Cocktail Academy’s American Summer includes cherry liqueur. PHOTO BY SCOTT CLARK
1. Froze at L.P. Rooftop
Named after the 7-inch and 12-inch vinyl records, E.P. and L.P. (short for “extended play” and “long play”) are popular West Hollywood picks in nice weather. Indulge at E.P. restaurant, then head up to L.P. Rooftop for sweeping views of the Hollywood Hills. The handcrafted cocktail menu includes a summer favorite: the Froze, an exquisite blend of rosé wine, Bacardi rum, strawberries and lemon, available by the glass or pitcher. eplosangeles.com
2. Prickly in Pink at Employees Only
This New York-born, Prohibition-style concept in West Hollywood maintains the same classic speakeasy vibe across all of its global locations with a retro, art deco-influenced aesthetic and “psychic” sign at the entrance. A new “golden hour” enables guests to enjoy bar bites alongside summertime-inspired sips. Don’t miss the Prickly in Pink, a refreshing concoction of Bombay gin, cognac, prickly pear, cucumber and lime. employeesonlyla.com
3. American Summer at Cocktail Academy
Enjoy warm nights with artistic, personalized cocktail experiences from a team of highly skilled mixologists and event producers. WeHo’s Cocktail Academy is crafting up summer in a glass with inventive creations such as the American Summer, made from bonded bourbon, Contratto bitter, lemon, cherry liqueur, cherry cordial and Peychaud’s bitters. cocktailacademy.com
4. Spicy Pineapple Margarita at Cha Cha Chá
This stylish restaurant in the Arts District puts a modern twist on Mexican cuisine and cocktails, and is the sibling of a branch in Mexico City. Don’t miss its elevated take on classic margaritas including the spicy pineapple margarita, comprised of tequila blanco, fresh pineapple, lime and Tajín. Nothing says summer quite like fresh pineapple. chachacha.la
5. The JoJo at Harriet’s Rooftop
Step into luxury as you sip craft cocktails and admire the panoramic views of the L.A. skyline from the chic rooftop lounge atop 1 Hotel West Hollywood. This summer hot spot offers gourmet bites and a creative list of drinks, including the JoJo, a mouthwatering blend of Sunny vodka, St-Germain elderflower liqueur, strawberry, lemon and a dash of Peychaud’s bitters, topped off with prosecco. harrietsrooftop.com
The pina colada at SIXTY Beverly Hills’ roof is served in the pineapple used to make it. PHOTO COURTESY OF BRANDS
6. Pina Colada at SIXTY Beverly Hills’ Roof
Umbrella Hospitality Group, behind WeHo’s Melrose Umbrella Co. and Ella bistro, on the ground level of SIXTY Beverly Hills hotel, is also curating SIXTY’s rooftop cuisine and programming. Spend summer days lounging by the pool and sipping the signature pina colada, made from scratch with a house blend of several exotic rums, housemade coconut cream and freshly blended pineapple—served in the pineapple used to make it. sixtyhotels.com
7. Frozen Margaritas at Solita
With locations in Long Beach, Huntington Beach, Valencia and Anaheim, Solita celebrates the laid-back SoCal lifestyle with woodgrilled tacos and dynamic cocktails. The frozen margaritas consist of fresh lime juice, triple sec and 100% blue agave tequila blanco, blended to smoothness—and the frozé combines the frozen margarita with sparkling rosé wine and pink guava nectar. solitatacos.com
8. Ten To One Colado at The Peninsula Beverly Hills
Atop this elegant Beverly Hills hotel is The Roof Garden, a verdant escape. The menu of food and beverages combine California classics with global influences. This summer, experience vacation in a tropical cocktail with the Peninsula’s signature Ten To One Colado, featuring Ten To One rum, banana liquor, coconut and pineapple. peninsula.com/en/
Solita’s frozen margaritas are blended to smoothness. PHOTO COURTESY OF BRANDS
9. Tropical Fizz at Cabra
This lively Peruvian-inspired restaurant by chef Stephanie Izard and Boka Restaurant Group occupies the top floor of The Hoxton in Downtown L.A. The menu features vibrant Peruvian flavors and equally bold cocktails. Enjoy panoramic views of DTLA while sipping a Tropical Fizz cocktail, a summery blend of gin, coconut, banana and soda. cabralosangeles.com
10. Hibiscus Bliss at Broken Shaker
The Freehand Los Angeles’ rooftop bar in DTLA feels more like South Beach with its colorful, eclectic atmosphere. The one-of-a-kind cocktails are infused with homemade elixirs and exotic ingredients, reflecting vintage touches and beach flavors. Try the Hibiscus Bliss, composed of Grey Goose peach and rosemary essence, Martini Fiero, fennel syrup, lemon and grapefruit juice, topped with JuneShine hibiscus kombucha. brokenshaker.com
11. Between the Sheets at Kato
Jon Yao’s Asian American tasting menu concept in Downtown L.A. serves equally refined cocktails, including Japanese kakigori shaved ice drinks and desserts. Between the Sheets is a mix of Capurro quebranta pisco, Appleton eightyear rum, yuja-cheong, lime and sake kasu cream. katorestaurant.com
12. Cannes at Issima
Transport yourself to the Mediterranean at Matt and Marissa Hermer’s West Hollywood hot spot at the Kimpton La Peer Hotel. Pair your European-inspired dishes with one of the beach holiday-inspired cocktails, from the Santorini to the Marseille. The Cannes is a festive mix of Lillet Blanc, elderflower, Malfy grapefruit, rose and Perrier-Jouët Champagne. issima.la
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