Sip Your Way Through Summer With These 7 Refreshing Cocktails
Summer days bring about a flurry of activity in Newport Beach. From boating on the bay to wining and dining al fresco, the opportunities to enjoy our sunny-and-75 climate are infinite! But perhaps one of the most popular summer activities is bellying up to the bar for a refreshing libation. This season, Newport Beach restaurants and bars are bringing their “A” game with crafty cocktails that’ll quench your thirst. Whether you prefer your beverage blended, on the rocks or neat, these seven cocktails in Newport Beach are sure to set your watch to summertime.
Drink: Under the Sea
Where to Sip: Topside Roof Deck
Summer beach house vibes come to life at Topside—Newport Beach’s only rooftop bar. This trendy hotspot sits atop the Lido House hotel, offering a little slice of heaven for those who want to sip and stay awhile. From up here, the views are immaculate, but the new lineup of summer cocktails is also a major draw. Try the Under the Sea—a crafty mix of Nolet’s gin, green chartreuse, kiwi, lime, sauvignon blanc and a hint of lemongrass. Warning: you may want another.
Drink: Peach Dreams
Where to Sip: Malibu Farm
The perfect post-beach beverage, Malibu Farm’s new seasonal Peach Dreams cocktail features a crafty blend of peach-infused Elyx vodka, pineapple agave, pineapple juice and yuzu soda. Bring your sandy toes to this farm-to-table restaurant and sip the afternoon away as you relish sweeping views of Newport Harbor. This peachy cocktail is summer in a glass!
Drink: Clover Club
Where to Sip: A+O Restaurant | Bar
Famous for its waterfront views and a rotating list of seasonal cocktails, A+O Restaurant | Bar at Balboa Bay Resort is the perfect place to soak in the summer vibes. Try one of their new cocktails like the Clove Club with Aviation gin, lemon juice, raspberry syrup and Fee Foam. Or, opt for the Southern Smash with Bulleit bourbon, Triple Sec, simply syrup, mint, peach purée, muddled lemon and peach! Sip the day away under the restaurant’s umbrellas as you watch the boats pass by.
Drink: Rum & Dumber
Where to Sip: Olea
Olea’s cocktail of the month this July is the Rum & Dumber—a potent blend of Don Q rum, Myers’s rum, lychee, lavender honey, lemon, Aperol and Luxardo, all garnished with lavender and lychee. Sip back and relax on the restaurant’s patio, and cheers to a splendid summer evening. Be sure to pair your cocktail with a dozen of Olea’s fresh-shucked oysters!
Drink: Endless Summer
Where to Sip: The Beachcomber Cafe
After a few hours on the beach in Crystal Cove, please your palate with an ice-cold Endless Summer cocktail from The Beachcomber Cafe. This full-service restaurant and bar sits on the sand and serves up a variety of refreshing cocktails in addition to brunch, lunch and dinner. If you’re in the mood for something light and sweet, this refreshing mix of vodka, basil, muddled strawberries and cucumbers and freshly squeezed lemonade will surely hit the spot.
Drink: Hot Honey Mezcalita
Where to Sip: Palmilla Cocina y Tequila
One of Newport Beach’s newest hotspots, Palmilla Cocina y Tequila will take you south of the border on a summer vacation. With a menu of Sonoran-style Mexican fare, a selection of freshly muddled cocktails and ambiance that’ll make you want to pack your bags, it’s easy to see why this restaurant is a favorite already. Kickstart your summer with a Hot Honey Mezcalita—a magical blend of sweet, smokey and spicy perfection!
Drink: Suika Sui
Where to Sip: Sushi Roku
Tucked in Fashion Island, this premier sushi destination not only serves up some seriously fresh fish but also crafts some seriously amazing cocktails. Order the Suika Sui and sip a spicy mix of Haku vodka, fresh muddled berries, kumquat, coconut, mint and redbull watermelon. Pair this nifty concoction with the eight-piece Gensai roll made with cucumber, jalapeno and avocado, all topped with salmon and kizami wasabi.
