Bartenders mix and muddle up North, creating delicious libations from their own cocktail cookbooks.
Yelp in North County San Diego brings you tipsy hints on the bar tops to frequent for unique mixology!
Sea & Smoke
2690 Via De La Valle, Del Mar
Barkeeps at the newly opened Matt Gordon restaurant make the lemonade from scratch and mix it with a house tea-infused vodka for the ultimate take on an Arnold Palmer. Try the Ode To Oaxaca, or maybe cowboy up with The Bison Smash: A mix of buffalo trace bourbon, mint-basil, honey and lemon.
Northern Spirits
727 W San Marcos Blvd., San Marcos
Adding an Asian twist to a throwback cocktail, order a Thai Old Fashioned with Mekhong whiskey, muddled orange, cherry and a dash of bitters. Keep things in the neighborhood and enjoy the Far East Martini made with Bombay Sapphire East gin, lemon grass and a sliver of citrus.
The Compass
300 Carlsbad Village Dr., Carlsbad
Enjoy the famous Ghostbuster, featuring ghost pepper-infused and strawberry vodkas mixed up with simple syrup and basil. Alternatively? Give the Kilroy the tequila try! Speaking of crafty, there’s a long list of local micro brews on tap for those who like it neither shaken nor stirred!
Priority Public House
576 N Coast Hwy 101, Encinitas
Not just known for their palate pleasing pub grub, this new joint is making a name for itself with sassy spirits! They’ve got an authentic 1850s Sazerac and a crowd favorite, The Daisy Fay, a refreshing blend of vodka, amaretto, honey, orange, lemon juice and soda water.
Union Kitchen & Tap
1108 S Coast Hwy 101, Encinitas
The crafty creation of the perfect brunch beverage is often overlooked! Rockin' the A.M. buzz Union produces a plethora including the Mexican Mary with Tequila, pineapple and Serrano. For your boy-toy there's also the Manmosa mixing together Stoli O, Union Hef and fresh OJ.
Trish Sanderson is the community manager and marketing director for Yelp North County San Diego. She leads the local community of Yelp reviewers both online and off.
