Watch CBS News

Best Summer Cocktails In Los Angeles

drinks cocktail 610
(credit: Open Sesame)

Summer is upon us! And you know what that means. The beach, summery drinks and even better weather than we Angelenos already get! From the city to the beach, whether you are looking to unwind from the work week, or just quench your thirst this summer with friends, some of Los Angeles' best bars and restaurants are getting these summertime libations ready for your next visit. Which one will you try first?

The Normandie Club cocktails
(credit: Kate Boink)

Spritz
The Normandie Club
3612 W 6th St
Los Angeles, CA 90005
(213) 817-5321
www.thenormandieclub.com

This summer, consider stopping by The Normandie Club for a Spritz made with Dry Vermouth, St. Germain, Grapefruit & Lemon Juices, Seltzer, and Mixed Blessings (Blanco Tequila & Pisco. The spirits menu is defined by seven categories of classic cocktail canons, including the Spritz, Sour, Collins, Bloody Mary, Martini, Old-Fashioned, and the Manhattan. This 70-person bar features an inspired selection of cocktail classics in addition to craft beer, cider, wine, and select libations poured from wall optics is located in Koreatown.

FIN Tangerine Blossom
(Credit: FIN)

Tangerine Blossom
FIN Culver City
12223 W Washington Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90066
(310) 398-8611
www.FinCulverCity.com

Culver City's FIN restaurant will be serving up a variety of summer cocktails this season, but one you won't want to miss is the "Tangerine Blossom". Featuring orange vodka, Cointreau, orange juice and lime juice, the combination of lime and orange almost tastes like a tangerine and is very refreshing. Other stand outs are the Lychee Martini, and the Jade Buddha, which is mixed up with Midori, Malibu rum, orange and lime. The restaurant is offering many others so stop by and grab a few drinks!

PINOTEPA_Baltaire
(credit: Baltaire)

Pinotepa & More
Baltaire
11647 San Vicente Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90049
(424) 273-1660
www.baltaire.com

Brentwood's popular steakhouse Baltaire is serving up quite the array of flavorful summer drinks this season. The eatery, which offers patrons everything from fresh seafood dishes to the best in cuts of meat, will be featuring several incredible drinks like their "Pinotepa" (pictured), with mezcal, habanero, pineapple, cilantro, aperol and grenadine. Other favorites include their "Southern Efficiency" with nonino, averna, cynar and watermelon, the "Baltaire Julep" with either bourbon, gin, rum, tequila or vodka, the "Sidecar" with hardy cognac, cointreau and lemon, as well as a "Parson Brown" with gin, aperol, maraschino, and lemon and much more.

solita - Bulldog
(credit: Solita)

Bulldog Margarita
Solita Tacos
7631 Edinger Ave
Huntington Beach, CA 92647
(714) 894-2792
www.solitatacos.com

Not your typical Mexican restaurant, Solita Tacos & Margaritas in Valencia has proven to exceed expectations, offering fresh, seasonal and truly sophisticated south-of-the-border cuisine from Partner and Executive Chef Deborah Schneider. This exceptional standard is not limited to the kitchen though. The perfect complement to Chef Schneider's extraordinary flavors are the restaurants summer cocktails which raise the bar. Featuring handcrafted margaritas and a selection of over 40 tequilas, favorites here include the "Bulldog". With Jarritos grapefruit soda and an upturned Coronita to the classic margarita, it's a perfect and refreshing concoction. Other summer specials include their Horchata Cocktail, a mixture of solita's housemade horchata (a creamy-looking, yet dairy-free libation made with rice, almonds and cinnamon) and Agavales blanco tequila,

FIG Restaurant
(credit: FIG Restaurant)

I Am Groot!
FIG Restaurant
101 Wilshire Blvd
Santa Monica, CA 90401
(310) 319-3111
www.figrestaurant.com

FIG's simple bistro-style dishes put the ingredients first, which extends to their cocktail menu as well. The "I Am Groot!" for the veggie lover who is tired of the same old Bloody Mary, is a playful cocktail balancing celery and lime with licorice flavors; and the Matcha-Man Mai Tai is an energizing drink combining the power of matcha with a soft, white rum and smoky flavors. Tucked inside the Fairmont Miramar Hotel, this farm-to-table "seasonal bistro" has a pewter bar and communal table perfect for get togethers.

Terrazza
(credit: Terrazza Lounge)

Copper Pineapple
Terrazza Lounge
1910 Ocean Way
Santa Monica, CA 90405
(310) 581-5533
www.hotelcasadelmar.com

The beachfront Terrazza Lounge inside Hotel Casa del Mar recently launched Copper Pineapple Thursdays. Between 5-8pm where guests can enjoy a selection of shareable tropical drinks served in a large pineapple-shaped copper mule mugs. The cocktails, which feature Absolut Elyx handcrafted, luxury vodka, include the Copper Pineapple with Lillet, rosemary syrup, lime, and ginger, or the Copperface with Calvados, apricot brandy, and lemon zest.

