Best Places In Orange County For Whiskey

This strong and dark libation comes in many different varieties and names from blended whiskey to single malt Scotch. Many things come to mind when one thinks of whiskey, such as gentlemen's clubs and cigars. For serious whiskey drinkers in Orange County, there are not too many options for places with a substantial selection. Here are the best places to quench your thirst.

Haven Gastropub
190 S Glassell St
Orange, CA 92866
(714) 221-0680
www.havengastropub.com

Haven Gastropub may be known for their excellent beer selection, but this Orange County outpost also offers some top-notch whiskey drinks and cocktails too. With a vast selection that tops the 100 mark for varies of rye, bourbon, American, Canadian, Irish, and Scotch whiskey, this is a great place to visit if you're in the mood for a great cocktail. The bar is also equipped with specialty ice and specific glassware for the drink of your choice. Aside from drinking your whiskey neat, you can also get a taste of it in some of their specialty cocktails. From their Peaches O'Houlahan, with Buffalo Trace bourbon, Creme de Peche, wildflower honey and nutmeg grate to their Brooklyn Cocktail with Redemption rye, and their Blood and Sand cocktail with Famous Gouse scotch, you can't go wrong.

Located in Downtown Fullerton, this establishment has more than 10 pages dedicated to their specialty drinks and selection of 50 types of whiskey. With an always growing whiskey list that features American, Irish, Canadian and Japanese options to whiskey flights and cocktails with whiskey, Hopscotch Tavern is your one-stop bar for everything whiskey. Make sure to try out their American Buffalo, with Buffalo Trace bourbon whiskey, Aveerna, Amaretto, cream and coffee, or their Rye Not? drink, with Redemption Rye, benedictine, Campari and Aveerna.

Wild Goose Tavern
436 E 17th St
Costa Mesa, CA 92627
(949) 722-9453
www.goosebar.com

Open daily until 2am, this Costa Mesa tavern is dark and mysterious, with many dark selections of libations. Wild Goose Tavern has all the trimmings of a great whiskey bar from the pool tables, to the modern jukebox and great bar menu including rabbit sausages. On the drink menu, you'll find plenty of Whiskey options, and many drinks that will catch your attention, including their Koi Pond cocktail, with Kikori Rice Whiskey, Hawaiian red salt, yellow chartreuse and more, as well as the Brandy's Cocktail with rye, Carpano Antica and cherry vanilla bitters. Looking for other types of whiskey's to try out in your cocktail? Their list is vast. From bourbon to rye and American, Irish and Japanese, the selection here can be a bit intimidating. But, the bartenders here are very knowledgeable and will help you choose the one that's just right for you. Want to take a look at the vast selection? Visit www.goosebar.com.

Memphis Cafe
2920 Bristol St
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
(714) 432-7685
memphiscafe.com

Costa Mesa's Memphis Cafe offers whiskey specials where you can get whiskey cocktails at a fraction of the normal price. In addition to a full bar, sample from a full breakfast, lunch and dinner menu with great eats.

Bosscat Kitchen
4647 MacArthur Blvd
Newport Beach, CA 92660
(949) 333-0917
www.bosscatkitchen.com

Aside from Bosscat Kitchen & Libations offering mixoligist-inspired cocktails and premium beers, they also offer a whiskey tasting room. So, you know they're serious about their drinks here. Filled to the brim with an assortment of over one-hundred bourbon, Scotch and whiskey's from around the world, if you're a whiskey drinker, consider this heaven. From Tennessee and Irish whiskey, to single malt scotch whiskey and much more, you'll find top-notch brands like Jameson, Jack Daniels, Dewars, Hudson Baby Bourbon, Tin Cup, Crown Royal, Chivas, and much more here. There is plenty to be discovered as well, including whiskey brands that you may not have ever heard of.

Mesa
725 Baker St
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
(714) 557-6700
www.mesacostamesa.com

This artsy lounge is a local favorite for their ambiance, art, retractable rooftop and whiskey cocktails. With mixologists here making everything from a strong Manhattan to Old Fashioned's, Sazeracs and many other favorites, you can't go wrong with whatever you order. Other signature whiskey cocktails and drinks include their Dragonball, a whiskey shot with cinnamon and vanilla bean, as well as their HoneyWhiskey, with fresh ginger, lemon, and rosemary.