Valley's best cocktails

Espresso Martini

The Place: AZ 88, 7353 Scottsdale Mall, Scottsdale, 480-994-5576, az88.com

It's not just that this creamy, rich cocktail is both sweet and sophisticated and tastes like all the best things in life shaken with ice and poured into a glass. It's the presentation. Precariously balanced on a silver tray, the generous, brimming cocktail is couriered to your table by a ginger-stepping, white-shirted, black tie-wearing waiter who barely breathes as he nears you. Slowly, slowly draping a cocktail napkin on your table, he then lifts the drink. Careful not to slosh, he lowers the glass at a glacial pace. You stopped breathing a minute and a half ago. The drink finally rests on the napkin. You tip your head down, like a child, like a prayerful pilgrim, to drink, fearful of risking a spill yourself, unwilling to disrespect the balancing act just performed in your, and the drink's, honor.

Price: $14.50

The Magic: One shot of fresh Starbuck's espresso, Bailey's Irish Cream, Van Gogh Espresso Vodka and vanilla creme de cacao, garnished with three espresso beans.