Want to know a secret? Scottsdale’s Hotel Adeline has a hidden whiskey bar, Straight Up, and it is accessible only through a concealed entrance guarded by an inconspicuous telephone booth. To top off the mystery, the speakeasy requires a password for entrance to its interior. “We created a persona for Hotel Adeline to inspire the decisions we make,” explains Adam Reeder, food and beverage director for the hotel. Adeline, the imaginary muse whose influence can be seen throughout the property, “likes light, healthy, homestyle food, but when she really wants to unwind and let loose she drinks her whiskey straight up.” The bar’s menu includes a selection of specialty cocktails, a variety of fine wines and beers and more than 100 whiskeys, scotches and bourbons. Straight Up will open early May, and passwords can be found on the hotel’s social media accounts. (hoteladeline.com) —LS

ADELINE’S OLD FASHIONED

2 ounces whiskey

¹⁄₂ ounce brown sugar
   simple syrup (see recipe)

2 dashes angostura bitters

2 orange peels

1 maraschino cherry

In an Old-Fashioned glass, pour whiskey over ice. Stir in bitters and simple syrup. Garnish with orange peels and cherry. Serves 1.

BROWN SUGAR SIMPLE SYRUP

Combine 1 cup brown sugar and 1 cup water in a small saucepan. Simmer over medium heat, and stir until sugar dissolves. Allow the mixture to cool, then decant into a clean container with a tight-fitting lid. Excess syrup can be refrigerated for up to one month.