Do you know how many signature cocktails there are in Laguna Beach?
A lot.
More than you can reasonably drink. So we had to pick just one per restaurant to save our livers. Even then it took us several weeks to pour ourselves responsibly throughout the town.
At first, we thought we’d rate them, but that quickly became impossible. They are too varied, too unique. Plus, how can you rate bourbon versus vodka? Or a margarita over a martini?
But we did learn a few things. Perhaps the biggest is that the hallmark of a great cocktail is balance. No single ingredient overpowers another. In many ways, it might even be hard to differentiate the flavors. They blend to create something new and memorable.
So we hope you enjoy this public service list of Laguna’s best creations (in alphabetical order). Almost all of them were good. Some were very, very good. And a few missed the mark. If we had to pick the most outstanding, they would be:
- Jade at Broadway (it’s not a drink, she’s a she)
- The Montage’s “Fall Collins”
- Carmelita’s “Pineapple Jalapeño Margarita”
- “Sal’s Special” at Reunion
- And anything by Dan Vincent
A couple final notes. You may notice that we didn’t go to the bars (The Saloon, Sandpiper, Marine Room, etc.). It was purposeful. Nothing against them, but we wanted to stick to the restaurants. If we missed a worthy place, let us know.
Also, Nirvana Grille’s bar was undergoing a concept change, so we were forced to skip it.
Finally, we agree that the taste of cocktails is completely subjective, so if you disagree with our assessments, fine, no hard feelings. If it will make you feel better, order us your favorite drink.
Salud.
230 Forest
230 Forest Ave
“Pear Martini” – $16
Dan Vincent is a legendary bartender in Laguna, so it behooves you to just ask him to make whatever he feels like. On this day, it was an off-menu pear martini. And as always, it was tasty, made from pear vodka, lime juice, St. Germaine and simple syrup. His Cucumber Cooler is hard to beat too.
Restaurant description (for Cucumber Cooler): Pearl cucumber vodka, lime, elderflower liqueur.
Alessa
234 Forest Ave
“Rosemary Lemon-Tini” – $16.50
A very nice drink. Would not expect rosemary to be very good (too astringent, maybe?), but the house limoncello balances it. Tasty.
Restaurant description: Fresh rosemary, house made limoncello, Tito’s vodka, Amarena black cherry.
Broadway
328 Glenneyre St
“Asponsi” – TBD - off the menu (for now)
Bartender Jade Bustamante gave us a sneak peek into her winter drink menu with the "Asponsi." It's an earthy, clever drink bomb: two types of Thai rums, ginger, lemon and the secret ingredient, sherry.
Restaurant description: You will see it on the menu soon.
Brussels Bistro
222 Forest Ave
“Lumiere” – $18
One of the more interesting cocktails, this gin-based drink has a lime-first flavor that's followed quickly by the pièce de résistance: the floral chartreuse. It's not sweet or sour. It's a bit of both. You can't help but sip it slowly while you chow down on the fries.
Restaurant description: Botanical, tart and bright. Gin, green chartreuse, orange bitters, lime juice, elderflower liqueur.
Carmelita's
217 Broadway St
"Pineapple Jalapeño Margarita" – $17
Overall, Carmelita’s probably makes the best margaritas in town. And this one is no exception. The combination of pineapple and jalapeño is surprisingly crisp — not too sweet. They balance each other nicely. Keep these coming, por favor.
Restaurant description: 100% blue agave tequila, muddled with roasted pineapple, organic jalapeño, fresh lime juice, homemade agave, served with chili salt rim.
The Cliff
577 S Coast Hwy
“Blackberry Mojito” – $16
Wow, sweet, strong and burly. But it softens like a ripe blackberry. You definitely get your daily allowance of antioxidants. The blackberry factor impacts the sweetness. Have them hold the simple syrup, then add a splash if needed. If all this is too much, go with the “Cliff House Margarita.”
Restaurant description: Van Gogh acai blueberry vodka muddled with fresh blackberries, mint and lime.
Coyote Grill
31621 Coast Hwy
“Firecracker” – $12
True to its name, it’s remarkably hot, which is why you have to admire Coyote Grill. It’s real, whether you like it or not. Fortunately, we like it. Plus, it’s the cheapest cocktail on this list.
Restaurant description: Absolut vodka, fresh watermelon, lime juice, agave, and serrano.
