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In 2020, we’ve all embraced the joy of outside dining — after all, it’s all we’ve got — and a chill in the air won’t change that. Fall is the perfect time to grab a sweater, find a seat near a heat lamp, and settle in for the day. Besides, there’s never been a better time to support your local rum bar, cocktail lounge, pub, or that one restaurant that makes a surprisingly solid Old Fashioned.
It’s why we created this guide to the best places to grab a drink right now, from coast to coast. Regulations vary from state to state, but the establishments ahead stand ready to serve your favorite refreshment, whether it’s to-go or to sip on a patio. And if you’re in need of some ordering inspiration, we’re calling out some of the most popular menu items, from sophisticated hand-crafted cocktails like a Paris Mule or Dirty Blue Martini to (let’s not overthink it) stone classics like a hot toddy or BOMBAY SAPPHIRE Gin and tonic.
Read ahead for 189 answers to the question, “So, what’ll you have?”
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This Westside Italian put the focus on typical Roman dishes along the lines of cacio e pepe. From the bar — central to the space — that regional focus translates to sips like the Forza Spritz, with MARTINI & ROSSI Prosecco, MARTINI Fiero, MARTINI Bitters, and soda, and a fall-friendly Smoked Old-Fashioned made with SANTA TERESA 1796 Rum. 1198 Howell Mill Rd No. 020, Atlanta.
To wash down the Brookhaven restaurant’s down-home favorites, including seafood gumbo and Southern-fried catfish, you’re going to want a stiff drink with some character. Turn to Roc’s Old-Fashioned, a funky combo of D’USSÉ, Filthy black cherry juice, and bitters. 3009 Buford Hwy NE, Brookhaven.
Part coffee shop and part speakeasy, this Inman Park stop on the Beltline covers autumn sipping territory. Mellow out on the patio with a Daiquiri made with BACARDÍ Superior Rum, lime juice, and simple syrup or the Bijou, a mix of BOMBAY SAPPHIRE Gin, vermouth, green chartreuse, and orange bitters that’s pure alchemy. 661 Auburn Ave NE, Suite 280, Atlanta.
Let your cares disappear at this Midtown gay bar with DJs and karaoke to keep the party going all year long. Bartenders are pouring plenty of cocktails made with PLUME & PETAL’s naturally infused vodkas, but they’ll make whatever drink you fancy from the fully stocked bar — sip in the lounge or out on the patio. 1492 Piedmont Ave NE, Ste B, Atlanta.
Atlanta’s premier gay club, Bulldogs has been serving the city for over 30 years, and it’s still going strong. Patrons pack its dance floor during DJ nights, while the outside bar is perfect for those looking to sip al fresco. Drinks are known to be generous here, so sip slowly — a GREY GOOSE Lemon Drop is the ideal way to kick off your night. 893 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta.
This bistro at The Shops Buckhead Atlanta serves up Paris via steak frites and steamed mussels. Patio dining is especially refreshing with a Paris Mule in hand, made with GREY GOOSE Citron, ginger, lime, Fever Tree, and ginger beer. 3027 Bolling Way NE, Atlanta.
This Buckhead sports bar hits the cocktails out of the park, like the BACARDÍ Superior-laced Frozen Daiquiri, a drink made for the warmest fall days. Nachos, burgers, and other bar foods bring it in for the win. 322 E Paces Ferry NE, Atlanta, GA 30305.
Don’t miss the cocktails at this tres-chic French-Vietnamese restaurant at The Shops Buckhead Atlanta. Toast the season with the GREY GOOSE Vodka-based lychee martini or a Voi Cay made with Corzo Silver, Thai Chili Aperol, lime, and cane syrup. 3035 Peachtree Rd NE Unit A201, Atlanta.
You can’t go to a Cuban restaurant named “Mojitos” and not get a mojito (preferably one made with BACARDÍ Superior Rum). At this Norcross branch of the restaurant, they come in an array of flavors — choose among mango, strawberry, coconut, guava, and orange — that will let you pretend you’re on vacation. 5161 Peachtree Pkwy No. 630, Peachtree Corners.