Public School
(credit: Public School)

Guavalajara & Duck Thunder
Public School - PS310
9411 Culver Blvd
Culver City, CA 90232
(310) 558-0414
www.publicschool310.com

The American gastropub, Public School (with multiple Los Angeles locations,) has introduced two refreshing summer cocktails this season – the Guavalajara combining guava puree, Corralejo blanco tequila and basil for the air of a vacation in the tropics; and the Duck Thunder mixing St. Germaine, Aylesbury duck vodka and watermelon puree with a small shake of black pepper for spice. It also tastes great with gin, should you prefer while enjoying the schoolhouse decor and fun bites like bacon cheddar tots.

firefly.cocktails.7-2014.05a
(credit: Firefly)

The Blood Orange Bull
Firefly
11720 Ventura Blvd
Studio City, CA 91604
(818) 762-1833
www.fireflystudiocity.com

David Castangnetti of Studio City's drinking space, Firefly, makes a lovely summertime citrus concoction, The Blood Orange Bull. Made with tequila, lime, agave, blood orange juice, and ancho Reyes liquor, is perfect for enjoying Firefly's "Moroccan-influenced decor, fireside library lounge and seasonal menu that brings together the diverse agriculture the city has to offer. Firefly successfully manages to weave sophistication throughout its menus and services, yet embodies the personality of a familiar neighborhood establishment."

Harlow
(credit Danielle Barnabe)

Ides of March
Harlowe
7321 Santa Monica Blvd
West Hollywood, CA 90046
(323) 876-5839
www.harlowebar.com

Chris Amirault of West Hollywood's Harlowe has whipped up this warm weather kicker that's so strong, the limit is two per guest. The Ides of March is made with Rhum, JM Gold, Mount Gay Black Barrel, Hamilton 151, lime, ginger, pineapple, Donn's Spice No. 2, and Harlowe's very special Zombie Mix. So pace yourself and stay for the late night bites because the charred Brussels sprouts, yucca fries and cheese puffs are everything you imagined and so much more.

Palihouse
(credit: Palihouse)

The Blushing Bride and Flowers in May
Palihouse
8465 Holloway Dr
West Hollywood, CA 90069
(323) 656-4100
www.palihouse.com

Shawn Shepherd and Vincent Shakir of Palihouse in West Hollywood have introduced two beautiful summer cocktails this season: The Blushing Bride and Flowers in May. "Summertime is when love is in the air. It's warm out; it's wedding season. In the summer lean toward a white spirit with a floral, fruity character. The flavor profile includes soft notes of Turkish rose and sweet, juicy peach balanced by lightly tart raspberry."

Son of a Gun Square One Organic Vodka
(credit: Square One Organic Vodka)

Whistle Martini
Son of a Gun
8370 W 3rd St
Los Angeles, CA 90048
(323) 782-9033
www.sunofagunrestaurant.com

Nautical-themed haunt, Son of a Gun, is taking a cutting edge approach to cocktails for summertime. The Whistle martini with Square One Bergamot organic vodka and Lillet Vermouth has the refreshing ripe orange of summer, with the unique floral and tangy qualities of Bergamot orange. The intoxicating fragrant Bergamot orange is one of the new citrus fruits to capture leading mixologist's attention this year.

The Mixing Room
(credit: Mixing Room)

Scents & Sensibility, Bluegrass Smash & Tranquility Fix
The Mixing Room
900 W Olympic Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90015
(213) 765-8600
www.address.com

This summer, The Mixing Room at JW Marriott Los Angeles L.A.LIVE will be offering its Cocktail of the Month libations for a very refreshing $10 every Summer Friday. This rotating series features seasonal herbs and garnishes for a perfect toast to the summer months. June - Scents & Sensibility (grapefruit, cinnamon, and quinine notes) G'Vine Floraison, Espirt de June Liqueur, Fresh Grapefruit/ Fever Tree Tonic. July - Bluegrass Smash (lemon, orange, honey, rosemary notes) Maker's Mark, raw honey, fresh lemon, fresh orange, rosemary. And for August - Tranquility Fix (chamomile, honey, lemon notes) Knob Creek, chamomile honey syrup, lemon juice, bitters.

Open Sesame 2
(credit: Open Seasame)

Beirutini
Open Sesame
7458 Beverly Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA
(323) 525-1698
www.opensesamegrill.com

Located in the former Hatfield's space on Beverly, Open Sesame pays homage to Ali Kobeissi's Lebanese roots with this summer's most popular cocktail, the Beirutini. Named for the Lebanon Capital, Beirut, the cocktail is combines the perfect blend of Tito's Vodka with muddled strawberries, basil, and freshly-squeezed lemon juice topped with soda. In honor of country full of "contrasts and diversities," this drink stands out and is the perfect tribute.