The Deck
627 Sleepy Hollow Ln
“The Red Tide” – $14
A vodka and watermelon drink, which is popular, and for good reason. It's refreshing but not too sweet. This one is OK – maybe a little safe. They should consider an upgrade and take more of a creative risk.
Restaurant description: Reyka vodka, watermelon, cranberry-lime sour, mint.
Dizz's
2794 S Pacific Coast Hwy
“Brandy Alexander” – $14
A couple of locals recommended this drink. “But it’s kind of an end of the night drink,” they said. At first, we didn’t understand, but then saw the bartender pull the ice cream out of the back. Yes, this is ice cream for adults. Just serve this for dessert at any party. Don’t think too hard about it and try to avoid a brain freeze.
Restaurant description: Ice cream, brandy, Kahula, and white crème de cacao, blended.
The Drake
2894 S Coast Hwy
“Sophisticated Lady” – $17
Strong juice flavor. The strawberry and lemon really come through. Abrupt and maybe not in a good way. Too much lemon, not enough subtlety. We had high hopes for this one, alas.
Restaurant description: Skyy strawberry vodka, fresh lemon juice, honey dipped edible buzz Szechuan flower.
Hotel Laguna
425 S Coast Hwy
“Oh So You Fancy Huh. Like, 007 Fancy” – $35
Yes, that is the name – and that is the price. What do you get? Gin, vodka, vermouth. Strong, strong, strong. A complete alcohol bomb in a fancy copper chalice. Bottom line: Not for the faint of heart. P.S. You can upgrade this drink with an optional “caviar bump” for $20.
Restaurant description: Chilled vesper crafted with Monkey 47, Absolut Elyx vodka, Lillet Blanc.
Las Brisas
361 Cliff Dr
“Coco Verde” – $18
“If a piña colada and a margarita made a baby,” said the bartender. Surprisingly good. Baby metaphors notwithstanding, it is a cuddly cherub of joy. The coconut is not cloying. Ancho Reyes Verde gives it a nice pepper punch. Overall, an unexpected addition to the family.
Restaurant description: Casmigos reposado, coconut, Ancho Reyes Verde, nutmeg.
Lumberyard
384 Forest
“City Hall Martini” – $14
We had to order this because of the name. Flavorful, grapefruit forward, nice citrus notes, bold. Only wish the real City Hall was this strong.
Restaurant description: Absolut Citron, grapefruit, lemon-lime, sugar.
Montage (lobby)
30801 S Coast Hwy
“Fall Collins” – $22
Exceptionally tasty. It’s a perfect balance of gin, lemon, maple and cinnamon. And no, it’s not sweet. It’s more refreshing than anything. The cinnamon gives it a nice winter vibe. The only bad part was that it disappeared in about 60 seconds.
Restaurant description: The Botanist Islay Dry Gin, lemon, maple, cinnamon, club soda.
Mozambique
1740 S Coast Hwy
“Green side up” – $17
Pretty good. There’s a smooth spiciness with the jalapeño and cool cucumber. The initial bite softens as you drink it. We did note a slight aftertaste that we couldn’t place. We might order something else next time.
Restaurant description: El Jimador tequila, jalapeño agave nectar, cucumber and lime.
Nick's
440 S Coast Hwy
“Single Barrel Margarita” – $16
Very good. Smooth, sophisticated, perfectly balanced. Could use a little more tequila but we’re lushes, so we will forgive the bartender.
Restaurant description: Milagro Select reposado, Cointreau, fresh lime, agave, chili-lime salt rim.
Oak
1100 S Coast Hwy # 202
“Orange Bourbon Sour” – $16
Nice drink. Perfect for winter. Frothy. Solid mix of orange sour and bourbon. “Tastes like something you’d have in the ’60s,” my partner said. Agreed. “Mad Men” goes to the beach.
Restaurant description: Orange peel infused Clyde May’s bourbon, lemon, sugar cane, orange bitters, lemon infused foam.
Oliver's Osteria
853 Laguna Canyon Rd
“Eric’s Old Fashioned” – $16
The bourbon and amaretto blend nicely. The walnut bitters give it a further rich and nutty flavor. A sippy drink, not sweet but not tart. Very solid.
Restaurant description: Amaretto, bourbon, orange peel, walnut bitters.
