Reuters has scoured Phoenix for the area’s best football food, with a twist.
Because it’s not just the Super Bowl of football — it’s also the Super Bowl of eating. Today’s entry: The only cocktail recipes you'll need on game day, from Carla Wade of Carly’s Bistro on Phoenix’s Roosevelt Row.
Put down the lukewarm Keystone Light. Shouldn’t the drinks at your Super Bowl party be at least as good as the food? We think so.
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And so does Carly’s Bistro, a 10-year mainstay of Phoenix’s arts district that takes classic drinks and gives them a twist. Here, we’ll take you from brunch to bedtime:
A Better Bloody Mary
Bloody Mary, with a side of everything.
The most surprising spin on Carly’s Bloody Mary was born out of necessity: Carla Wade ran out of Worcestershire sauce – and substituted in balsamic vinegar. The concoction was a success, so Wade uses it in her a.m. cocktail. Here are a few tricks to try at home:
- “A good Bloody Mary is really only a third” juice, Wade says. The rest is a combination of olive juice, pickle juice, horseradish, Worcestershire sauce, balsamic vinegar, Old Bay spice and, yep, vodka.
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- Bloody Mary purists, get ready to clutch your pearls: Carly’s uses V8. And yes, it’s delicious.
- Don’t forget about the garnishes! Carly’s includes pickled asparagus, a pickle, a meat and cheese skewer and more. It’s a meal in and of itself.
- As for getting that southwest kick? Rim the glass with Old Bay spice and red chili flakes.
The 'Have Just One' Sangria
Don’t get us wrong: Sangria is great. It’s easy to make ahead and you can mix up large batches for a party. But put in the wrong hands, sangria turns into a sugary mess. Looking to balance the overwhelming sweetness, Carly’s adds whiskey to its blend. It’s dangerously tasty and deceptively strong.
- Start out with an ounce of whiskey (Carly’s prefers Bird Dog bourbon) and two and a half ounces of red wine.
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- Pour in a splash of raspberry liquor and some Orangina. Yes, the soda. And top it off with some Sprite. Yes, the soda.
- Stir it around – and remember to sip slowly.
A mug full of comfort.
The 'My Team Lost and I Hate All of You' Nightcap
When you feel more like drowning your sorrows than celebrating, go for a soothing hot toddy.
Carly’s brews up strong Chamomile tea for their herbal simple syrup, then mixes that with hot water, a pinch of lemon juice and a shot of bourbon. You feel better about your team’s failure already, don’t you?
