Summer-perfect sips around town . . .

Maybe it's a case of the Mondays or maybe I'm feeling a bit thirsty right now, but I'm definitely reminiscing on some recent superb sips at some of favorite local watering holes, so I might as well share . . .

The Mole Ahumado by Joe Brooke at The Edison (though he originally toyed with calling it the Oaxacacaca) ~ made with mezcal, green chartreuse, creme de cacao and bitters. I know, creme de cacao evokes all sort of girly, super sweet, lightweight drinks (and I'm no stranger to "chocolate martinis" in my n00bier cocktail days) ~ but this is definitely what gives the drink its Oaxacan quality, between the smoky mezcal, the herbacious chartreuse and the cocoa flavors - it's literally a liquid molé, or the more chocolaty, less spicy cousin of Rivera's famous Barbacoa. This drink is not on the Edison's regular cocktail menu, which also has lots of delicious drinks (I think I've had almost all of them!) but if you happen to be at the bar on a slower night, give the bartenders some creative space and you may be as pleasantly surprised as I was.

Starr Strega Swizzle at the Roger Room - part of their new summer menu (Caroline on Crack got the full lowdown here), this refreshing combo features Starr African Rum, Strega liqueur, velvet falernum, passionfruit, lemon juice, topped with cracked cloves and mint sprig - it's sophisticated with layers of flavors and aromas (bright fruits with spices and with clean, slight rummy finish) yet incredibly easy-to-drink with its light, almost efferverscent feel. Of course, while readily quaffable, best to take your time with this one to savor its complex subtleties.

French Cowboy at the Gorbals - Bulleit Bourbon, Honey, Lemon, Sparkling Wine, another great warm-weather cocktail - bright, sweet and sour with just enough depth from the bourbon, this fizzy drink is great after a summer day out, a night of Artwalking, or even as an intro to whiskey drinks.

Last but not least, beers at The Bruery Tasting Room in Placentia - where I've been several times and was invited for their Two-year-old party in late May, debuting their anniversary bourbon-barrel aged "Coton" Old Ale. If you like their regular yearround offerings (e.g. Orchard White, Rugbrod and Saison Rue,) you'll definitely love coming to their tasting room, where those are served alongside their seasonal & special-edition beers (such as the bready & coconutty Humulus Rice in above photo.) And they definitely have fun with their beer experimentation, from the naughty sounding Melange #5 -- dubbed "Dirty Beaver Juice Weekend" and which I actually described as tasting "yeasty and musty" -- to the sexy, tasty Melange no Sechs that's brewed with rose petals and cocoa nibs for a red hue and a flowering, chocolatey flavor. Definitely worth a stop to enjoy some unusual brews, maybe buy a few bottles and fill a growler, or show your undying devotion with some merchandise. (here's their list of their current beers on tap, along with any food trucks stopping by)

The Edison
108 West 2nd Street
Los Angeles, CA‎
(213) 613-0000‎
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The Roger Room
370 North La Cienega Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA‎
(310) 854-1300‎

The Gorbals
501 South Spring Street
Los Angeles, CA
(213) 488-3408
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The Bruery
715 Dunn Way
Placentia, CA
(714) 996-6258
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