Suncliffe’s Solstice Gin: New Release From the AZ-Based, Native Botanical Spirits Producer

Suncliffe Solstice (Photo courtesy of Suncliffe)

Suncliffe’s Solstice Gin: New Release From the AZ-Based, Native Botanical Spirits Producer

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Suncliffe is ringing in the holidays with a seasonal spirit!

The Arizona-based botanical spirits company, which was founded by partners (in life and business) Ryan Lawrence and Thomas Giddings, in partnership with Brooklyn-based friend, Clare Byrne, just announced the return of Suncliffe Solstice.

It’s officially hitting shelves this week (the week of Monday, December 2).

Suncliffe Solstice
Suncliffe Solstice (Photo courtesy of Suncliffe)

This year, the seasonally released, barrel-aged gin, is an ode to Sedona’s historic apple orchards. Suncliffe Solstice is finished in Calvados casks (which previously held Normandie American Single Malt) from the Arizona-based Whiskey del Bac— “an elegant expression with a hue evocative of Sedona’s golden aura.”

“Now in its third release, we’re excited to bring back our cult-favorite bottle, Suncliffe Solstice, this time aged in these beautifully complex calvados casks,” said Lawrence. “Local demand has grown substantially, and we’re so grateful that our community has embraced this special offering with such open arms.”

Suncliffe Solstice is perfectly suited for a spirits-forward cocktail (recipes are available online) or as a neat sipper. This seasonal gin from Suncliffe includes hints of violets, sandalwood, rich dulce de leche, and crisp red apple — giving way to a lingering oolong finish.

Where to Try & Buy Solstice

This limited-release, 500-bottle run of Solstice is available online for purchase nationally and at local retailers including Rum Runner, Westbound, and Tap & Bottle. Also, sip on it at downtown Tucson’s Juniper — they’ll be incorporating it into certain cocktails on the menu.

Pale cocktail in a coupe glass garnished with a eucalyptus sprig on a white tablecloth before an amber curtain
(Photo courtesy of Suncliffe)

“Suncliffe Solstice has been a lesson in patience, and collaboration,” said Giddings. “And we feel we’re bringing something truly unique to the market — offering flavors only found in this special corner of the world.”

REMINDER: This release is limited to just 500 bottles!

More About Suncliffe

Launched in 2021, Lawrence, Giddings, and Byrne crafted their flagship product: a curiously complex, aromatic gin that utilizes three local junipers— one seed, shaggy, and alligator— alongside native botanicals (ponderosa pine bark, manzanita, and western elderflower).

Ryan Lawrence, Thomas Giddings, and Clare Byrne
Ryan Lawrence, Thomas Giddings, and Clare Byrne (Photo courtesy of Suncliffe)

Suncliffe offers a terroir-rich approach to spirits making, uniquely transporting imbibers to the vast landscape of the American Southwest.

For more information on Suncliffe Gin and where to find a bottle, visit suncliffegin.com. 

Article written by:

Matt Sterner

Matt Sterner

More about Matt

At a very young age, Matt Sterner was gifted with the artistic ability to masterfully roll a burrito to the highest of standards, but the wrapped medley of delicious innards wasn’t his first love. Matt’s first true love was a combination of reading, writing, and creating. He grew up reading comics, the ingredients list of his shampoo and conditioner bottles, choose-your-own-adventure books, and the Scrabble dictionary — something he found useful when challenging his grandmother to a game.

He attended college at New Mexico State University and graduated with a degree in Digital Filmmaking. One of his favorite classes was screenwriting because he became responsible for the story’s birth before it came to life on-screen. After school, Matt took on numerous positions at a local television station in Tucson. From dealing out stories about heartbreak to producing “fluffier” content for a lifestyle broadcast, he learned what it takes to adapt to the many emotions the world of media can stir. Since 2017, Matt has dabbled in the culinary world of Tucson as well as San Diego, California from time to time.

If you’re in the mood for strange stories, head over to his pride and joy, wonkytimes.com. And in case you’re curious — yes, after all of this time, he still manages to roll a killer burrito.

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The @Tucsonasiannightmarket is coming up! Here are a few things to know before you go. 

