Los Angeles Cocktail Scene: Best Drinks & Where to Find Them

Los Angeles isn’t just a city of stars and sunshine—it’s also a vibrant hub for cocktail innovation. From rooftop lounges in Downtown LA to hidden speakeasies in Koreatown, the Los Angeles cocktail scene has exploded with creativity, quality, and personality. Whether you’re a seasoned mixology enthusiast or a casual sipper, LA has something to impress your palate and elevate your night out.

In this guide, we explore the best cocktails in Los Angeles, spotlight must-visit bars, and reveal the neighborhoods where cocktail culture is thriving. So grab your glass and join us for a tour of LA’s most intoxicating flavors.

A Brief History of Cocktails in Los Angeles

Los Angeles has always had a glamorous relationship with cocktails. In the Golden Age of Hollywood, hotel bars like the Roosevelt’s Tropicana or Musso & Frank Grill were hotspots for celebrities and boozy innovation. Over time, LA’s cocktail culture evolved from classic highballs to creative concoctions rooted in fresh, local ingredients.

Today’s bartenders honor that legacy while experimenting with global flavors, molecular mixology, and sustainable practices. Whether you’re drinking an Old Fashioned or a mezcal-based tropical infusion, you’re part of a story that’s still unfolding.

Iconic Cocktails to Try in Los Angeles

When sipping your way through LA, there are a few cocktails that stand out—either for their local origin, unique twist, or enduring popularity:

The Brown Derby: Created at the Vendôme Club, this grapefruit-and-bourbon classic is pure LA vintage.
Spicy Margarita: A staple in LA’s Mexican-influenced mixology, often made with mezcal, jalapeño, or habanero syrups.
Mezcal Negroni: A smoky, earthy variation on the classic Italian drink—an LA favorite.
Lavender Gin Fizz: A floral, photogenic drink that captures the spirit of Southern California.
The Jungle Bird: Popularized by LA’s tiki revival, it’s a mix of dark rum, Campari, pineapple, and lime.

These drinks showcase the diversity of LA’s bar scene—refreshing, bold, and always ahead of the trend.

Best Cocktail Bars in Downtown LA

Downtown Los Angeles (DTLA) is where cocktail sophistication meets urban edge. Here are some standout bars you can’t miss:

The Varnish (Hidden behind Cole’s): A true speakeasy with award-winning bartenders and Prohibition-era charm.
Seven Grand: A whiskey lover’s paradise, with a vast selection and expert guidance.
Bar Jackalope: A tiny, reservation-only spot within Seven Grand, known for its Japanese whiskey collection.
Perch LA: A French rooftop bar offering city views and well-balanced craft cocktails.
Death & Co.: The West Coast outpost of the NYC original, with a rotating menu of complex, inventive drinks.

DTLA continues to define itself as LA’s most dynamic cocktail district.

Westside Elegance: Santa Monica & Venice Beach Bars

For ocean breezes and laid-back glamour, head west. The cocktail scene in Santa Monica and Venice Beach balances beachy vibes with elegant presentation.

Top picks include

The Bungalow (Santa Monica): A chic bungalow-turned-bar with coastal cocktails and celebrity sightings.
Elephante (Santa Monica): Known for Mediterranean small plates and signature spritzes.
The Lincoln (Venice): Industrial-chic with bold flavor combinations in every glass.
Old Lightning (Venice): A hidden gem behind Scopa Italian Roots with vintage spirits and a strict no-photo policy.

On the Westside, cocktails often feature fresh herbs, citrus, and exotic fruits—the kind of ingredients that thrive in California’s sunshine.

Eastside Creativity: Silver Lake, Echo Park & Los Feliz

If you’re looking for innovation, the Eastside is where LA’s hipster heart beats. These neighborhoods thrive on experimentation and community-focused hospitality.

Don’t miss

Bar Flores (Echo Park): Vibrant decor and mezcal-heavy drinks with Latin flair.
Apothéke LA (Chinatown adjacent): An apothecary-themed lounge where drinks are “prescriptions.”
Tiki-Ti (Los Feliz): A tiny, kitschy tiki bar with a cult following—famous for the Zombie and Blood & Sand.
Thunderbolt (Echo Park): Southern-influenced cocktails and a laid-back neighborhood feel.
Red Lion Tavern (Silver Lake): A German pub with craft cocktails upstairs and steins downstairs.

The Eastside bars often incorporate local botanicals, house-made infusions, and global spirits—perfect for adventurous drinkers.

Speakeasies & Hidden Bars: The Secret Side of LA

One of LA’s best-kept secrets is its love affair with hidden bars and speakeasies. These unmarked doors and password-only lounges transport you to another era.

Favorites include

No Vacancy (Hollywood): Enter through a Victorian house and enjoy live burlesque with your bourbon.
Lock & Key (Koreatown): Find the right door handle, and you’ll enter a stylish, dimly lit bar with a wide spirit selection.
R Bar (Koreatown): Password-required, with karaoke and creative cocktails.
Good Times at Davey Wayne’s (Hollywood): A ‘70s-themed time capsule complete with a fridge-door entrance.

These spots mix mystery with mixology—perfect for a night that’s anything but ordinary.

Cocktails with a View: Rooftop Bars in LA

Few experiences compare to sipping a craft cocktail with a panoramic view of the city skyline or the Pacific Ocean. LA’s rooftop bars deliver both scenery and flavor.

Top rooftop spots

Spire 73 (DTLA): The tallest open-air bar in the Western Hemisphere.
Harriet’s Rooftop (West Hollywood): A chic, upscale vibe with creative libations.
EP & LP (WeHo): A social rooftop with Asian-fusion cocktails and a lively crowd.
High Rooftop Lounge (Venice): Watch the sunset over the Pacific with a spicy paloma in hand.

Rooftop bars in LA often use seasonal ingredients and emphasize refreshing, visually stunning cocktails—perfect for your next Instagram story.

Conclusion

From divey tiki joints to sleek rooftop lounges, the Los Angeles cocktail scene is as diverse and dynamic as the city itself. Whether you’re hunting for rare whiskeys, crafting your own mezcal blend, or sipping a lavender fizz as the sun sets over the skyline, LA invites you to taste, explore, and celebrate.

So next time you’re in town, don’t just settle for a generic drink. Tap into LA’s world-class mixology culture. Raise a glass to the bartenders behind the bar and the stories in every pour—because in Los Angeles, every cocktail is a little piece of art.

FAQs

1. What is the most famous cocktail invented in Los Angeles?

The Brown Derby, a mix of bourbon, honey syrup, and grapefruit juice, was created at the Vendôme Club in LA during the 1930s. It’s now considered a local classic.

2. What neighborhoods in LA have the best bars for cocktails?

Top neighborhoods include Downtown LA, Silver Lake, Echo Park, West Hollywood, Koreatown, and Santa Monica. Each offers a unique flavor of LA nightlife.

3. Do LA cocktail bars require reservations?

Some high-end or speakeasy-style bars, like Old Lightning or Bar Jackalope, require reservations. Others operate on a first-come, first-served basis—arrive early to secure a spot.