The 11 Best Summer Cocktails in Los Angeles

Things are heating up around here, and I have just the thing to cool you down. Enjoy 10 of the best summer cocktails in Los Angeles in some of the sleekest restos, plus find out where to get an exceptional $7 Martini even outside of Happy Hour.

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The Roger Room (West Hollywood)

At The Roger Room in West Hollywood, they take their cocktails seriously. Case in point, there is an entire menu dedicated to the Martini. The space is small and dimly lit and harkens back to another time in Tinseltown, despite opening in 2010.

For summer cocktails in Los Angeles, your must-haves include the Strawberry Fields Forever with pox (aguardiente), strawberry maple syrup, lemon, mint, and La Fee Absinthe ($16), and their Mint Martini from their Martini menu, which features Chopin Vodka, mint, and lime ($15).

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Elephante (Santa Monica)

Offering one of the best rooftop views of the ocean in Santa Monica, Elephante has just the drink if you love brown spirits but need to keep it appropriate for when the sun is still shining. The Dewar’s Lemon Wedge is crafted with DEWAR’s 12-year-old whisky, club soda, lemonade, and served over ice. It’s also the official drink of the U.S. Open golf tournament that wrapped up in June 2023 in Los Angeles.

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Damian (DTLA Arts District)

The Frozen Yuzu Margarita from Damian in the arts district is just the thing to pair with your Guacamole and Uni Tostada from Chef Enrique Olvera. The cocktail includes Casa Dragones Blanco, Cointreau Giffard’s, Triple Sec, yuzu, and agave.

During brunch, go with the aptly named, Daydream, made with Agua Magica Mezcal, Aperol, Dolin Blanc, watermelon, and Morrocan olive. Also not to be missed is the Tuna Tostada and Fried Chicken – only available during brunch.

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Harriet’s Rooftop at the 1Hotel (West Hollywood)

When the cocktails are as pretty as the view, then you’re in good company. Harriet’s Rooftop offers a wide variety of $20 cocktails, but for summer, I’m loving the Jojo, made with Sunny Vodka, strawberry, St. Germain, and lemon. It’s served up and “kissed with prosecco.”

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All Day Baby (Silverlake)

You’ve never seen a Dirty Martini like this before. Available at All Day Baby and Tet-A-Tet, the nighttime Vietnamese pop-up, The “Dirty Martini,” is made with Golden Beet-infused Suncliffe Gin, Tarragon Dry Vermouth, and Dirty Sue Olive Juice ($16.50).

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Loreto (Frogtown)

Ceviches and Tostadas abound at this minimalist restaurant space in Frogtown, located near Glendale and Atwater Village and open for dinner. It’s from the restaurant group behind DTLA arts favorite LA Cha Cha. Choose one of the Cocteles del Mar from Loreto, like a Martini Frio with Grey Goose Vodka and Limon Sal ($15), or the Margarita Za Za Zá, which can be made spicy with the addition of chile serrano ($16).

It also shares the same name as Mariscos Za Za Zá, the daytime seafood spot in the back of the restaurant. Hours are 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. here.

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Juniper Lounge at 1 Hotel (West Hollywood)

The Hollywood Hibiscus Spritz V. 2.0 at the Juniper Lounge is like summer in a glass. It features Giuliana Prosecco, St. Germain, hibiscus, club soda, and tangerine ($21). The vibe in the Juniper Lounge is sustainable chic, and no one will judge you for kicking back with a cocktail and a laptop for a few hours in an oversized chair.

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LA Cha Cha Cha (DTLA Arts District)

It’s hard not to love this rooftop restaurant when everything from the food to the cocktails is on point. You can make a reservation for dinner or grab a drink at one of their two bar spaces. The Strawberry Milk Punch has been on the menu from the beginning because it’s so perfect for Los Angeles($19). It’s made with Patron Blanco, Argonaut Brandy, strawberry, almond, and sumac.

You can’t go wrong with an Agua Fresca if you’re not imbibing. Flavors rotate seasonally.

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Gin Rummy (Venice)

This new Island-inspired bar just opened in May of 2023, and they’ve got Frozen Rummys and Tikis by the bowlful. Gin Rummy also is bringing back Cocktails for Four options like the Scorpion Bowl with vodka, gin, light rum, dark rum, 151 Rum, pineapple, orange, and lemon.

For summer, go with something classically literary, like the Hemingway Daiquiri made with rum, grapefruit, Luxardo Maraschino, and lime.

They also offer a Daily Happy Hour from 4 to 6 p.m., which features $10 Margaritas, Daiquiris, and Shot & Beer options, plus Wine for $8 and Food Specials under $11.

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E.P. & L.P. (West Hollywood)

For a Rosé with that’s perfect on a sunny day, enjoy a Froze frozen cocktail made with rosé wine, Bacardi rum, strawberry, and lemon on the rooftop at E.P & L.P. in West Hollywood ($18). Visit during Happy Hour, which runs from 4 to 6 p.m., Mondays to Fridays, and get the beverage for just $10.

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Cafe Basque (DTLA)

Café Basque, located at the Hoxton in Downtown Los Angeles, serves classic French food in even classier digs. They also have a $7 House Martini made with vodka, dry vermouth, blanc vermouth, and an onion brine. 

I don’t know about you, but a nice drink under $10 in Los Angeles is all I need for a cool, not cruel, summer.

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