Mixing Up Iconic Cocktails

The rounded-shoulder blue bottles housing Iconic Cocktail Co.’s mixers bring to mind those of old-time apothecaries. So do the names—Ginga Syrup, Lime Leaf Tonic, Spiced Honey—and the company’s small-batch, handcrafted production methods. But take one sip of these not-too-sweet modern mixers and you know you’re not drinking Grandma’s old-fashioned tonic any more.

There are many ways to use the creative mixers in cocktails. You can follow the classic, easy formula of 2 ounces spirit, 1 ounce Iconic Cocktail mixer and ½ ounce tart (lemon/lime juice or vinegar). Or, you can treat them as just one component of your cocktail arsenal and mix and match them with other juices, bitters, alcohols and more. Iconic can also be used to perk up non-alcoholic beverages such as soda water and ice tea.

We enjoy the seasonal variations that Iconic Cocktail comes up with. For summer they concocted a Pichuberry Peach Sour. Currently, Watermelon Rose tonic is on offer, and co-owner Kaylee Nedley says to look for Cranberry Thyme for the holidays.

In addition to their long-time gigs at local farmers’ markets (Phoenix Public and Uptown), you can visit Iconic at the eclectic new Tempe boutique, A Market Off Mill, on Tuesdays to sample the latest flavors and pick up a funky addition to your wardrobe at the same time. You’ll also find Iconic cocktails on some of your favorite local store shelves including Arcadia Premium, Frances, Barnone and Modern Day Forager Mercantile. For recipe inspiration and online sales of both the traditional 17-ounce bottles and the new 8-ounce minis, see iconiccocktail.com