Scott & Co.

Interior of Scott & Co. It started to fill up soon after.

There is really something special going on at Scott & Co.  The bar is attached to 47 Scott and is certainly doing its part in the revival of Downtown Tucson.  Happy hour doesn't happen everyday.  In fact, it doesn't even happen every week.  They're doing "flash happy hours,"  basically they announce the time on facebook the day of.  In some ways, this is obviously annoying, but the drinks here are worth checking their facebook page on a daily basis.  During happy hour, drinks are half price.  Most are regularly 8 or 10, so 4 or 5 dollars a piece.  And the happy hour runs for at least two hours, but I've seen up to four. 

 After seeing the announcement, I arrived promptly at 6 with friends in tow.  We were the first ones there, but there's no shame when there are deals involved.  The inside is dim and has a speakeasy-feel.  It was a definite difference from the heat and blinding sun outside.  The room is small, mainly composed of a bar and a few seats around the perimeter.  We were able to grab corner seats and watch the action unfold.

Drink menu.  Grouped by spirit.

The drink menu changes seasonally and is almost overwhelming.  They make most of their bitters and infusions in house and for this drinker, everything looked good.  I started with the Backhanded Julep, as I'll always be a whiskey girl.  As soon as it arrived, I was taken aback by the sheer amount of mint garnishing the drink.  They definitely know how to make a statement. The drink was really good, the peach vinegar giving it the perfect amount of tang.

Backhanded Julep- white whiskey, dry vermouth, peach vinegar, honey

My friends ordered the Grillo Cancion and Lolita's Cup.  One of them is mainly a wine drinker, but this is not a bar you go to when you're in the mood for wine, the cocktails are too good for that.   Their drinks were sweet, but balanced.  You could taste the cumin in the Grillo Cancion providing a touch of spice.  While, the cucumber in the Lolita's Cup gave it added freshness.

Grillo Cancion- Pisco, cumin syrup, fresh lime, fresh lime, celery bitters, lengthened with selzer

Lolita's Cup- Vodka, red wine, cucumber syrup, fresh lemon, lengthened with tonic

Of course, we didn't stop after a first round.  So, for your viewing pleasure....

Moonage Daydream- Gin, cocchi american, pisco, elderflower liqueur, orange bitters, dash of absinthe, wild tea vodka rinse

Broken Column- Blanco tequila, rosato vermouth, cynar artichoke aperitif, orange bitters, orange blossom rinse

The Moonage Daydream was a little too bitter for my taste, though that might be because it was drank after something so sweet.  The Broken Column was great though.  One other thing you can do at Scott & Co. is "Bartender's Choice."  My friend asked for a semi-sweet Vodka drink and was given exactly what she desired. 

Bartender's choice

The drinks here are pretty spectacular and show that all the Bartenders really know what they're doing.  But, this is not the happy hour to come to if you want to get dinner out of it as well.  They don't serve food at Scott & Co., only providing complimentary roasted nuts to each table (though, not until about an hour after we got there.) They were good, but we were all hungry for real food when we walked out of there.  All in all, come here if you want to pay half-price for some expertly mixed drinks, but if you're looking for more than that... this happy hour is not for you.

Bar nuts...not considered part of a balanced diet.

Overview:  
Time: Flash Happy Hour announced the day of.  Day of the week and time vary.
UPDATE:  Summe happy hours just announced.  Wednesday-Saturday, 6-8 pm.!!!
Specials:  Half price classic and menu cocktails.

Rating: 4/5 shots

Scott & Co.
47 N Scott Ave.
Tucson, AZ 85701