What You're Drinking - Best Drinks for World Whiskey Day
World Whisky Day takes place on May 21st this year, and it's yet another way for you to give praise to your favorite iteration of the barrel-aged liquor. There's nothing wrong with enjoying your whiskey neat or served "up", but a well-executed whiskey cocktail can be just what the doctor ordered. Raise a glass or two with your fellow whiskey lovers, and try one of these drinks that showcase the versatility of this venerated spirit.
Blood Orange Old Fashioned
Ocean Prime
9595 Wilshire Boulevard
Beverly Hills, CA 90212
(310) 859-4818
www.ocean-prime.com
Snag a seat on Ocean Prime's patio, and you're in a great people-watching spot in Beverly Hills. Once you're settled in, order a Blood Orange Old Fashioned, which features Woodford Reserve bourbon, fresh blood orange purée, honey water and whiskey barrel-aged bitters. Sweet citrus and honey add complementary balance to this cocktail, and if you're smart, you'll enjoy this drink with one of the restaurant's prime steaks.
Hard Times
Crossroads Kitchen
8284 Melrose Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90046
(323) 782-9245
www.crossroadskitchen.com
Often, the cure for hard times is a strong drink. Crossroads Kitchens' Hard Times drink is an easy-to-drink mix of Larceny bourbon, apple brandy, fresh lemon juice, maple syrup, and housemade ras el hanout. Thanks to the concoction's perfect balance, you won't have a hard time taking a few of these down. It's a customer favorite that you'll add to your list of must-sip cocktails, whether you're there for an upscale, plant-based dinner or checking out the now daily brunch menu. Bourbon has always been a friend of fried "chicken" and waffles, so you can't go wrong.
Minor Situation
Paley Hollywood
6115 Sunset Boulevard #100
Los Angeles, CA 90028
(323) 544-9430
www.paleyhollywood.com
Fruit, herbs, and whiskey often create a dream of a cocktail. Paley Hollywood's Minor Situation features a blend of bourbon and rye, St. Germain, blackberries, housemade sour mix and fresh basil for a bright and refreshing drink. The Minor Situation feels like summer in a glass, perfect for enjoying the restaurant's recently launched weekend brunch or after work happy hour.
Liquor n' Heat
LUKE Bar & Restaurant
22616 Ventura Boulevard
Woodland Hills, CA 91364
(818) 876-6000
www.lukela.com
At LUKE Bar & Restaurant, the bar's Liquor n' Heat allows you to choose your poison. In light of the holiday, go with Buffalo Trace bourbon. The final drink is a blend of bourbon, maraschino cherry, maple syrup, jalapeno and Angostura bitters. The muddled jalapeno's spice is a welcome friend to the comforting and warming heat of the bourbon and a great accompaniment to the restaurant's housemade salt and vinegar chicharrones.
Dark Arts
Eveleigh
8752 Sunset Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90069
(424) 239-1630
www.theeveleigh.com
Black magic extends well beyond the wizardly world of young witches. Eveleigh's Dark Arts is a spellbinding combination of blended scotch, nocino, black lime yuzu and a dash of bitters. You'll catch an underlying sweet and nutty note matched with a bit of tart flavor. Hopefully this drink will find itself featured on the new Bar & Garden happy hour menu that will include selected cocktails, wine, beer and food items you can enjoy on the patio during the week from 5-7p.
Derby Day
The Bellwether
13251 Ventura Boulevard
Studio City, CA 91604
(818) 285-8184
www.thebellwetherla.com
Inspired by Kentucky's famous horse races, The Bellwether designed the Derby Day cocktail. The restaurant's drink combines lavender simple syrup, fresh grapefruit with rosemary-infused Buffalo Trace bourbon and it's mildly floral and herbal with an expected sweet smokey undertone. This is just the thing you need to unwind after a day in the office. Or perhaps it's just the thing you need to get the party started during brunch.
Laurel Ridge
The Factory Kitchen
1300 Factory Place
Los Angeles, CA 90013
(213) 996-6000
www.thefactorykitchen.com
The Factory Kitchen recently updated its cocktail menu with a selection of summer drinks, including the Laurel Ridge. Rye lovers will appreciate the use of Templeton, along with housemade rhubarb simple syrup and rhubarb bitters. Rye's smooth sweetness balances the natural tart flavor of rhubarb, a seasonal star which peaks in the spring and summer. Try sipping this one towards the end of an ever changing Italian trattoria-style dinner.
Mr. Munson's Neighborhood
Highland Park Bowl
5621 North Figueroa Street
Los Angeles, CA 90042
(323) 257-2695
www.1933group.com
Step back in a time with a visit to the recently opened Highland Park Bowl. The 1933 Group refurbished the bowling alley, highlighting its originally impressive 1920s design. The cocktail menu includes Mr. Munson's Neighborhood with date and cardamom-bonded Rittenhouse Rye, Torres 10 Year brandy, Carpano Antica, Amargo Vallet, Angostura bitters, and Chocolate Aztec Bitters. If you imagine this to be a rich and full-bodied drink, you'd be correct. There's no telling if your bowling game will improve after a couple of these, but it's worth it to find out.
Sinatra and Chanel
Westbound
300 South Santa Fe Avenue
Suite N
Los Angeles, CA 90013
www.westbounddtla.com
DTLA's Arts District continues to expand with new food and beverage options, including the recently opened Westbound. The Sinatra and Chanel features Monkey Shoulder scotch, coco palm, frankincense and sour cherry bitters. Soak in the bar counter and lounge room's design inspired by the rail industry of years ago. You don't have to leave the city to take a trip back in time.