Hard Rock Cafe
(credit: Hard Rock Cafe - Alessandro Martino)

Black Magic Press & Maria Maria Coronita
Hard Rock Cafe
Hollywood & Highland
6801 Hollywood Blvd
Hollywood, CA
(323) 464-7625
www.hardrock.com

The Hard Rock Cafe is serving up rock and roll libations this summer across Los Angeles. You don't have to be a rockstar to enjoy the Black Magic Press or the Maria Maria Coronita both made with Carlos Santana's Casa Noble Crystal Tequila. The Black Magic Press features Casa Noble Crystal Tequila, Hard Rock's made from scratch margarita mix, fresh blackberries, blueberries, lime wedges and mint leaves. The unique cocktail is served in a coffee-press style vessel that infuses the fruit into the cocktail through the drinking process.And the Maria Maria Coronita is made with Casa Noble Crystal Tequila, orange liqueur, mango puree, lime juice and garnished with a Coronita Extra.

DBCooper cocktail - now boarding
(credit: Now Boarding)

D.B. Cooper
Now Boarding
7746 Santa Monica Blvd
West Hollywood, CA 90046
(323) 848-8447
www.nowboardingla.com

Mixologist Wil Figueroa of West Hollywood bar Now Boarding will be serving up something special with the "D.B. Cooper". With Olmeca Altos Blanco Tequila, watermelon, lime, jalapeño, it's the perfect combination of a light, fruity cocktail that will have you feeling summery.

Tanzy_MG_1083
(credit: Tanzy)

Coco Pazzo
Tanzy
10840 Wilshire Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90024
(310) 307-7004
www.tanzyrestaurant.com/westwood

Westwood's Tanzy restaurant is joining in on the fun of Summer by introducing their Coco Pazzo Martini. Serving up the special drink, Mixologist Adam Seger included ingredients such as grilled pineapple vodka, roasted pistachio vodka, vanilla-lavender sour, coconut sorbetto.

Harlowe - Tigers Love Pepper
(credit: Harlowe)

Tigers Love Pepper
Harlowe
7321 Santa Monica Blvd
West Hollywood, CA 90046
(323) 876-5839
www.harlowebar.com

West Hollywood's Harlowe offers a playful take on the Martinez with the Tigers Love Pepper (Aviation Gin, Krogstad Aquavit, Aperol, red bell pepper, Cocchi Torino, and orange bitter), adding spice with fresh red bell pepper and herbaceous flavoring through Aquavit. Orange bitters and Aperol enhance the bitterness typically done through Angostura. With its early-American vintage aesthetic and charm, and an impressive, evolving cocktail menu, the neighborhood bar is a must visit.

Idle Hour- World%27s Greatest Cosmopolitan
(credit: Idle Hour)

World's Greatest Cosmopolitan
4824 Vineland Ave
Los Angeles, CA 91601
(818) 980-5604
www.idlehourbar.com

With cocktails that pay homage to classics, Idle Hour's World's Greatest Cosmopolitan (Green Mark Vodka, housemade cranberry apple shrub, house grenadine, lemon, and Peychaud's Bitters) is bright and refreshing, which makes the perfect companion for the barrel-shaped bar's outdoor patio. Idle Hour is one of the last standing thematic structures of this type in Los Angeles and serves Americana cocktails and fare that are a definitive time stamp reflective of its original era.

Basic Bitch Bar10
(credit: Bar10)

Basic
Bar 10
8933 Santa Monica Blvd
West Hollywood, CA 90069

West Hollywood cocktail hotspot Bar10 by Bartender Cody Goforth
Bar 10, a new cocktail-driven casual dining concept in the heart of West Hollywood, invites patrons to drink up their special summery beverage which includes Hanson's Ginger Vodka, Coconut Water, Blueberry and Simple Syrup.

Cocktails Los Balcones
(credit: Los Balcones)

Pichuberry Cooler
Los Balcones
1360 Vine St
Los Angeles, CA 90028
(323) 871-9600
www.losbalconesperu.com

What's better than a cocktail with the word 'cooler in it.' You know it has to be refreshing for summer! Serving a Pichuberry Cooler, Los Balcones is turning it up a notch. With Aviation gin, lemon, mint, pichu berries, St. Germain, club soda, it'll have you wanting to come back for more than a few rounds.

Nicole Standley a.k.a. JetSet Mom, is a social influencer + lifestylist covering luxury travel, fine-dining, fashion & pop culture for The JetSet Family. Follow her latest travels and escapades on Instagram, Google+ and Twitter.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.