I initially thought that this margarita was lame and weak, but I actually got a good buzz off of it, lol! I was fooled because it tasted kind of bland, but it was a decent value overall. Glass $6.95
Casa Azteca, Milpitas CA
Chips and salsa. Complimentary
Pueblo Viejo tequila, lime, combier orange liqueur. Pitcher $29
El Techo de Lolinda, San Francisco CA
Meh, this margarita was marginal. It tasted pretty bland and watered down. This was their basic margarita, but at almost thirty bucks for a pitcher, I expected something with a little more flavor (and alcohol). Lame.
This rooftop restaurant and bar get super packed on a sunny day so get there early to score a table without a long wait. The food is better than their drinks.
Blanco tequila, mezcal, lime, agave. $9
Padrecito, San Francisco CA
It’s unfortunate that this cocktail bears the name of the restaurant because it wasn’t very good. The cocktail was overly sour and had muddled flavors – not a fan…
Washington Square Park Firefighters Memorial, North Beach.
3 rums infused with pineapple and vanilla topped with tropical juices and Foslings Black Seal rum. $8
Hula’s Island Grill, Santa Cruz CA
I love the beautiful colors in this cocktail. They make you think of vacations and beaches. I’ve had plenty of frou frou cocktails in my life (hehe), and some of them miss the mark. This hurricane did not disappoint – it was delicious!
Red and green Fuschia flowers (Onagraceae), The Mystery Spot.
Don Q Cristal rum, passion fruit, pineapple juice, lime juice, Goslings Black Seal rum and Bacardi 151 rum. $8
Hula’s Island Grill, Santa Cruz CA
I had to order something served in a tiki glass during our visit to Hula’s. Enter the zombie cocktail, lol! This drink was delicious and deceptively easy to drink. I definitely felt a buzz after finishing off this fruity concoction.
Red and purple Fuschia flowers (Onagraceae), The Mystery Spot.
Appleton’s gold rum, DeKuyper orange curacao, pineapple and lime juice, orgeat, Goslings Black Seal rum. $7
Hula’s Island Grill, Santa Cruz CA
There was something off with this cocktail. Perhaps the pineapple juice was old, but something just didn’t taste right. This was unfortunate because I do love my mai tai’s.
The Mystery Spot sign.
Gin, lime and cucumber. Served on the rocks. $9
Oswald, Santa Cruz CA
This cocktail was good, but it wasn’t as bright and refreshing as I thought it was going to be. Hmm…
San Lorenzo River and the Santa Cruz Boardwalk.
Caiprinha: top shelp cachaca and fresh lime. $10
Manhattan: bourbon, vermouth, bitters. $9
Bossa Nova, San Francisco CA
I love caipirinhas because they’re so light and refreshing (just like Brazilians I guess)! Bossa Nova makes some pretty good caipirinhas but I’m always a little surprised how much they cost here. I’m not sure I’m convinced that they deserve this price point.
Purple cherry blossom mural, Potrero Hill.
Cruzan “Junkanu” rum, rock candy syrup, fresh squeezed lime, tangerines and mint. $14
Noodles, Las Vegas NV
This a little on the tart side for my taste. I guess at fourteen bucks I was expecting this cocktail to be more balanced.
Shops as you enter the Bellagio Hotel.
“Where it all began – the heart of the exotic cocktail as enjoyed for centuries in Jamaica. This follows the traditional Caribbean formula: 1 of sour (lime) 2 of sweet (sugar) 3 or strong (dark Jamaican rum), and 4 of weak (ice), with allspice liqueur and Angostura bitters for spice.” $12
Smuggler’s Cove, San Francisco CA
Just in time for Friday happy hour, lol! I love most of the drinks at Smuggler’s Cove, but this didn’t do it for me. I think the allspice liqueur was a bit too much.
Cliff House Totem Pole, Point Lobos Avenue.
1800 Reposado tequila, orange liqueur, sweet and sour, fresh lime juice and a float of Grand Marnier. Grande $14
El Mirasol Cocina Mexicana, Palm Springs CA
I really don’t mind paying $14 for a large margarita, but I hate it when a server tries to up-sell you and purposefully keeps you in the dark regarding the price of the larger item. I think it’s tacky and irresponsible. The drink always tastes worse when this happens anyway. Boo!
Chips and salsa. Complimentary
Dirty Blonde: Makers Mark, Dekuyper peach schnapps, lemonade, mint. $10
Escena Martini: Pearl cucumber vodka, Beefeater gin, tonic, lime juice, cucumber garnish. $12
Escena Lounge & Grill, Palm Springs CA
Mmm, a couple of refreshing cocktails on a warm sunny day. You can’t beat that!
Assorted rolls. Complimentary
View of Idyllwild country from Mt. San Jacinto.
