FROM LEFT : COURTESY OF THE RANCH AT LAGUNA BEACH ; OUTSHINE PR ; COURTESY OF HOTEL LAGUNA ; COURTESY OF SAPPHIRE , CELLAR-CRAFT-COOK |
THE PORCH AT THE RANCH AT LAGUNA BEACH Enjoy alfresco dining in a canyon setting while you warm up by the fire pit and sip the Chili Margarita . The Porch , an alfresco enclave nestled between The Ranch at Laguna Beach ’ s Harvest restaurant and Ben Brown ’ s Golf Course , offers a picturesque setting with live music , seasonal small plates and craft cocktails . Made with Milagro tequila , this refreshingly fruity twist on a class lime margarita features freshly squeezed blood orange juice , blackberries and raspberries , lime juice and maple syrup , garnished with a blood orange slice , jalapeno and a Tajín rim for a spicy kick . “ The blood orange puree with blackberries and raspberries is made from fresh , locally grown fruit and has a bit more acidity than regular orange juice to help balance the drink ,” says RJ Bear , director of food and beverage at the resort . Ingredients are sourced from the resort ’ s own organic , half-acre garden when available . ( 949-499-2271 ; theranchlb . com )
RUM SOCIAL KITCHEN & COCKTAILS Walking into this eatery feels like summer every time , expertly blending high-end luxury with island vibes . The Hemingway , a tart and frothy drink reminiscent of a daiquiri , is one of the restaurant ’ s signature
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sips that will have you embracing your inner storyteller as you mingle in the upstairs treehouse bar that overlooks Peppertree Lane . The drink is strong thanks to a healthy dose of Rum Social ’ s own barrel-aged rum , combined with freshsqueezed grapefruit and lime juices plus Heering cherry liqueur . “ Guests love … [ The ] Hemingway … not only for its flavor palate , but the presentation as well ,” shares Marlene Spicer , the general manager at Rum Social . “ Vigorously shaken egg whites give this cocktail its frothy finish , which we then stencil with our R . S . logo or even custom designs from the bartenders .” ( 949- 549-4014 ; rumsocial . com )
HOTEL LAGUNA Even though the skies may be cloudy and the temperatures cool , hop up on a barstool at the historic Hotel Laguna to daydream about sunny skies as you listen to the waves crashing and watch the sun sinking down — all while sipping a drink called Some Like it Hot . This delectable beverage mixes smoky mezcal , charred pineapple , Fresno chile , cilantro , lime juice and agave , then poured into a coupe glass and garnished with both a fresh pineapple frond and Sal de Chapulin ( grasshopper salt ). The drink was created by Daniel McCutchan , head bartender at Hotel
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Laguna , as a variation of a “ mezcalita ,” a margarita that swaps tequila for mezcal , but it can also be served sans alcohol . Bar Manager Neil Matchko adds that it ’ s a little spicy , noting , “ It has a subtle but balanced tropical heat —[ it ] reminds you of sitting on a Caribbean beach with a campfire , enjoying the sunset and barbecue .” ( 949-494-1151 ; hotellaguna . org )
SAPPHIRE , CELLAR-CRAFT-COOK Gabe Whorley , group beverage director and partner at RJB Restaurant Group , which includes Sapphire , Cellar-Craft-Cook , thought that the Mariposa Effect , a cocktail made with butterfly tea-infused tequila , would be a great addition to the Sapphire menu given the fresh flowers and herbs that surround the restaurant ’ s patio . “ Every once in a while , you will catch a glance of butterflies flying by ,” he explains . “ And tequila has become more and more popular every year .” Along with the infused tequila , Whorley ’ s concoction features limoncello , elderflower and orange liqueurs , lemon juice and basil . Whorley adds , “ It ’ s not just beautiful — it ’ s light , refreshing , herbaceous and , with the vibrant color , it sells itself when guests see it being served .” The purple drink is garnished with basil leaves , a float of ginger beer and , for an extra special touch , an edible butterfly garnish . ( 949-715-9888 ; sapphirelagunabeach . com ) g
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