National Cocktail Day
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| The Whiskey House (courtesy photo) |
If you’re searching for a spot to take in the cool ocean breeze, while sipping refreshing cocktails, look no further than Duck Dive. This casual beach-inspired lounge invites you to let your inner beach bum spirit come to life right on the coast of Pacific Beach. The perfect way to celebrate the warm season approaching is by enjoying their Tropic Like its Hot cocktail that includes a mix of Rumhaven Caribbean rum, fresh mint, coconut cream, blood orange, pineapple, and lime juice. Duck Dive also features a rotating cocktail of the month, so be sure to check out the monthly creation!
Located in the heart of San Diego’s Gaslamp District, barleymash is a lively restaurant and bar that catches the eye with its warm modernist design and one-of-a-kind beverage program. Indulge in a list of signature cocktails, such as The Ron Burgundy, a delightful mix of barley select Templeton rye single barrel whiskey, angostura bitters, orange bitters, and sweetened with sugar. Patrons are encouraged to visit gingers located downstairs, open Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evening!
Head on over to Little Italy to step into the beautiful Japanese artistic world of Cloak and Petal, where cherry blossoms trestles envelope the front bar and offer a one-of-a-kind drinking experience. Alongside some of the freshest sushi and sashimi in town, you'll find a cocktail list including creations like the Kyoto Days with Suntory Toki, matcha iri genmaicha & grapefruit.
Sandpiper Wood Fired Grill & Oysters offers a diverse cocktail menu from Bar Manager Andrew Phillips, who joined the La Jolla Shores restaurant last fall after serving as the lead bartender for five years at Cellar 335, the No. 1 tiki bar in the NYC area according to Yelp. Earlier in his career, Phillips served as a bartender at MICHELIN-recognized Pastis by Keith McNally in New York City for two and a half years. Cocktails on the Sandpiper menu include Mai Tai (jm rhum 100, el dorado 12, Hamilton black, clement creole, lime, almond 15), The Captain’s Chair (piggyback rye, luxardo abano, demerara), and Thyme and Place (vodka, lemon, ginger, guava, thyme). Sandpiper offers “all-day” happy hour on Fridays and Saturdays from 11:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. Happy hour from Sunday – Thursday is 4:00 – 5:30 p.m. Specialty cocktails are $4 off during those times.
Found tucked away near Belmont Park, in Mission Beach, Sandbar is the perfect sports bar and grill for those looking to embrace the laidback SoCal lifestyle with beautiful ocean views from their Sky Deck. Indulge in a list of specialty cocktails such as their Mission Beach Melon Margarita with Herradura Reposado, Licor 43, cointreau noir, agave nectar, fresh lime juice, fresh watermelon, and cucumber. Or opt for the Spicy Tropical Marg, a concoction of Olmeca Altos Blanco Tequila, mango puree, pineapple juice, fresh lime juice, agave nectar, jalapeno, and fire bitters, for a little kick to your National Cocktail Day.
With a Guinness World Record collection of more than 4,000 whiskeys, downtown San Diego’s The Whiskey House invites you to explore their exceptionally crafted cocktails and experience the perfect harmony of taste and craftsmanship. Celebrate properly with a choice from one of their shaken and savory cocktails like their Bark-Bark Berry which includes bourbon orgeat, cinnamon bark, lemon, and muddled strawberry.
Head down to Little Italy and relax in the tropical paradise of Coco Maya. Their mixologists welcome you to the islands and Latin American regions of the Caribbean Ocean with their refreshing Caribe Welcome cocktail which includes a mix of house rum blend, apricot brandy, lime, fresh coconut water, and coconut cream, served in a fresh young coconut!
Located on Convoy St and with a second location now open in Chula Vista, Common Theory is a world of a symbiotic culture clash between their Korean-Chinese-Mexican-American background. Their cocktail menu includes a perfect selection of classic and sophisticated cocktails such as a Side Car, Gin Rickey, Manhattan, Moscow Mule, and Old Fashioned. The traditional Tommy’s Margarita comes with a choice of El Jimador Blanco Tequila or El Silencio Mezcal, finished with a squeeze of lime and agave.
Delve into the vibrant world of mixology with insights from Master MixologistRob McShea. With a wealth of experience as the beverage director for Grind & Prosper Hospitality, overseeing renowned establishments like San Diego Miss B’s Coconut Club and Park 101, McShea brings a unique perspective to the craft. Rob McShea's expertise extends to crafting bar programs tailored to each concept's theme, with a penchant for serving cocktails in unconventional vessels, from "Kool-Aid Man" jars to real coconuts. His inventive creations have earned statewide recognition, including accolades from The Food Network’s CHOPPED Bloody Mary Contest. Reflecting on timeless classics, McShea shares his top three favorite cocktails, each deserving of a revival in the modern cocktail scene. Firstly, the Gibson receives a refreshing twist with vodka and a pickled onion, offering a delightful alternative to the traditional martini. Next, the French 75 captivates with its blend of cognac, lemon, sugar, and champagne, delivering a versatile option suitable for any time of day. Lastly, McShea champions the Daiquiri, dispelling misconceptions and highlighting its harmonious fusion of rum, lime, and sugar, shaken to perfection for a martini-like experience. Rob McShea's insights offer a captivating glimpse into the artistry of mixology, perfect for celebrating National Cocktail Day and beyond.
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