Words by Candolin Cook
Sedona, Arizona, is world renowned for its natural beauty, most notably its stunning red rock formations. In recent years, however, the tourist town and surrounding area has also become a popular destination for food and drink lovers. From Sedona’s 2023 James Beard Award semifinalist, The Table at Junipine, to the twenty-five wineries located along the Verde Valley Wine Trail, there are plenty of places to grab a refreshing beverage after a long day of sightseeing. Here are just three of my favorites.
Photo courtesy of Scott Yates, Dahl Restaurant Group.
Mariposa Latin Inspired Grill, Sedona: The Mariposa
When deciding where to go for drinks in Sedona, it really is all about that view. Arguably, Mariposa Latin Inspired Grill has the best in town with a large back patio that provides a nearly panoramic look at the mountains. Enjoy a breathtaking sunset while sipping on the restaurant’s signature cocktail, the Mariposa. This sweet and spicy spirit consists of Corazón Tequila Blanco, ancho chile liqueur, mango puree, lime juice, and a fresno chile garnish.
Photo by Chanelle Cook.
Merkin Vineyards Tasting Room & Osteria, Cottonwood: Chupacabra wine
The Verde Valley area just southwest of Sedona has been dubbed the “Napa Valley of Arizona” for its numerous vineyards, wineries, and tasting rooms. The region’s high elevation, hot days, cold nights, and verdant river basin make for favorable grape-growing conditions. But it wasn’t until fifteen years ago that the local wine scene really took off, with help from an unlikely grower and champion—Maynard James Keenan, lead vocalist for the iconic nineties metal band Tool. Keenan owns multiple Arizona wine-related businesses, including Caduceus Cellars, Merkin Vineyards, and Merkin’s restaurant / wine bar Osteria in Old Town Cottonwood. At Osteria, try a glass of Merkin Vineyards’ perennial table wine, Chupacabra. This “shape-shifter” red blend changes slightly from year to year, but is usually a mix of grenache, mourvédre, syrah, and petite sirah. Recent incarnations
Photo by Christina Barrueta, @writeonrubee.
The Clinkscale, Jerome: Harvey Wallbanger
Nestled high atop Cleopatra Hill overlooking the Verde Valley, Jerome is a charming former copper-mining town with a small but lively gallery and restaurant scene. Its historic buildings are said to be haunted, but many are also home to other kinds of spirits. Bars range from dives, such as the longtime biker hangout the Spirit Room, to more upscale offerings. The new Clinkscale Bar & Grill blends industrial elements with timeless touches of wood, brick, and leather, and features a long but cozy central bar area. Cocktail selections include slight spins on classics, like the hibiscus margarita and manhattan with walnut bitters. They also boast several organic liquors and ingredients, such as those in the Harvey Wallbanger—organic vodka, organic orange juice, raw honey simple syrup, Galliano, and citrus foam.
Candolin Cook is a historian, writer, editor, and former co-editor of edible New Mexico. She recently received her doctorate in history from the University of New Mexico and is working on her first book.
