9 Winter Cocktails in San Diego
San Diego’s finest restaurants and mixologists offer potions that pack a punch this winter. Warm up with these nine cocktails in San Diego.
Bean Me Up Biscotti! from Park & Rec
University Heights’ “playground” bar Park & Rec serves as a haven to escape the holiday craziness, and their cocktail menu is just as playful. We love their different takes on a classic Old Fashioned. Try the Bean Me Up Biscotti with bourbon, coffee liqueur, biscotti liqueur and orange bitters. 4612 Park Blvd., University Heights, 619.795.9700. parkandrecsd.com
Vieux Carre—1938, New Orleans from The Nolen
As the hot new rooftop bar in town, The Nolen is making a serious splash on the craft cocktail scene. Located on the 14th floor of the newly constructed Courtyard by Marriott San Diego Gaslamp hotel, the views of downtown make it a worthy setting for its vintage-inspired beverages. Enjoy the Vieux Carre with rye, cognac, sweet vermouth, benedictine, angostura and peychaud’s. 453 Sixth Ave., Gaslamp Quarter, 619.237.0678. thenolenrooftop.com
The King’s Roar from West Coast Tavern
Enjoy the relaxed, industrial-chic setting at this North Park watering hole and catch a concert at the adjacent Observatory North Park Theatre. West Coast Tavern boasts a strong lineup of craft cocktails. Try The King’s Roar with old forester bourbon, amaro nonino, aperol and lemon. 2895 University Ave., North Park, 619.295.1688. westcoasttavern.com
Ghost in the Machine at Loungesix
Steps from the Gaslamp Quarter, Jsix Restaurant is tucked on the corner of 6th street, adjoining Hotel Solamar. Head upstairs to the poolside Loungesix to enjoy views of downtown, savor small plates and sip from their cocktail menu. To add a little spice to your typical cocktail selection, opt for the Ghost in the Machine with milagro reposado, coffee liqueur, yucca amaro and vanilla ghost pepper syrup. 435 Sixth Ave., Gaslamp Quarter, 619.819.9500. hotelsolamar.com
Silk Stockings from Top of the Hyatt
Sip from 40 floors up at the Top of the Hyatt. The sky-high spot bosts floor to ceiling windows and panoramic views of the city, Coronado, and San Diego Bay. Try the Silk Stockings with Del Maguey Vida mescal, creme de cacao, cream, cherry and cinnamon. 1 Market Pl., downtown, 619.358.6731. topofthehyatt.com
SS Old Fashioned from Soda & Swine
Consortium Holdings properties pride themselves on innovative cocktail creations and Soda & Swine in Liberty Station really steps up to the plate with its showcase of Negronis, boozy slushies and extensive soda pop menu for the DD. We love their SS Old Fashioned with Henry McKenna bourbon, brown sugar cola syrup, bacon-infused angostura bitters and orange twist. 2750 Dewey Rd., #104, Liberty Station, 619.501.9989. sodaandswine.com
Irish Coffee from The Field
Nothing warms the soul on a chilly evening like a strong cup of joe, and even better if it’s spiked! Downtown’s favorite Irish Pub serves up a tasty Irish Coffee complete with Jameson, Bailey’s and a clover-shaped cocoa treat on top. 544 Fifth Ave., Gaslamp Quarter, 619.232.9840. thefield.com
Black Rose from The Hake
Located in the heart of downtown La Jolla, The Hake is the perfect locale to take a break from shopping and enjoy a liquid pick-me-up from their new seasonal cocktail menu. We love the Black Rose with Antica Carpano vermouth, Amador double barrel bourbon and Taken red wine. 1250 Prospect St., La Jolla, 858.454.1637. thehake.com
¿Que Paso Dude? from The Blind Burro
While margaritas are a staple beverage gracing the menus of San Diego’s cocktail scene, The Blind Burro has us embracing the rich holiday flavors in their seasonal drink ¿Que Paso Dude? featuring Patron XO, Ketel One, house-made horchata and a cinnamon stick. 639 J St., downtown, 619.795.7880. theblindburro.com