The Ranch
31106 Coast Hwy
“Green Bogey” – $16
This one has some bite. Enjoyably spicy. I asked the bartender about the “green juice,” and yes, it has jalapeño. It's good but takes a few sips to get acclimated. Watch out, though, the aggressive agave spear could poke your eye out.
Restaurant description: Silver tequila or mezcal, green juice, lime juice, green chartreuse.
Reunion Kitchen
610 N Coast Hwy
“Sal’s Special” – $14.95
We first ordered the Basil Gimlet, which is really basily (in other words, you REALLY have to like basil). We casually mentioned it to Sal, the bartender, and my partner explained our mission. Sal said, “Oh, then you have to try something special.” Ergo, Sal’s Special, an off-menu dollop of brilliance. He essentially took the Basil Gimlet and made it much better by swapping in tequila instead of gin, keeping the St. Germaine, but muddling in lemons, limes and a couple basil leaves with a splash of agave. Night and day difference. Highly recommended.
Restaurant description (of the Basil Gimlet): Tanqueray, St. Germaine, simple syrup, fresh basil, lemon, lime.
The Rooftop
1289 S Coast Hwy 4th floor
“La Casa Cooler” – $18
Nice and summery. Great mix of cucumber, gin and lime. Tastes a bit like a cucumber martini, except in a highball glass.
Restaurant description: Hendrick’s gin, St. Germaine, lemon juice, Angostura bitters, and ginger beer.
Royal Hawaiian
331 N Coast Hwy
“Chief Lapu Lapu” – $18
The famous Lapu ... get the old school one without the fire and instead opt for the cinnamon stick ember — still a little dramatic but not over the top. As for taste, the passion fruit is not cloyingly sweet. Would recommend taking out the stick before too long because it makes the drink a little smoky. Overall, pretty good.
Restaurant description: A mix of Hamilton light and dark rums, passion fruit and orange juice.
Sapphire
1200 S Coast Hwy
“Snap Dragon” – $14.95
Very good. First sip is an immediate, nice mix of sour and bite, with a hint of sweetness. All-around intriguing and delightful. The lychee fruit condiment is a trip.
Restaurant description: Vodka, Orange Liqueur, Cucumber, Lemon, Lychee, Serrano.
Selanne
1464 S Coast Hwy
“Teemu’s Moscow Mule” – $15
Solid, like a well-balanced hockey puck. Good vodka, nice agave touch. Great copper mug. If you’re going to put your name on a drink, make it your own. The agave does that here.
Restaurant description: Platinum 7x vodka, Fever-Tree ginger beer, agave, lime.
Skyloft
422 S Coast Hwy
“Skyloft Pomegranate Martini” – $16
Wow, super sweet. We recommend you ask for the skinny version. They’ve got three different liquors in here, which could be the problem. If they cut back on the sweetness, the real flavor might shine.
Restaurant description: Tito’s vodka, POM Wonderful pomegranate juice, Licor 43, lime juice, Cointreau and pomegranate liquor, shaken and served in a martini glass.
South of Nick’s
540 S Coast Hwy
“Single Barrel Margarita” – $15
Something was off on the day we visited. Maybe it was just an anomaly because this margarita (we believe) is the same one that's served at Nick's, which is very, very good. So maybe we will go back and give it another shot. (Update: Yes, we went back, and this time, it was as expected. Excellent.)
Restaurant description: Hand-crafted milagro tequila, fresh lime, agave, chili-lime salt rim.
Splashes
1555 S Coast Hwy
“Tamarindo” – $19
A beautiful presentation. Plus, it’s a very tasty drink. The tequila is smooth, perhaps softened by the tamarind syrup. A bonus, of course, is the view. Probably the best waterside experience in Laguna.
Restaurant description: Blanco tequila, tamarind syrup, agave, lime.
Starfish
30832 S Coast Hwy
“Ginger Pinch” – $14
With ginger in the title, you know it’s going to taste like ginger. The pomegranate is a little sweet but not too bad. The clean, American-made house vodka, Conciere, helps anchor this drink.
Restaurant description: Vodka, Canton ginger liqueur, fresh squeezed lime, pomegranate juice, fresh ginger, served up.
*CLOSED*
Sueños
222 Ocean Ave
“Red Summer” – $15
Another watermelon drink, which we like. This one wasn’t too sweet. The cucumber smoothed it out. A good flavor. Plus, you get a healthy sized slice of watermelon to help with your diet.
Restaurant description: Cucumber vodka, watermelon, lime, agave.