Load up on guac, flautas, and tostadas — and to accompany the fare at this Buckhead Mexican restaurant, there’s the very chill Lecho de Coco, a mix of the Venezualan rum SANTA TERESA 1796, plus pineapple juice, orange juice, and coconut mix. Or slake your thirst with the Paraiso Ocho — a subtly fiery blend of BACARDÍ Reserva Ocho, Chinola, lime, pineapple, and spiced honey syrup. 312 Pharr Rd NE, Atlanta.
This divey spot in Buckhead proffers a voluminous food menu and a frosé that begs to be sipped on the bar’s patio. The beguiling blend is a combo of MARTINI & ROSSI Rosé, BACARDÍ Grapefruit Rum, lemonade, and peach purée. 248 Pharr Rd NE, Atlanta.
Treat yourself to an escape at this tapas restaurant with a rooftop perch at The Shops Buckhead Atlanta. The Seville Rose cocktail — with GREY GOOSE Vodka, ginger, lemon, and a rose-spice infusion — or a BOMBAY SAPPHIRE East Gin and Tonic are the glasses to match the modern Spanish plates. 3035 Peachtree Rd NE, Atlanta.
There’s no reason to get a margarita in a glass when you can get one in a pitcher at this midtown Mexican restaurant. They come in a variety of flavors, from tamarindo to cucumber — ask for your favorite CAZADORES Tequila — or try the Frosé-Rita. It’s half margarita, half MARTINI & ROSSI Rosé, and completely worth it. 900 Monroe Dr. NE, Atlanta.
The smooth balance of SANTA TERESA 1796 Rum gets elevated in The Passion of Santa Teresa made with passion fruit liqueur, grapefruit-lavender bitters, basil, and lime. Other cravings to pursue at this Buckhead Italian restaurant include Late Night in Lazio — a mix of GREY GOOSE Vodka, limoncello, and Dubonnet — and the dynamite fresh pastas. 3167 Peachtree Rd NE Suite S, Atlanta.
Round up your friends for your next big night out and head to this luxe space that will let you believe you’re in a members-only club. You can look the part while sipping a Tiki Daiquiri made with both BACARDÍ Añejo Cuatro and Superior Rum, or a smoky, SANTA TERESA-based Old-Fashioned while sitting on one of C&C’s plush Chesterfield sofas. 314 Auburn Ave., Atlanta.
Part steakhouse, part trattoria, and full bar, this Peachtree Hills hangout is a lively spot for dinner and drinks. Start with the Passionate RUMba, a vicarious vacation of a cocktail made with BACARDÍ Reserva Ocho, passionfruit, lemon, and allspice. 349 Peachtree Hills Ave., Atlanta.
Curated by the father of trap house music, this English Avenue museum and escape room is not a restaurant per se, but it does hold Sip and Trap nights every Thursday where you can sip Rum Punch made with BACARDÍ Spiced Rum. 630 Travis St NW, Atlanta.
Head to this Grant Park spot for legit Mexican and colorful cocktails on a fall afternoon. While you can’t go wrong with a Margarita, try mixing up your drink order with the Diamante Negro made with CAZADORES Añejo Cristalino Tequila. 1039 Grand St., Ste. B13, Atlanta.
Twisted Soul Cookhouse & Pours
You may come to this Westside eatery for the next-level soul food, but you’ll linger for the drinks. Try Retha’s No. 9, a fall-inspired cocktail that features BACARDÍ Reserva Ocho Rum, sweet potato nectar, cayenne, and candied bacon. 1133 Huff Rd. Atlanta.
A downtown bar where you can build the burger of your dreams, this neighborhood joint hits that low-key note perfectly. You could order a beer — it’s that kind of place — but the Papa Don’t Peach with PLUME & PETAL’s naturally infused peach vodka is a worthy contender for state cocktail. 150 Walton St NW, Atlanta.
Describing a restaurant as “enchanting” may sound hyperbolic, but here, it’s simply accurate. Its garden dining space is lush, colorful, and the right place to drink a decadent cocktail like the Bend and Snap — a frothy, Instagram-ready concoction made with BOMBAY SAPPHIRE Gin and topped with rosé foam. 88 West Paces Ferry Rd. NW, Atlanta.
