Raise Your Glass and Sip a Milagro-Based Cocktail!
Written By: Ameihia Turingan Día de los Muertos Cocktails
Observed from Nov. 1-2, Día de los Muertos is a Mexican holiday where families reunite to celebrate life and honor the dead. A time to honor and remember loved ones who have passed on, the day involves various traditions, such as setting up altars with ofrendas (food offerings) and attending lively parades. These eight restaurants in Orange County are serving up some of the best Milagro-based cocktails that’ll help you celebrate this long-standing tradition. Have the bartender craft your margarita with Milagro Select Barrel Reserve silver, reposado, or añejo and cheers to this festive Mexican holiday!
1 | Descanso Restaurant Día de los Muertos Cocktails
Must-Order Cocktail: Bad Hombre
This modern taqueria reflects heritage through mouth-watering meals prepared on traditional plancha grills. Try the grilled alambres or celebrate the holiday with Sunday brunch from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. “Descanso embraces the spirit of Día de los Muertos with thematic decor, food and drink specials,” says owner Rob Arellano. “We love this time of year, as it really brings out the creative side in us!”
Descanso Restaurant
1555 Adams Ave, Ste 103
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
714.486.3798
2 | Carmelita’s Kitchen Día de los Muertos Cocktails
Must-Order Cocktail: Cilantro Cucumber
Family-owned Carmelita’s serves up classic Mexican cuisine lakeside. For the holiday, owner Clemente Heredia suggests ordering traditional items like mole, tamales, pork and pineapple tacos or choose a meal that your late loved one enjoyed. “It’s important to remember that you are here to celebrate or honor someone,” says Heredia. “Make sure you have a good time and that you find something to smile about because they are watching you from up high.”
Carmelita’s Kitchen
31441 Santa Margarita Pkwy
Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688
949.709.7600
3 | Padre Latin Table & Cocktails
Must-Order Cocktail: La Jamaica Margarita
A gastropub specializing in Latin cocktails and cuisine, Padre offers artisanal cocktails, local craft brews and savory dishes. Order your favorite taco and quench your thirst with flavorful drinks like the grapefruit and jalapeno-based Palomapeño or La Jamaica Margarita, which is made with blanco tequila, hibiscus, lime and agave.
Padre Latin Table & Cocktails
525 E Broadway
Long Beach, CA 90802
562.612.4951
4 | South of Nick’s Mexican Kitchen + Bar
Must-Order Cocktail: Mexican Mojito
Bringing Southern California flair to Mexican cuisine, South of Nick’s emphasizes fresh ingredients, prime steaks and quality seafood to go with a wonderful dining ambiance. Elevate the experience further by ordering Milagro Tequila drinks like fruity Mexican mojitos, sweet and sour Tamarindo margaritas or refreshing cucumber margaritas.
South of Nick’s
Locations: Laguna Beach | San Clemente
5 | Red O Taste of Mexico Día de los Muertos Cocktails
Must-Order Cocktail: Sun Burn Margarita
Red O provides guests with meals inspired by central and southern Mexican cuisine and crafted from local, sustainable ingredients. Created by Chef Rick Bayless, the upscale restaurant shines with flavorful dishes like sizzling fajitas and halibut fish tacos. Make sure to grab a drink as well; you can’t go wrong with a frozen piña colada or the spicy yet refreshing Sun Burn Margarita—made with Milagro Tequila!
Red O Taste of Mexico
143 Newport Center Dr
Newport Beach, CA 92660
949.718.0300
6 | Ola Mexican Kitchen
Must-Order Cocktail: Milagro Reserve Reposado Tequila
With a name meaning “wave” in Spanish and “life” in Hawaiian, Ola creates Mexican comfort food influenced by south-of-the-border flavor. Enjoy the ocean view and explore menu favorites like Baja fish tacos, siete mares and posole with delicious cocktails, beers and wines that hit the spot.
Ola Mexican Kitchen
Locations: Huntington Beach (at Pacific City) | Long Beach (at 2ND & PCH)
7 | El Matador Día de los Muertos Cocktails
Must-Order Cocktail: El Matador Margarita
Since 1966, El Matador has delivered original family recipes and delicious drinks. Devoted to the art of tequila, El Matador’s Tequila Wall of Fame is well-stocked with over 400 different tequilas made from 100% agave, including Milagro. Appreciate the nuances of the liquor through one of their signature margaritas.
El Matador
1768 Newport Blvd
Costa Mesa, CA 92627
949.645.0324
8 | Asada Cantina + Kitchen
Must-Order Cocktail: Blood Orange Margarita
Recently opened in August, Asada brings its unique take on Mexican cuisine to the Outlets of San Clemente. Discover new favorites like fire-grilled Baja lobster, enchiladas verde and filet mignon tacos. Explore Asada’s extensive tequila collection through flight options, hand-shaken margaritas and creative cocktails. Order the Blood Orange Margarita, made with Milagro Tequila, for a light and refreshing sip!
Asada Cantina + Kitchen
225 W Avenida Vista Hermosa
San Clemente, CA 92672
949.561.1200
