Summertime in San Diego is still in full swing and I can’t help but have lyrics of adult beverages dancing through my head “…wasted away in Margaritaville, searching for my lost shaker of salt,” “…put the lime in the coconut,” or a great crossover song that says “…pour me somethin’ tall an‘ strong, make it a hurricane before I go insane.”
My go to beverages usually include wine, champagne, margaritas, or even the occasional beer, but the craft cocktail movement is making quite a splash in the bar world. Assembling a cocktail can have the same depth as creating a new food recipe in terms of balancing the acidity, developing a flavor profile, and having the right garnish.
Trust has a great list of cocktails and I found the one I’d order again without a doubt. TRUST COCKTAIL #13 has Few Gin, Elderflower, Blueberry Preserves, and Lemon. Gin drinks are a new thing for me, but I’m definitely a fan. Arrive at Trust hungry because they also have an outstanding food menu and an especially amazing cheese board.
One Door North is a great restaurant tucked into North Park. Here you can indulge in a refreshing beverage called Lazy Day which has Vodka Soju, Cucumber, Kiwi, and Pineapple. Not only do they have amazing cocktails, but in the back of the restaurant, they also have tents! Glamorous indoor camping complete with S’mores. (P.S. make a reservation for a tent!)
Park 101 is a great new place to hang out on those summer nights. Their Garden Pub features great cocktails like Frosé and this frozen Watermelon Mimosa using Campo Viejo Cava, Watermelon Agua Fresca, and Lime. Stop by for some drinks and a great time. 
Dolce Highlands, located in Carmel Valley has very talented bartenders that are eager to serve you some delicious craft cocktails. The I-Lean, inspired by a frequent patron, is made with Ketel One Vodka, Fresh Lemon Juice, Muddled Berries, and Mint. It was a tough choice, but my favorite drink is The Chef’s Special with Tanqueray Gin, Hibiscus Black Tea Kombucha (made in-house by the chef), Fresh Lime Juice, and Thyme.
Pueblo is a delightfully bright restaurant with a Baja influence in Pacific Beach. The specialty cocktails menu features a variety of margaritas, like the Oh, Dios Mio Mango which uses House Infused Red Jalapeño Tequila, Fresh Sweet Mango, and Lime. If you come for a drink, be sure to stay for the food, Chef Eduardo is amazing!
Coasterra is another gem from the Cohn Restaurant Group and has an amazing view of the San Diego skyline. Chef Deborah created a fantastic Coconut Margarita using Olmeca Altos Reposado, Coconut Cream, Lime Juice, and a Coconut Salt Rim. I’ll just warn you that they disappear faster than you realize!
Duck Dive is a popular happy hour spot in Pacific Beach with some refreshing cocktails and a special drink feature each month. Despite my strong aversion to rum, I’m obsessed with their Blueberry Mojito with Appletons Estate White Rum, Fresh Blueberry, Lime, and Fresh Mint. They’ve also ruined me for life with Rockefeller Oysters that I daydream about!
I hope you’ve all been enjoying your summer as much as I have. Remember it’s important to stay hydrated, haha. Now grab a buddy and try some of these amazing cocktails.
Cheers, San Diego Food Girl 🙂
San Diego Food Girl 
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