Grown-up luxury finds its element at the St. Regis’s bar in Buckhead. It’s the kind of place that demands a cocktail in heavy glassware, like the Smoked Old-Fashioned with BACARDÍ Reserva Ocho Rum or a G&T made with BOMBAY SAPPHIRE and Bittercube tonic syrup. 88 West Paces Ferry Rd. NW, Atlanta.
The seafood at this Cajun-Vietnamese restaurant can only be topped by one of its tropical-inspired cocktails. Try the frozen ShackTastic Strawberry Daiquiri, which is made with BACARDÍ Superior Rum to feel that peak-summer energy well into fall. 6100 Live Oak Pkwy., Ste. 1, Norcross.
If you’re seeking respite from the loud bar scene, you’ll want to grab your dog and a few two-legged friends to head over to this Beltline hangout. Order a Watermelon Margarita made with CAZADORES, and settle in for the night. 660 Irwin St. NE, Atlanta
If you’re not a member of The Gathering Spot, grab one and head directly to its seasonal, local ingredient-driven restaurant. It’s known for its elevated takes on classics, which fortunately includes cocktails like the Blackberry Mule made with GREY GOOSE and the Ginderella made with BOMBAY SAPPHIRE. 384 Northyards Blvd. NW, Atlanta.
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A beautifully restored historic home now houses this very date-worthy cocktail bar and kitchen. The Chilean Sea Bass and classic Beef Tartare are popular menu items, and don’t miss a fun spritz of a cocktail called the Bitter Lemon Soda — a puckery-sweet mix of BOMBAY SAPPHIRE Gin, and Bespoke Bitter Lemon Soda. 2614 Boll Street, Dallas.
This light, airy bar and eatery in a historic brick building boasts a romantic, ivy-walled patio and a refreshingly down-to-earth atmosphere. Visit for a happy hour when the weather is just this side of nippy, and treat yourself to a classic Irish Coffee featuring TEELING Small Batch Irish Rum. Warming up already? 4830 McKinney Ave., Dallas.
This beloved bar with vintage vibes, a laid-back feel, and a stellar outdoor patio is a great place to order up something frosty on a sultry night. We suggest a Frozen Hurricane — with BACARDÍ Lime, and BACARDÍ Superior, tropical fruit, and grenadine, it’s a very fun way to kick off an evening. 3301 McKinney Ave., Dallas.
All the comforts of the modern, upscale steakhouse can be found at Dee Lincoln, from premium, dry-aged porterhouse, to an elegant and inventive sushi bar. Drinks are no less noteworthy. Start with the Bubble Bubble — a frothy concoction of GREY GOOSE La Poire, elderflower, simple syrup, lemon juice, and Champagne — and see where the night takes you. 6670 Winning Drive, Suite 400 Frisco.
A standout Chinese restaurant, Sum Dang Good serves authentic and modern takes on classic menu items. Locals can’t keep away from the soup dumplings, and if you opt for something spicy, cool off with a refreshing Lavender Mule — featuring GREY GOOSE, lemon, and lavender syrup — or a Frosé All Day, an icy blend of ST~GERMAIN, GREY GOOSE and rosé. 3011 Gulden, Dallas.
It’s tough not to have a great time at a beer garden — especially this one, with its charming mix of modern decor and twinkling lights. The fresh-smoked BBQ menu and 40 beers on tap are plenty attractive on their own — but don’t skip the cocktail list, or you’d miss the delightful Cosmopilita, a refreshing mix of PATRÒN Silver, grapefruit cordial, agave nectar, and tart grapefruit. 311 S. Akard St., Dallas.
It’s not hard to find a Mexican restaurant in these parts, but it is hard to find one this good. Urban Rio serves cuisine and cocktails that pay homage to “both sides of the Rio Grande” — think plump, spicy Picadillo Beef Empanadas, Smoked Turkey Tamales, and can’t-miss cocktails like the Topo Loco, containing generous pours of PATRÒN Reposado, PATRÒN Citronge, plus pineapple liqueur, lime, and Topo Chico. 1000 E. 14th St., Suite 100, Plano.
