Sip Your Way Through Summer With These 8 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 the best summer cocktails that’ll quench your thirst. Whether you prefer your beverage blended, neat or on the rocks in Newport Beach, these eight cocktails are sure to set your watch to summertime
Refreshing Summer Cocktails in Newport Beach
Where to Sip: Topside Roof Deck
Drink: Lady Guava
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 refreshing summer cocktails is also a major draw. Try the Lady Guava—a crafty mix of Lalo Blanco, Grand Marnier, guava, mint, lime, and a hibiscus salt rim. Only at Topside, where the cocktails come with a view. Warning: You may want another.
Where to Sip: Malibu Farm
Drink: Papaya
The perfect post-beach beverage, Malibu Farm’s new seasonal Papaya cocktail features a crafty blend of papaya and strawberry-infused tequila, agave, lime juice, and lava chipotle sea salt. Bring your sandy toes to this farm-to-table restaurant and sip the afternoon away as you relish sweeping views of Newport Harbor. This tropical and refreshing summer cocktail is sunshine in a glass.
Classic Summer Cocktails In Newport Beach
Where to Sip: The Beachcomber Cafe
Drink: Big Bad Bloody Mary
Before you hit the beach in Crystal Cove, please your palate with a Big Bad Bloody Mary from The Beachcomber Cafe, which was voted “Best in OC” by the OC Register. It features their housemade Bloody Mary mix, Deep Eddy vodka, a crab claw, jumbo shrimp, and a fresh assortment of veggies. Is there really any other way to brunch this summer?
Where to Sip: Sushi Roku
Drink: Sunshine Spritz
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 Sunshine Spritz and sip a mix of Haku vodka, Giffard Pamplemousse, lychee, Red Bull watermelon, Hampton Water Bubbly, and St. Germain Elderflower Liqueur. Pair this classic summer cocktail with the eight-piece signature Gensai roll made with cucumber, jalapeno, and avocado, all topped with salmon, kizami wasabi, rice cracker, and yuzu olive oil.
Fun Summer Cocktails in Newport Beach
Where to Sip: Olea
Drink: Banana Pancakes
Olea’s cocktail of the month this June is the Banana Pancakes—a libation inspired by Jack Johnson’s feel-good hit. Notes of chocolate and caramel courtesy of Hemingway Rye meet the maple goodness of Shanky’s Whip, which is layered with banana liqueur and balanced with cold brew coffee for a slightly bitter bite. Sip back and relax on the restaurant’s patio, and cheers to a splendid summer evening as you enjoy this fun summer cocktail.
Where to Sip: Palmilla Cocina y Tequila
Drink: Hot Honey Mezcalita
One of Newport Beach’s newer 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 fun summer cocktails and an 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, smoky, and spicy perfection!
Non-Alcoholic Summer Cocktails In Newport Beach
Where to Sip: A+O Restaurant | Bar
Drink: Mai Tai Without The Mai
Famous for its waterfront views and a rotating list of seasonal cocktails and mocktails, A+O Restaurant | Bar at Balboa Bay Resort is the perfect place to soak in the summer vibes. Try one of their non-alcoholic options like the Mai Tai Without The Mai with coconut water, orange juice, pineapple, lime, and maple syrup. Or, opt for the Berry Berry healthy with coconut water, mint, raspberries, blueberries, and agave. Sip the day away under the restaurant’s umbrellas as you watch the boats pass by.
Where to Sip: JOEY Newport Beach
Drink: Zip Margarita
If there’s a place to see and be seen this summer, it’s JOEY at Fashion Island. This swanky restaurant and bar is not only the perfect place for happy hour, date night, and everything in between, but it’s also the ideal place to sip. For a non-boozy beverage, try the Zip Margarita with lime, agave, and sugar-free triple sec, or opt for one of their low-alcohol cocktails like the Mini Martini, Pina Roja, or Kiwi Melon Collins. Each of these features has half the alcohol content of a normal cocktail, so you can sip all night long!
