Jade Bar: The Best of Scottsdale Nightlife

In the O’odham language, it’s called Cew S-wegiom. In English, it’s known as Camelback Mountain, so named because it bears a resemblance to the hump and head of a kneeling camel. Rising 2,706 feet above the desert floor, it’s a prominent part of the Phoenix-Scottsdale urban landscape and a popular place for hiking and rock climbing.

To have such a feel of the wilderness in a metropolitan mise en scène is rare. Sanctuary Camelback Mountain Resort and Spa has carved out for itself a glamorous little slice of this unique and captivating mountain setting. Both the indoor and outdoor spaces are there to refresh, rejuvenate and inspire.  And that includes jade bar, the resort’s swanky gathering place for those wanting to disconnect, reconnect, or even make new connections.

What Happens at jade Bar

Chic and modern, jade bar is a cut above the normal bar scene. Some of the best mixologists in the entire region ply their trade here. Their creations are made with hand-selected premium spirits and farm-fresh local herbs, fruits, vegetables, and juices. They’ll be happy to make your old favorite or your old favorite with a new twist – or create something special just for you after you tell them your preferred flavor profile.

jade’s atmosphere is both classy and casual. Big, comfy chairs facing floor-to-ceiling windows afford guests spectacular and uninterrupted views of the mountains, Paradise Valley, and the breathtaking sunsets that put on their own brilliant performance every night of the year. Adding to the charming setting are wood panels, candlelit tables, and an authentic backlit jade onyx drink rail. The shaded patio, with its gas fireplace, makes the vast Arizona outdoors somehow feel cozy and inviting on those cool desert evenings.

The Pour happens Monday – Thursday evenings from 4-6pm. This is Paradise Valley’s best Happy Hour, where patrons can imbibe such classic cocktails as martinis, old fashioneds, and margaritas. Wines, draft and bottled beer, and various spirits are also on the menu. And every week, jade’s mixologists create their own specialty Pour cocktail.

To complement the great libations and food, Live @ jade bar takes place every Friday and Saturday evening from 7-11 pm. Jazz, pop, and R&B waft through the establishment and infuse the air with a bit of upbeat festivity. Ask your concierge, or check the website for upcoming performers and entertainment.

More live music can be heard during Sundays in Paradise, every Sunday from 1-5 pm. Grab a beverage – specials include 50% off select bottles of wine and a $7 Sunday Sipper specialty cocktail – and relax on the patio while you soak up the breathtaking views from jade’s impressive vantage point.

If You’ve Always Wanted to be a Bartender…

If you’d like to know the secrets behind the delectable flavor combinations and subtle nuances that bartenders and mixologists infuse into their creations, you’re in luck. A special interactive class called Mixology 101 is held every Saturday afternoon at 12pm. Guests get to peek behind the bar and learn tips, techniques, and fascinating facts and details about three or four innovative cocktails. Participants receive a 15% discount off food during the class. The cost of Mixology 101 is $50 per guest (plus tax & gratuity), and the classes are limited to 20 people. Reservations are required.

Private mixology classes are also available upon request for parties of 10-16 people. Guests can enjoy a two-hour cocktail tasting and lesson with one of Sanctuary’s expert mixologists. The cost is $150 plus $50 per person.

Not Just Something to Drink

Along with a cocktail – your old standby or something completely new – you may want a bite to eat. Jade Bar features an all-day menu (from 11am to close) with everything from light appetizers to full meals. Choose from such tempting items as charred edamame, shishito peppers, Korean BBQ chicken quesadillas, and the jade bar burger. Patrons at jade bar can also order menu items from Sanctuary’s award-winning restaurant, Elements.

jade bar consistently shows up on ‘Best of’ lists for bars and nightlife in the Scottsdale area. And it’s no wonder: with a chic but laid-back atmosphere, knowledgeable and friendly servers and mixologists, great drinks and food, and a view that can’t be beat, it isn’t hard to see why locals become regulars and frequent visitors make sure they always include jade Bar on their itinerary.

jade bar is open Sunday-Thursday 11am-12am and Friday-Saturday 11am-1am