of Mexico, El Salvador, and Guatemala, showcasing its cultural roots and aesthetics. The birds symbolize owner Melina Ruano Serrano’s lineage and the coffee traditions she intertwines.
Must-Try: Serrano crafts café de olla, infused with cloves, cinnamon, and star anise, while her Salvadorian lattes, especially the horchata variety, are standout offerings. She prepares a Salvadorian horchata using toasted rice, cinnamon, peanuts, and a blend of seeds, creating a sweet, enchanting base for a latte made with beans from the small-batch roaster Condor Coffee.
Photograph by Lauren Topor
