Ardi Dulaku Makes His Return to SaltRock and Refocuses on Mexican and Sedona-Inspired Libations

(PRESS RELEASE) – Ardi Dulaku is marking his return to Amara Resort and Spa’s signature restaurant, SaltRock Southwest Kitchen, with a fully revamped cocktail menu that brings the beloved dining destination back to its roots with Mexican and Sedona-inspired flavors.

Dulaku, who once graced SaltRock with his innovative yet approachable cocktails as the restaurant’s head bartender, is back again and is serving as the assistant director of food and beverage. With a new menu that pays homage to the tried-and-true cocktails from the restaurant’s past, the new menu promises to be the most well-rounded one yet – ensuring SaltRock’s reputation as the best agave cocktails in town while also introducing guests to new flavors and spirits.

With an emphasis on fresh and local ingredients, some standouts include Vortex Therapy with turmeric infused Tito’s, passionfruit, inner-peace flower elixir, agave, lemon and pink peppercorn; Oaxacan Negroni with cacao infused mezcal, Campari, vermouth, mole bitters and earl gray cube; Botanical Bee with Suncliffe Gin, ginger-thyme infused local honey and lemon; Bell Rock Garden with sotol, Amaro Montenegro and bell pepper; and La Rosa with reposado, Ancho Reyes Chile Liqueur, hibiscus, lime and spiced salt.

“Our new menu has been skillfully designed by our entire bar team to complement Sedona’s culture and environment with flavors and ingredients that match the town’s energy while simultaneously paying tribute to iconic landmarks,” said Dulaku. “I really look to my team for guidance and ideas to break down complicated, unique cocktails into simplified versions that have a soul, a place and an identity that will appeal to a variety of guests and their acquired tastes.”

For guests looking for a modern take on a classic favorite, the Clarified Cactus Bird features dark rum, Campari, pineapple, citrus, spices and black tea. The process to create the cocktail dates back to the 1600’s and 1700’s when clarified milk punch, a beverage that could be safely stored at room temperature, gained popularity in an era before refrigeration. The clarification process to create this cocktail will take approximately three days to complete before it can be batched.

With summer underway, boozy popsicles are taking over the scene and Dulaku is adding his own SaltRock twist to these frozen treats with the introduction of the Sun Devil and Margarita Popsicles. Guests can purchase these at the restaurant or poolside bar and enjoy them while cooling off in the infinity-edge pool as they admire the picturesque views of Cleopatra and Snoopy Rocks.

On top of the revitalized menu and boozy popsicles, Dulaku is introducing a new program to SaltRock where guests can pick a spirit and the bartenders will juice a green apple on top, further encouraging visitors to step outside of their comfort zones and try new spirits in a simple and balanced way.

Located at Amara Resort and Spa, SaltRock showcases a menu of Southwestern-inspired cuisine featuring fresh, light and seasonal dishes using culinary traditions and ingredients of the Southwest and Verde Valley.

For more information about SaltRock Southwest Kitchen or to make a reservation, visit www.amararesort.com/eat-drink/saltrock or call 928-340-8803.

ABOUT AMARA RESORT AND SPA: Tucked along the banks of Oak Creek Canyon, Amara Resort and Spa offers Southwest sophistication infused with a modern interpretation of Sedona’s Native American heritage in every aspect of the resort’s services, amenities and aesthetic. Consistently named one of the U.S. News & World Report’s “Best Hotels”, the resort offers 100 spacious guestrooms and suites that blend thoughtfully with the unique design elements and local landscape. Just steps away from the bustling Uptown Sedona, panoramic views of the surrounding red rocks can be enjoyed from Amara’s expansive open-air courtyard; heated, infinity-edge pool; or inviting outdoor fire pits that offer a lively social space during weekly stargazing sessions hosted by local astronomy experts. The resort also features a signature restaurant, SaltRock Southwest Kitchen that showcases a menu of Southwestern-inspired cuisine featuring fresh, light and seasonal dishes and ingredients inspired by the Verde Valley; and the award-winning, full-service Amara Spa. Amara Resort recently completed a multimillion-dollar renovation as of fall of 2021. To learn more, visit www.amararesort.com or call 928-282-4828.

SaltRock Southwest Kitchen Goes Back to its Roots with Launch of New Cocktail Menu