Mexico City cuisine meets Tex Mex at this popular fusion restaurant featuring an excellent mixed drink menu. Build on the heat of your artisanal street-style tacos with a Jalisco Express — featuring CAZADORES Reposado, lime, serrano chile, cilantro, and habanero-infused agave nectar. Or cool off completely with an effervescent Hibiscus Champagne Margarita, which combines ST~GERMAIN Elderflower Liquer, Prosecco, Clase Azul Plata, and hibiscus. 3310 Dallas Pkwy, Plano.
With its skyline views and vibrant, second-floor patio, this Main Street hotspot is always serving a good time. Sample the New American classics like creamy gorgonzola-topped waffle fries, and order up one of their clever cocktails like Feelin Pine — BACARDÍ Añejo Cuatro, house-made pineapple mint syrup, garnished with fresh mint and a pineapple frond — or Green With Envy, featuring BACARDÍ Superior, house-made shishito syrup, ancho reyes verde, cucumber, and fresh lime juice. 2803 Main St #110, Dallas.
The restaurant that bills its fare as “next-generation Mexican” isn’t kidding around. Menu favorites like Chef Beto’s Tableside Guacamology — where fresh guac is prepared right before your eyes — and Mexican Poutine, a mouth-watering combination of crispy house-made masa fries, chicken tinga, queso blanco, and tomatillo, is the fusion food we’ve all been waiting for. Equally delightful are the cocktails like the Platinum PATRÒN Margarita, made with Gran Platinum PATRÒN, Grand Marnier, fresh lime juice, and agave. 3011 Gulden Ln #108, Dallas.
The mini-chain that began in Austin now boasts locations and fans from Arkansas to Oklahoma. Here in Dallas, they’re loved for their “Damn Good Tacos” that definitely live up to the name, their addictive chips and queso, and their drink menu that only adds to the fun. Make sure you try the Sucker Punch — a spin on the classic Mai Tai featuring creamy BACARDÍ Coconut. Multiple locations across Dallas, find yours here.
Fine dining that’s not stuffy — it’s a winning idea, and one that Kenny’s serves up better than most. Its hickory wood-burning grill churns out delectable spins on surf and turf, bacon cheddar burgers and more, while its elegant mixed drinks like the Espresso Martini made with GREY GOOSE La Vanille, Kahlua, and Noble Coyote cold brew coffee make a fitting pair. 5000 Belt Line Rd., #775, Dallas.
When Nick & Sam’s is swinging, there’s no better place to be. This swanky, low-lit steakhouse serves classic decadent fare like crab cakes, oysters Rockefeller, and prime aged porterhouse steak in very elegant digs. What could be better? Oh right, cocktails. Order up a Pearfection — it mixes GREY GOOSE La Poire, fresh pear, and ice to truly live up to its name. 8111 Preston Rd., Dallas.
This picturesque restaurant gives off effortlessly casual Parisian bistro vibes and serves an elevated menu of comforting fare like mussels and fries, a half roasted chicken, and creamy polenta. For cocktails, The Godfather is an offer you can’t refuse — this soul-warming drink combines ABERFELDY 12, Amaretto, and Montenegro garnished with a gold flake ice cube and a skeleton leaf. 3230 Knox St., #140, Dallas.
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The flavors of Southeast Asia headline at this River Oaks District restaurant. On the drinks side, there’s the standout Trai Vai, a cocktail made of GREY GOOSE, lychee liqueur, and lime, while fare leans to dumplings and half-roasted duck. 4444 Westheimer Rd, Houston.
Fresh-squeezed juices make their way into this Montrose coastal Mexican restaurant’s refreshing cocktails, such as the Carlos Danger with jalapeño- and pineapple-infused CAZADORES Blanco Tequila, triple sec, lime, and agave. Of its three bars, two are outside. 2517 Ralph St, Houston.
