Summer Cocktail Camp Q&A with Cassy Sandow from Tell Your Friends

The 2026 PHOENIX magazine Summer Cocktail Camp series gets shaking Sunday, June 7 at Tell Your Friends – the first of 14 Cocktail Camp dates this year. An instant smash-hit when it opened under The Americano in North Scottsdale in 2024, the subterranean speakeasy is known for its Art Deco-inspired décor, sultry live music and joyously sensual riffs on 20s-era classic cocktails. We asked Tell Your Friends bar manager and master mixologist Cassy Sandow to spread the word.

Tell us about the cocktail program at Tell Your Friends.

I like to describe the cocktail program as an approachable version of craft cocktailing. All of our drinks have a playful and inviting approach to different flavor pairings that often stem from foodie experiences. It’s my creative outlet and being newer to Arizona, my experiences here really shine through in our cocktails. From the names to the flavors, they depict the vibe of Arizona along with its colors, landscape and plant life really well.

What’s your story? How did you find your way to TYF?

I’ve been in the service industry in different capacities all over the country but most recently in Houston, which has an ever-blooming craft scene with influences from all over the world. Being in such a melting-pot really teaches you a lot about different flavors and techniques that I took with me to Arizona. I spent the most time in high-volume craft cocktailing and those environments really show you that craft and speed can marry each other and make it really fun when they are programmed, batched and prepped correctly.

It’s like choosing a favorite child, we know, but what’s your favorite TYF cocktail?

My current favorite would be our 8th Wonder. If there’s one thing I’m always passionate about, it’s having a crushable bourbon cocktail on the menu that strays from the typical spirit-forward Old Fashioned and Manhattan riffs. The 8th Wonder is fairly simple but combines peach, tarragon, lemon and demerara for a delicious summertime sour – and it features my current favorite bourbon, Woodinville.

The heat has started in Phoenix – what’s the first drink you reach for on a summer’s day?

I love a Last Word with mezcal. Light, refreshing and secretly boozy enough to make you forget about the 120 degrees waiting for you outside.

What should guests expect if they’re coming to TYF for Cocktail Camp?

I think our guests should expect to have as much fun tasting as we have creating. I’m blessed to have a team with me who also uses craft cocktailing as our creative outlet and I think that constantly shines through in not only our menu but the experience that we serve our guests with good food and great music, night after night.