Valley's best cocktails

Bellini

The Place: Any bar at the Phoenician, 6000 E. Camelback Road, Phoenix, 480-941-8200, thephoenician.com

Traditionally, a bellini is a peach-infused sparking wine. But the Phoenician Resort is doing the venerable Italian cocktail one better. Or 12 better, to be exact. The sprawling ultra-luxe resort has just rolled out a line of festive, fruity bellinis, all made with Italy's Santa Margherita prosecco and various fruit infusions. Sold as pre-dinner cocktails, after-dinner drinks or just poolside coolers, the drinks have an unexpected sophistication that's a far cry from the super-sweet flavors found in most fruit and sparkling wine cocktails. And they're served in champagne glasses without garnish, giving the drinks a refreshing air of minimalism in this time of hyper-styled signature cocktails. The vanilla and pear-infused one is a mix of Grand Marnier Navan vanilla liqueur and peach puree, giving the drink a creamy taste, with the vanilla adding depth to the pear's floral sweetness.

Price: $10 to $12

The magic: All the drinks are made with Santa Margherita prosecco and then specific fresh fruit purees, mixers or liquors.