This upscale Montrose steakhouse is serious about its USDA Prime meats, with hefty cuts like a porterhouse sharing space with fish entrees. To lighten the mood, try The Fig, an easy-to-drink cocktail made of GREY GOOSE, fig, cassis, and oloroso. 2815 S. Shepherd Dr., Houston.
Brunch, lunch, dinner — it’s all accompanied by bubbles at this River Oaks champagne bar. To get a taste of the bartenders’ talents, opt for an A’bouzy Mule, made with a cool mix of GREY GOOSE, ginger liqueur, Prosecco, lime, and mint. 2300 Westheimer Rd., Houston.
Any time is good to quench your thirst at this Heights bar’s huge patio. But aim to sip a Santa Swizzle — SANTA TERESA 1796, lemon, spiced pear liqueur, and Pinot Noir — on Tuesday for tacos or Wednesday for steak. 1027 W 19th St, Houston.
This absolute stunner with authentic Indian cuisine is serious about its cocktail menu. Spend a chilly evening on one of its velvet couches drinking a BOMBAY SAPPHIRE East Gin & Tonic with lemongrass, lemon slices, edible blue paint, grapefruit bitters, and Fever Tree citrus tonic. 5115 Westheimer Rd., Ste. C-3500, Houston.
Main Kitchen and 806 Lounge at JW Marriott Downtown
Who among us couldn’t use an escape from 2020? Despite everything, this downtown hotel’s cocktail the Game Changer can lighten your mood, thanks to GREY GOOSE, cucumber, orange, lemon, and butterfly pea flower tea. 806 Main St., Houston.
Go beyond standard Southern fare at this Midtown restaurant with jerk chicken and waffles or cheeseburger waffles. Pair them with The Castaway cocktail, a mix of BACARDÍ Superior, BACARDÍ Coconut, Yellow Chartreuse, housemade coconut milk syrup, lime, and tiki bitters. 3015 Bagby, Houston.
This Upper Kirby restaurant highlights dishes from seven regions in Mexico, with some Tex-Mex goodies too. That means plates like Mole Coloradito (lamb or wild boar) alongside nachos. The Pico Rita — CAZADORES Blanco Tequila, Cointreau, and fresh lime juice — thankfully goes with everything. 3601 Kirby Dr., Houston.
Drinking is big at this 20,000-square-foot Fourth Ward spot that’s part restaurant, part nightlife venue. Party with the Pour Star, a weekend-ready cocktail of GREY GOOSE La Poire, BOMBAY SAPPHIRE Gin, kiwi purée, Midori, Prosecco, syrup, and mint. 2211 Travis St., Houston.
Light up your fall with the Prospect Punch — a fruity mix of BACARDÍ Superior, BACARDÍ Mango, blue curaçao, Island Pucker, and pineapple and orange juices served in a fishbowl — at this Galleria branch of the local sports bar and lounge chain. 3100 Fountainview, Houston.
This chic Highland Village restaurant does refreshment right with its Mint to Be Melon (GREY GOOSE Vodka, ST~GERMAIN, watermelon, and lemon). It’s a perfect match to the menu of roasted beets, tuna tartare, and rack of lamb. 4444 Westheimer, Houston.
Like a childhood ice cream truck but with booze, that’s the schtick behind this operation — and it’s a good one. Enjoy being a grown-up with a Frozen Daiquiri — perfected with BACARDÍ Superior Rum, lime, and simple syrup. It’s available, mercifully, in three sizes. Location varies, check website above for details.
This River Oaks restaurant offers a homey vibe and a menu that knits together Southern, Creole, Asian, and other inspirations. Sip the chill Garden Mule, made of GREY GOOSE, lime, ginger beer, cucumber, and mint, on its New Orleans-style patio. 1103 S Shepherd Dr., Houston.
Make yourself at home on the patio of this low-key West Corridor bar located in a turn-of-the-20th-century house, and order the Frozen Sangria. It’s an ice-cold mix of BACARDÍ Superior Rum, lime, and simple syrup — available in three sizes — that’s perfect for sunny fall days. 4504 Nett St., Houston.
