10 Totally Refreshing L.A. Cocktails That’ll Definitely Help Cool You Down This Summer

Los Angeles features some of the best bartenders, mixologists, and cocktail chefs in the world, all ready to create libations that will leave a firmly lasting impression.

But where to start?

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With the summer days only getting warmer we happily drank ourselves silly scouted some of most refreshing adult drink creations in city so we could download you on the latest of what’s going on in the cocktail scene around L.A.

From a minty milkshake to a next level version of sangria (it’s called chavela) Los Angeles is at the forefront of mixology and we can all say cheers to that (well, assuming you’re of age…).

List starts in no particular order after the jump.

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1. Barracho Gazpacho

Over at Ray Garcia’s contemporary Spanish eatery B.S. Taqueria they make a drink inspired by the perfect summer cold soup: the gazpacho. A huge hit with patrons the Barracho Gazpacho is made up of mezcal, cherry tomatoes, celery, micro cilantro, beet escabeche, and strawberries.

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2. Crushed Velvet

If you like Moscow mules than this is the perfect drink for you! The Crushed Velvet at Public School is made up of a blackberry and blueberry reduction, lavender and karlsson’s gold vodka served in a icy copper mug. The drink is light and sweet, great when you feel like taking it easy.

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Crushed Velvet at Public House 21
Crushed Velvet at Public House 213. Credit: Brian Champlin

3. Grasshopper

What can be more refreshing than a minty milkshake? The Grasshopper at BarToni’s is a boozy milkshake made with vanilla ice cream, crème de menthe, crème de cacao and Frenet Branca. Owner Aidan Demarest has worked his magic on some of the best bars in L.A. from Seven Grand to The Roosevelt at BarToni’s he pays tribute to Old Hollywood recreating some of the coolest drinks in history. BarToni’s is located inside Little Toni’s.

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4. Ginger Kombucha Mule

Stay healthy, kind of…. with the Ginger Kombucha Mule over at DTLA’s Barrel Down. The drink blends vodka, ginger syrup, kombucha and lime into a refreshingly fizzy take on the classic ginger mule.

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5. Ghost Rider

A cocktail on fire? Yes, we found the coolest one at Toca Madera, the Ghost Rider is made of cazadores reposado tequila, mint, lime, agave with a sugar skull lit on fire. The drink is dangerously refreshing.

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6. Italian Stallion

Modern Italian tavern Wildcraft in Culver City takes an Italian approach to a Mexican cerveza preparada, the Michelada . The Italian Stallion is made with tajin, Clamato, pepper, and Italian beer rimmed with a spice salt blend made with leftover lemon and lime zest from the kitchen. The Italian beer is light and crisp while the spices give the summertime cocktail a bit of a kick. If you are a fan of the Michelada or Bloody Mary this drink should be right up your alley.

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7. Dog Bite

Packed with fresh produce,foraged herbs and carefully infused liquors The Fat Dog’s NOHO drink menu takes cocktail making to the next level thanks to Cocktail Chef extraordinaire Matthew Biancaniello. Order the Dog Bite a jalapeno infused tequila drink with strawberry, lime agave, cucumber and cilantro.

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8. Maradentro Margarita

Mexican seafood eatery Maradentro in Studio City has managed to create the most stunning sea side cocktail. A vibrant color of aqua, The Maradentro Margarita is made with partida blanco tequila, passion fruit simple syrup and rimmed with black lava salt.

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9. Chavela

New plant based restaurant Chavela in Hollywood specializes in traditional Peruvian-style sangrias. The floral chavela rosa is made with hibiscus liqueur, aperol, silver rum, lemon and rosé. A fan of white wine? The chavela fresca is a great refresher made with peach, curacao, lemon, mint, vanilla tea, and sauvignon blanc. Joel Black of Black LAB Ventures, who also designed the bar program at sister restaurant Los Balcones oversee the execution of Chavela’s cocktails.

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10. Matcha-Man Mai Tai

Matcha is really having a moment right now so the the Matcha-Man Mai Tai at Fig in Santa Monica is this season’s must try! Made with Matusalem Rum, matcha tea syrup, lime, coconut orgeat with a Mt. Gay Black Barrel float this drink can be enjoyed during brunch or anytime you need a little caffeine kick.

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What’s your favorite refreshing cocktail in Los Angeles? Let us know in the comments below!

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