Tucked behind the kitchen of Vero Amore on Swan Road is a nondescript entryway into a world of craft cocktails and mixology. Hidden away from the hustle and bustle of a typical dining experience, The Still offers an elevated sipping situation.
The Still has been open since 2014 but is continuously reinventing itself, its menu, its vibe — all of it.
Behind the bar, you’ll find two of the biggest food and liquor nerds, Cass Schlichtholz and Robert McGonigal, who between the two of them basically exist as a dictionary of culinary flavors. Their passion for food and drink enables them to push the limits in making something no one else has enjoyed in Tucson.
You’ll find new items on their menu seasonally and, occasionally, on a whim.
Whichever cocktail you order, it’s likely been days in the making. Many of the liqueurs and certain bitters are made in-house. Not to mention, the delightfully fluffy marshmallow that garnishes the Campfire Old Fashioned (see above) are made from scratch.
It’s the perfect accompaniment to the cacao-nib, fat-washed Duke Bourbon, with housemade malt, and raw sugar syrup masterpiece. It’s possibly the best s’more you’ll ever taste. Don’t be surprised if in the future their marshmallows are even boozy.
What’s on the new menu?
The Still’s new menu has arrived just in time for Valentine’s Day, though these are fabulous cocktails any time of the year. This menu aims to showcase beverages more along the culinary side. You’ll find that many of the garnishes are functional and influential in how the drink is perceived in its aroma, taste, and texture.
The Briar Rose ($19), pictured above, will transport you to a secret garden.
It’s made with Nelson Bros. Green Briar Sour Mash Whiskey, fresh lemon juice, rose petal jam, an egg white that’ll reach the highest of heavens, and then topped with dried rose petals and a spritz of rosewater.
If you’re looking for a richer cocktail, you may want to opt for The Big Easy ($18) — a love letter to New Orleans and perfect for Mardi Gras. It’s made with Devil’s River Rye, St. George Nola Liqueur (chicory and coffee), a touch of raw sugar syrup, Peychaud’s bitters, stirred, and then served up with an absinthe rinse.
For those who tend to be indecisive and would prefer leaving their thinking up to the bartenders, the Dealer’s Choice is an excellent way to go. Simply choose your base liquor, a descriptor (sweet, bitter, liquor forward, tart, refreshing, smooth), and a price point and they’ll do the rest.
“If we had a motto, it’d be something like, ‘Reverse exorcisms. We put the spirits in ya,'” said Schlichtholz.
What’s Next?
On the last Wednesday of every month, The Still is home to an intimate evening of elevated food offerings and wine pairings. These dinners aim to showcase the talent of the culinary staff.
The next wine dinner is slated for Wednesday, February 22 at 6 p.m.
Looking to the future, their goal is to start offering more dining-type events, have live music on the patio and even inside The Still, movie nights, and more. With that being said, be sure to keep your eyes peeled on our Event Calendar as we publish these.
The Still is located inside Vero Amore at 2920 N Swan Rd. and is open from 6 p.m. – midnight on Wednesday – Saturday and 6 – 10 p.m. on Sunday. To make a reservation, please fill out your request at thestilltucson.com.