🎟️ $10 General Admission
🎟️ Foodie Club members get 50% off 
🎟️ Kids 12 and under are free

• Tickets are emailed to you and available in the Tucson Foodie app. Show your QR code at the gate. No printing needed! 
• Free parking is available. Enter off Ajo Way. 
• No dogs are allowed. 
• Refunds are available up to 7 days before the event.

TICKET ADD-ONS: 
• Chef-Served Food Flight | $20 
Enjoy three dishes featuring Filipino, Indochinese, and Vietnamese flavors. A vegetarian option is also available.

• Early Entry + VIP Parking | $15 
Get in at 5 pm, one hour before general admission, with access to a dedicated entrance and VIP parking.

Save this post for later, and get your tickets through the Tucson Foodie app or Tucsonfoodie.com! 

📍 Kino Sports Complex 
📅 Saturday, November 28 from 6–10 pmThe @Tucsonasiannightmarket is coming up! Here are a few things to know before you go. 🎟️ $10 General Admission 🎟️ Foodie Club members get 50% off 🎟️ Kids 12 and under are free • Tickets are emailed to you and available in the Tucson Foodie app. Show your QR code at the gate. No printing needed! • Free parking is available. Enter off Ajo Way. • No dogs are allowed. • Refunds are available up to 7 days before the event. TICKET ADD-ONS: • Chef-Served Food Flight | $20 Enjoy three dishes featuring Filipino, Indochinese, and Vietnamese flavors. A vegetarian option is also available. • Early Entry + VIP Parking | $15 Get in at 5 pm, one hour before general admission, with access to a dedicated entrance and VIP parking. Save this post for later, and get your tickets through the Tucson Foodie app or Tucsonfoodie.com! 📍 Kino Sports Complex 📅 Saturday, November 28 from 6–10 pm
Have you tried the new holiday drinks at @desertdriftercoffee?💝

The new lineup is full of cozy, nostalgic flavors.

✨ Gingerbread Chai made with @tucsonchocolatefactory gingerbread sauce and @mayateaco chai. Order with alternative milk to make it vegan, and pair it with a vegan gingerbread cookie from @houldens.riseabove for the ultimate gingerbread combo. The cookie is also gluten-free!

🔥Spice Drop Red Bull or Tea (vegan & gluten-free)

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Which one are you trying first?!Have you tried the new holiday drinks at @desertdriftercoffee?💝 The new lineup is full of cozy, nostalgic flavors. ✨ Gingerbread Chai made with @tucsonchocolatefactory gingerbread sauce and @mayateaco chai. Order with alternative milk to make it vegan, and pair it with a vegan gingerbread cookie from @houldens.riseabove for the ultimate gingerbread combo. The cookie is also gluten-free! 🔥Spice Drop Red Bull or Tea (vegan & gluten-free) 🍎Apple Pie Latte (vegan w alternative milk & gluten-free) 🍫Butterscotch Mocha made with TCF sauce and Danzeisen Dairy chocolate milk (gluten-free) 🥛Nana’s Eggnog made with local Danzeisen eggnog Which one are you trying first?!
@Miramontetucson is now serving lunch daily and brunch on weekends! Located at 3352 E. Speedway Blvd., the midtown restaurant has expanded its hours, with doors opening at 11 a.m.🌞

We stopped by to try a few things from the new menus, including the Cornbread & Eggs with pork carnitas and green chile cream sauce, Crab Omelet, Fried Chicken & Waffles with hot honey, and Brioche French Toast with Seville orange marmalade and Chantilly cream.

The weekend brunch menu also includes a classic breakfast and fruit & yogurt, with dishes ranging from $13 to $19.

For lunch, you can find options like the Miramonte Cobb Salad and Tomato Mozzarella.

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@Ursa_az earned two national honors on Nov. 10. @Eater named chef Aaron Lopez (@Aaron_lopez_86) one of five 2026 Chefs of the Year. 

Additionally, @Nytimes awarded the restaurant three stars. The recognitions put Tucson’s Sonoran Desert tasting menu in front of a national audience.

Read the article on Tucsonfoodie.com@Ursa_az earned two national honors on Nov. 10. @Eater named chef Aaron Lopez (@Aaron_lopez_86) one of five 2026 Chefs of the Year. Additionally, @Nytimes awarded the restaurant three stars. The recognitions put Tucson’s Sonoran Desert tasting menu in front of a national audience. Read the article on Tucsonfoodie.com