COURTESY OF SELANNE STEAK TAVERN

cognizant of what they ’ re consuming . “ People are gravitating toward properly made cocktails with fresh ingredients over the shots or concoctions of syrupy mix … quality over quantity ,” he explains . ( 949-715-8234 ; broadwaybyamarsantana . com )

BARREL-AGED MANHATTAN

At Three Seventy Common Kitchen & Drink , classic cocktails are straight to the point — solid drinks that pack a punch without excess sugar and fluffy garnishes . New techniques and flavorful adjustments elevate them from special to exceptional .

One such drink is the establishment ’ s barrel-aged Manhattan . The secret to its creation is quality components . After taking a select bourbon and aging it in-house with sweet vermouth and bitters , the alcohol is stored in miniature oak barrels for about 90 days .

The process imparts the sought-after toasty flavor and

mellows out the bourbon . It ’ s served over a single large ice cube with a twist of orange . ( 949-494- 8686 ; 370common . com )

MOSCOW MULE

Follow South Coast Highway to Selanne Steak Tavern for a Moscow mule that starts with premium Forty Degrees vodka . Ginger beer , agave and freshly squeezed lime juice are added , then the cocktail is stirred and poured into a chilled copper mug with a fresh lime garnish . It ’ s a perfect example of a carefully crafted classic with creative license and a sense of playfulness .

“ There is a growing trend throughout the country for everyone to enjoy classic cocktails in all types of restaurants and bars , as well as a whole new crop of male and female bartenders who care about fresh ingredients , premium liquors and new and old-fangled techniques , recipes and garnishes ,” says Selanne ’ s head bartender Neil Matchko . ( 949-715-9881 ; selannesteaktavern . com )

Dizz ’ s As Is : Located in a quaint , wood-shingled , 1920s house , this restaurant and bar has been a Laguna favorite for nearly 40 years . ( 949-494-5250 ; dizzsasis . com )

Marine Room Tavern : This neighborhood bar dates back to 1934 , and was reportedly granted the second liquor license in Laguna after Prohibition ended . Stop by for the stiff drinks , a game of pool and nightly entertainment . ( 949-494-3027 ; marineroomtavern . com )

The Saloon : A mahogany bar that dates back to 1906 lends a Wild West-like atmosphere with an Irish pub twist . Take advantage of the fully stocked bar and ask for a classic cocktail — you ’ ll feel right at home in this vintage establishment . ( 949-494-5469 ; lagunabeachsaloon . com )

Sandpiper Lounge : Nicknamed the “ Dirty Bird ,” this local institution features live music every night . Established in 1942 , the dive bar pays tribute to its history with framed military patches from World War II through the Vietnam War in memory of the servicemen credited with keeping the Sandpiper open during those years . ( 949-494-4694 )

MEXICAN MULE

EnoSteak at the Ritz-Carlton in nearby Laguna Niguel has reintroduced some time-tested favorites onto its featured drink list . One of them , the Mexican mule , is a refreshing beverage with an added bite from ginger beer and a cleansing mix of lime and carbonation . Delivering a softer side of tequila , it ’ s made with Partida Reposado for more discerning palates .

The restaurant ’ s classic cocktail menu doesn ’ t stop there . While gin has always been a liquor that people either love or hate , enoSteak ’ s basil gimlet may win over those of the latter opinion . Using Hendrick ’ s gin , mixologists at the restaurant note how the fruity , floral profile of the alcohol transforms a traditional gimlet ( gin or vodka and lime juice ) into a more approachable drink . ( 949-240-2000 ; ritzcarlton . com / lagunaenosteak )

For more information on these and other Laguna restaurants and bars , see our Dine listings on page 42 .

22 SUMMER 2015 CITY GUIDE