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What You're Drinking - Best Places For Sangrias This Summer

sangria 610
(Credit: Chrystal Baker)

As the summer drink of choice, Sangria is more than just about wine and fruit. In fact, there's a rich history behind the Spanish cocktail concoction. Around Los Angeles, a few restaurants and bar mixologists are currently serving versions that harken to authentic recipes, while others pour glasses of modernized blends that play with tradition. Here are a few places you need to visit this summer for a glass or three of sangria.

kalimotxo - a basq kitchen
(Credit: A Basq Kitchen)

A Basq Kitchen
136 North International Boardwalk
Redondo Beach, CA 90277
(310) 376-9215
www.abasqkitchen.com

As one of the newer spots in the South Bay, A Basq Kitchen serves a Kalimotxo, which is a 50/50 blend of red wine and coke over ice. Popular in the Basque region of Spain, the recipe speaks to to A Basq Kitchen's authenticity. Be sure to check the restaurant's hours before you stop by, as it is currently operating under a seasonal summer schedule.

Summer Sangria - The Eveleigh
(Credit: Chrystal Baker)

Eveleigh
8752 Sunset Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90069
(424) 239-1630
www.theeveleigh.com

Eveleigh's summer sangria is a sweet and herbal mix of South African rosé, lavender brandy and Aperol with farmers market pears, tangerines and grapes. Your best bet is to snag a seat on the deck or garden patio during weekend brunch, and order a pitcher. It's enough for a group of six or perhaps a party of just two or three if you're really feeling the Sunday Funday vibes.

MB Post Last Rites - Sarina V Yelp
(Credit: Sarina V./Yelp)

Manhattan Beach Post
1142 Manhattan Avenue
Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
(310) 545-5405
www.eatmbpost.com

MB Post might be known for their tasty brunch fare, but their sangria is something to come here for. And, while the sangria may have an intimidating name, don't be scared to order a few glasses. "The Last Rites" is a blend of Compass Box Oak Cross scotch whisky, Lambrusco, peach, quince & hibiscus. A little smokey, a little sweet, it's just the right accompaniment to the restaurant's brunch menu.

SWG white sangria 2 - Sonoma Wine Garden
(Credit: Sonoma Wine Garden)

Sonoma Wine Garden
Santa Monica Place
395 Santa Monica Pier #300
Santa Monica, CA 90401
(424) 214-4560
www.sonomawinegarden.com

Sonoma Wine Garden's mixologist Rob Floyd devised a red and white sangria for the summer, but the latter may be the one to win you over. It is a mix of St. Germain, orange juice, lime juice and white wine, giving the drink a citrus-laced, flowery essence. The restaurant is located on the Santa Monica Place Dining Deck, so you'll have a perfect bird's eye view of the surroundings while you sip.

Chavela Tradicional - Chavela
(Credit: Chavela)

Chavela
1358 Vine Street
Los Angeles, CA 90028
(323) 871-8099
www.chavela-la.com

Chavela, the new plant-based restaurant in Hollywood, offers three or four seasonal Peruvian-style sangrias (also called chavelas) on its menu. Josh Suchan of Black LAB concocted three for the summer: Tradicional, Rosa and Fresca. The Chavela Tradicional is a blend of Torrontés, red wine, pisco huamani and chicha morada. But, if you prefer something fruitier, try the Fresca--peach, curacao, mint, vanilla tea and sauvignon blanc.

Mercado Sangria - Mercado
(Credit: Mercado)

Mercado
7910 W 3rd St
Los Angeles, CA 90048
(323) 944-0947
www.mercadorestaurant.com

Mercado's red sangria includes an ingredient that may not be the most traditional, but it's right in line with the restaurant's Mexican fare. If you guessed tequila, you're right. Each glass is a smooth blend of red wine and El Tesoro Reposado Tequila with chunks of fresh fruit. You're guaranteed to leave brunch with a great buzz.

Tanzy sangria - Tanzy Westwood
(Credit: Tanzy)

Tanzy - Westwood
10840 Wilshire Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90024
(310) 307-7004
www.tanzyrestaurant.com

Mixologist Adam Seger has fashioned a seasonal sangria for the summer, and it features mango, ginger and elderflower. The restaurant offers an all day social hour during business hours, and sangria is on the menu. If you're drinking with a group, go for the shareable liter for the table.

Chrystal Baker is a freelance food and events contributor for CBS Los Angeles, Basil Magazine and Frugivore Magazine. She is the co-editor of a recipe blog, The Duo Dishes, and manages her own lifestyle and travel blog, Any and Everywhere.
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