If you spend enough time in LA, you’ll find inspiration hiding (often not so subtly-I’m looking at you Jacaranda petals) in every corner. The Deco accents that grace the tops of apartment buildings, the ocean at dusk, the morning exchanges at local coffee shops, and the way nature meets metropolis, all contribute to the creativity, adventure, and excitement that gives this town its edge.
With Los Angeles as our muse, we’ve stirred up (and shaken) four original cocktails inspired by Los Angeles.*
“The DTLA”
A little gritty, a touch snarky, and yet, undeniably sophisticated, this smoky sipping machine is the perfect nightcap.
1.5 ounces bourbon
1 ounce orange juice
2 teaspoons mesquite simple syrup (we made our own with 1 cup water, 1 cup brown sugar, 1/2 teaspoon paprika, 1/4 teaspoon garlic salt, 1/2 teaspoon cumin, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper)
1 dash bitters
1 muddled apricot
Shake and serve in a short, paprika-rimmed tumbler.
“The Venice”
The perfect companion to a day at the beach, this shockingly pretty drink will cool you down during the day, and keep you warm at night.
1.5 ounces tequila
.5 ounce hibiscus syrup
Juice from one half of a lime
8 ounces sparkling water
Stir and serve in a tumbler with a wedge of lime.
“The Fairfax”
This is our spin on the classic egg cream, like the one they serve at Canter’s deli, a must-experience institution in the Fairfax district.
1.5 ounces whiskey
4 ounces root beer
1 teaspoon cinnamon
4 ounces milk or cream
Stir and serve in a chilled glass, or just drink it out of the mixing apparatus because it’s so darn delicious. Dust with cinnamon.
“The Hollywood”
This cocktail honors every hopeful that steps off a train, bus, or well-used car to pursue a dream. With a fairly neutral tasting base but fiercely committed flavor, it represents the blank canvas, the conquering of fears, and the endless possibilities that lie ahead.
1.5 ounces vodka
.5 ounce vermouth
1 tablespoon muddled basil
1 dash citrus bitters (we like the ones from Hella Cocktail Co.)
Stir and serve in a coupe with basil garnish
Top off with sparkling water
*Each recipe is for one drink (single serving).
Feeling like you’d rather have somebody else do the mixing? Check out our favorite happy hour spots here.
