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: Prickly in Pink Margarita
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 Prickly in Pink Margarita—a crafty mix of Codigo Blanco tequila shaken with Cointreau, prickly pear, lime, creme de coconut and a touch of agave. Only at Topside, where the cocktails come with a view. Warning: you may want another.
Where to Sip: Malibu Farm
Drink: Summer Rosé Margarita
The perfect post-beach beverage, Malibu Farm’s new seasonal Summer Rosé Margarita features a crafty blend of nosotros reposado tequila, rosé wine, plum and strawberry agave, fresh lime juice and rose 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 in Newport Beach?
Where to Sip: Sushi Roku
Drink: Sundown on Sunset
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 Sundown on Sunset and sip on a mix of Roku gin, Ozeki nigori sake, blood orange, apricot brandy and grapefruit bitters. Pair this classic summer cocktail with the eight-piece signature Gensai roll made with cucumber, jalapeño 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: Mango Sticky Rice
Olea’s cocktail of the month this June is the Mango Sticky Rice. A tropical blend of rum, Licor 43 and mango meet the smooth and creamy taste of coconut to create a sweet and summery libation that hits the spot every time. 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 Mexican 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 Balboa Peninsula favorite. Kickstart your summer with a Hot Honey Mezcalita—a magical blend of sweet, smokey and spicy perfection!
Non-Alcoholic Summer Cocktails In Newport Beach
Where to Sip: A+O Restaurant | Bar
Drink: Coastal Spritz
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 Coastal Spritz with Pentire Coastal Spritz, soda, an orange wedge and a rosemary sprig. Or, opt for the Prickly No-jito with lime juice, prickly pear, muddled mint and limes and club soda. 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 Kalamansi Lychee Cooler, Pina Roja or Kiwi Melon Collins. Each of these features half the alcohol content of a normal cocktail, so you can sip all night long!
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