Little Rituals founder Aaron DeFeo
Tucson native Aaron DeFeo is most associated with his role as Casino
Del Sol Resort’s resident property mixologist, where he ran the beverage program for over six years until leaving at the end of 2017. Most recently, DeFeo moved to Phoenix and joined forces with Bitter & Twisted’s Ross Simon to create Little Rituals, a 70-seat reimagining of the hotel bar concept, boasting sweeping views of the Downtown Phoenix nightlife in a dark, intimate lounge setting perfect for both the business traveler, as well as a local’s night out.
Renowned for his imaginative use of natural and locally-sourced ingredients, DeFeo’s cocktails have earned him multiple local and national accolades. Most recently, DeFeo won the 2014 & 2017 World Margarita Championship in Tucson, AZ, and the 2013 Woodford Reserve Manhattan Experience Arizona competition with his interpretation of the classic Manhattan. He is also a two-time national finalist for GQ’s Most Imaginative Bartender Competition, and in 2013 was named the Arizona Restaurant Association’s “Mixologist of the
Year”, and a finalist in 2015 for both Mixologist of the Year & Top Beverage Program.
A passionate advocate of creative mixology, DeFeo holds more than 17 years of experience and has been credited with elevating Arizona’s cocktail culture. His creations blend familiar spirits with unexpected flavors, creating an extraordinary flavor experience. He has also been an assistant producer for Arizona Cocktail Week.
During his career, DeFeo has competed in more than 25 national and international competitions and has been featured in several publications, including Nightclub & Bar Magazine, The Tasting Panel, Imbibe Magazine, The Los Angeles Times and FoxNews.com. He is also a contributing writer for WineInquirer.com, Nightclub.com and Savor Magazine.
In his role as Resort Mixologist at Casino Del Sol Resort, he oversaw a staff of 50 bartenders at 9 restaurants, bars and venues. Prior to joining the casino resort, DeFeo served as a bartender and beverage manager in some of Arizona’s most popular nightclubs and restaurants including The Cup Cafe, Club Congress and Maynard’s Market and Kitchen.
DeFeo earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Arizona and is certified B.A.R. Ready. He is also a Society of Wine Educators Certified Spirits Specialist. He holds the Spirits Professional distinction from the United
States Bartenders’ Guild (where he is the founder and president of the Tucson chapter) and often holds classes on the fine art of cocktail creation for industry professionals and the public.
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