Playfully Pink
Maple & Ash plays matchmaker for fruit and floral flavors with Illicit Affair
By Alison Bailin Batz / Photo by Debby Wolvos
Maple & Ash is all about sweet and savory showmanship, both in its food and drink.
“Our cocktail program in particular embraces the idea of ‘drinking without limitations.’ Often, consumers find comfort in familiar cocktail choices, but we like to challenge norms and encourage guests to push their boundaries, both in flavor and presentation,” says Christina Demas, national spirits and brand director for Maple Hospitality Group.
Take Maple & Ash’s Illicit Affair ($21), for example.
“This vibrant cocktail starts with something very familiar for our guests in Grey Goose Vodka, which we like for its subtle notes of citrus, almond and apple,” Demas says. “We combine it with St. Germain Elderflower Liqueur, a floral spirit with pops of honeysuckle and pear that is familiar for some but might still be a bit intimidating to some guests at first blush.”
To weave in refreshing and slightly spicy notes, cucumber and basil are muddled in a tin with the spirits along with lemon juice.
“Before shaking, we also add in something more exotic in our dragon fruit puree,” Demas says. “It adds several layers of complementing flavors to the build, most notably kiwi, citrus and a touch more pear.”
Once shaken vigorously with ice, the velvety smooth magenta cocktail is double strained into a martini glass.
“Before serving, we finish the drink with an oversized artisan ice cube that has been intricately laser-engraved with a stunning rose design,” Demas says. “Funny enough, the original garnish was a spherical ice cube with a carnation encased within, but the popularity outpaced production.”
Thankfully, according to Demas, the new cube is as big of a hit with guests and much easier to produce daily to keep up with demand.
Maple & Ash, 7135 E. Camelback Road, Scottsdale; 480.400.8888; www.mapleandash.com.