Obon is a Foodie 500 Restaurant Partner.

Sure, it's hot during the summer in Tucson but we've got the sunshine and good vibes to be grateful for. Also, it's the perfect season to sit back, relax, and enjoy a craft cocktail from downtown's Obon Sushi + Bar + Ramen.

It's not the official start of summer, but on Thursday, June 1 from 4 - 6 p.m., Tucson Foodie and Obon are teaming up for the Summer Cocktail Party at 350 E. Congress St.

For $65 per person, you'll score samples (decently-sized samples) of Obon's brand-new summer cocktails, sake, and beer alongside delicious appetizers like spicy Crispy Tuna, King Crab that's been imported from Argentina, and a few sushi rolls. Plus, a live DJ will be present to keep you grooving throughout the afternoon.

"Everyone will be able to taste — and when I say taste I mean it's a decent portion — about six new cocktails," said Daniel Thomas, Director of Operations of Blueprint Restaurant Concepts (Obon Sushi + Bar + Ramen/Goodness). "There will also be three new beers, 10 new sakes, passed food — it comes out to nearly 20 drinks people will be able to try."

The new cocktail menu was created by Obon's bar manager in Scottsdale, Shannon Day. The new cocktail menu is something she likes to describe as "summertime vibes with a slightly elevated twist and Asian flavors." One of those examples is the Thai-ger's Blood which is a sping on a blood orange Margarita with Thai basil curaçao syrup.

"I feel like you can drink every cocktail on Shannon's menu and with ease," said Thomas. "They're all very approachable. Also, we'll still have some of our classics on the Summer Cocktail Party menu, but she definitely wanted as many of these to scream summer."

There's also new sake to try, which was hand-picked by a sake sommelier out of Japan. Through a mutual trading company, Obon asked the sake sommelier to take a look at their current menu and then offer suggestions for which sake would seem ideal for the restaurant.

The event is also meant to be an educational experience. Steve Harris of Hensley Beverage Company will be set up offering samples of Kiran, Kiran Light, a new Yuzu Double IPA, and others. Shannon and Obon's local bar manager, Donald Gipson, will be around to explain what went into the cocktail creations — a well-rounded experience full of learning, eating, and mingling with fellow foodies.

Obon Sushi + Bar + Ramen is located at 350 E. Congress St. For more information and to purchase your tickets, visit eventbrite.com.

Tucson Foodie is a locally-owned and operated community. Thanks to our partners and members of our online community, Tucson Foodie can offer paywall-free guides and articles. Thanks for supporting Tucson's biggest community of food and beverage lovers.