Hit the Town and Order These Must-Try Drinks This Month
Known for its vast, golden beaches, shimmering bayfronts and sweeping ocean bluffs, San Diego is truly one of a kind. So it should come as no shock that this vibrant city is also home to a thriving mixology scene with some of the most decadent and delightful cocktails in the entire state. Whether you’re basking on a rooftop deck, soaking in the year-round sunshine or ducking into a cozy, quiet speakeasy to escape a windy winter night, these nine new cocktails in San Diego are sure to keep spirits high and make any night bright.
Talk Birdy to Me
Order at: Birdseye
@localemag S I P /// on this! We’ve put together a list of nine must-sip cocktails in San Diego this December and we’re starting it off with the Talk Birdy to Me at @birdseyerooftop. 🕊️ 🎥 @Sarah Norian “Birdseye offers gorgeous views of La Jolla Shores with an equally impressive array of signature cocktails–with special attention awarded to the Talk Birdy to Me. Featuring a floral, fragrant, and citrus-forward medley of lime, St. Germain, and creme de cassis, this vodka cocktail is a favorite amongst those seeking a well-balanced yet flavorful drink to enjoy while taking the sunset.” Head to our website for the full list! 🎥 by @sarah_norian #localemagazine #localesd #birdseyerooftop #cocktailssd #talkbirdytome #sdfoodies #sdrooftops ♬ Sunset – Official Sound Studio
Starting off with one of San Diego’s best rooftop dining and drinking experiences, Birdseye offers gorgeous views of La Jolla Shores with an equally impressive array of signature cocktails–with special attention awarded to the Talk Birdy to Me. Featuring a floral, fragrant and citrus-forward medley of lime, St. Germain and creme de cassis, this vodka cocktail is a favorite amongst those seeking a well-balanced yet flavorful drink to enjoy while taking the sunset.
La Barca Michelada
Order at: La Barca
Combining all the spice, flavor and flair of the Baja coast, La Barca is bringing bold flavors and fresh seafood to San Diego. So it should come as no surprise that they offer a decadent yet innovative take on the classic shrimp cocktail: the La Barca Michelada. Combining the indulgent fun of a shrimp cocktail with the savory yet refreshing flavor of a michelada, this brunch cocktail is sure to impress.
La Toxica
Order at: Take the Bait
As their slogan states, Take the Bait is “not your average seafood bar.” With innovative flavors coming from a wide variety of cuisines, guests may be shocked to see a small signature cocktail selection, but after one sip of their ever-popular La Toxica, you’ll soon realize that a large drink menu isn’t necessary. Sweet with coconut liquour and balanced with mint and lime, this unique burst of flavor is an excellent addition to an already stunning menu. Located in the Convoy District, you don’t want to miss out on this spot.
Peach Old Fashioned
Order at: Star Bar
Elegant, timeless and delicious: the old fashioned is the ultimate litmus test for any bar, and Star Bar’s ability to elevate it with the addition of their own smoky, homemade peach syrup speaks volumes to the quality and craftsmanship that goes into their drinks. The Peach Old Fashioned is a bold endeavor–but one that is sure to leave whiskey lovers surprised and impressed. This neighborhood dive bar will keep you coming back for more!
Plum Saketini
Order at: Mikami Sushi
For lovers of all things sushi, Mikami Sushi is a must-stop for those visiting or native to San Diego; however, their prioritization of freshness and ingenuity extends beyond the dinner menu and is the backbone of their signature cocktail selection, as exhibited by the Plum Saketini. Taking the classic martini concept and elevating it with fragrant, rich plum sake, this cocktail is sure to impress those seeking a spirit-forward complement to a decadent sushi dinner.
Holiday Negroni Spritz
Order at: Invita Cafe
Known best for serving up some of the best cappuccinos in the area, Invita Cafe is changing it up this season by introducing their all new Appertivi Hour–transforming their classic Italian cafe into a spruced-up holiday speakeasy. Their holiday-oriented take on the refreshing Negroni Spritz is a perfect winter treat, adorned with a sugar rim and a sprig of rosemary, bringing all the warmth and holiday cheer that one could want.
Christmapolitan
Order at: Polite Provisions
Quaint, elegant and undeniably charming, Polite Provisions prides itself on creating quality craft cocktails and elixirs that pay homage to the classics while continuing to innovate. Their new Christmapolitan holiday cocktail perfectly embodies this by offering up a spiced, cozy take on the classic cosmo that is sure to leave guests spirited and satisfied.
The Naughty Rudolph
Order at: Barbusa
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Bringing the flavors of Sicily to SoCal, Barbusa has quickly become a staple in Little Italy, offering some of the best Italian eats and sips in the city. This holiday season, head down and try their new Naughty Rudolph signature cocktail, which stirs together smooth, crisp Grey Goose cherry noir with bubbly prosecco and the citrusy tang of orange and pomegranate, making it equal parts cozy and refreshing.
Irish Chai
Order at: Cardellino
For those seeking a cozy getaway and a tender, fire-roasted steak to help beat the harsh cold of a California winter, Cardellino should be your first stop this holiday season. One of San Diego’s premier steakhouses, Cardellino is also home to a host of decadent signature cocktails, including the new Irish Chai. This one-of-a-kind cocktail combines warm, holiday spices with a creamy, maple finish, making it the perfect drink for those seeking comfort and cheer this season.