Hotel Zaza: Museum District and Memorial City
If everything is bigger in Texas, then everything is just a little bit more luxurious at Hotel Zaza. Bask in its extraness with an Xpresso Martini — GREY GOOSE, dark chocolate, white chocolate, espresso, and vanilla — in hand. Museum District: 5701 Main St., Houston. Memorial City: 9787 Katy Fwy., Houston.
A pandemic-ready, open-air restaurant you’ll want to lounge the day away at. Some excellent company to keep is the Party Pimm’s, made with BOMBAY SAPPHIRE, Pimm’s, raspberry, ginger, cucumber, strawberry, and fizz. It’s available in a single serving or a growler for your whole table. 5102 Washington Ave., Houston.
Travel back in time to the ‘60s then hop across the Pacific, and you’ll arrive at this tiki bar in Historic Heights. Once there, do the only thing you can: Sip a Café Presidente, made with SANTA TERESA 1796 rum infused with espresso as well as vermouth, grenadine, orange, and curaçao. 6412 N. Main St., Houston.
A mad science experiment gone right, this River Oaks restaurant is part funhouse, part bar. The drinks are exactly what you don’t expect: Start with the Lunas de Galileo, which features BOMBAY SAPPHIRE infused with cantaloupe and lemongrass as well as aloe liqueur, white vermouth, and house-made lemon soda. If you’re up for it, follow that with the Reflejo (Reflection) cocktail — a bracing mix of GREY GOOSE Vodka, espresso, Grand Brulot VSOP, Jagermeister Cold Brew, and Nitro Draft. 4444 Westheimer Rd., Ste. C180, Houston.
With its luxurious all-white interior and elevated French cuisine, this River Oaks favorite feels every bit the high-end dining experience. Indulge in its St. George Martini — GREY GOOSE, St. George Espresso Liquor, Licor 43, and espresso — to complete the night. 1962 W. Gray St., Houston.
This downtown gem is located right on the edge of the city’s Discovery Green. Spend a perfect fall afternoon walking the park grounds before settling in for its Grove Mojito made with BACARDÍ Limon, mint mash, and fresh lime juice. 1611 Lamar St., Houston.
Permission Whiskey & Service Co.
Stay full and stay foolish is the encouraged vibe at this trendy new downtown spot. Take them up on it with the pitch-perfect Rum Old-Fashioned made with SANTA TERESA 1796, pineapple syrup, and bitters. 2920 White Oak Dr., Houston.
Enjoy the weather and the view at this Rock Rose hot spot. Layer up and order yourself a BACARDÍ Superior, mint, lime, and simple syrup. 2416 Brazos St. Ste. 200, Houston.
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The ocean view from this Santa Monica rooftop bar is enviable — so too are the cocktails. Salute fall with the Crimson & Clover, a just-right mix of BACARDÍ rum, lime, barrel-aged honey, and orange flower water. 1332 2nd St., Santa Monica.
Cozy up to cuffing season with the Hounds of Love, a sophisticated blend of BOMBAY SAPPHIRE, Cocchi Americano, cranberry, curaçao, and lime at this Brentwood steakhouse with a chic bar and outdoor seating. 11647 San Vicente Blvd, Los Angeles.
Warm fall afternoons? Yes, please. Sink deep into the sun on the dazzling L.P. rooftop in West Hollywood with the Kickstart My Heart cocktail — GREY GOOSE, watermelon, agave, lemon, and rhubarb, sided by a watermelon wedge. 603 N. La Cienega Blvd., West Hollywood.
No shame in getting a brain freeze when sucking down a Lavender Margarita in the dining room or out in the restaurant’s West Hollywood garden. The sophisticated take blends CAZADORES with Cointreau, lavender, and lemon for a subtly sweet treat. 7984 Santa Monica Blvd., West Hollywood.
Of all the bespoke cocktails at this West Hollywood stunner, the pitch-perfect Olivia is the place to start. Dive into the mix of GREY GOOSE, pepper-infused ST~GERMAIN, fresh blackberries, and shiso leaf. 945 N Fairfax Ave., West Hollywood.
How to multitask in L.A.: Soak up the Venice vibes at this all-day restaurant with a F.A.D.E.D., a frozen mix of CAZADORES Blanco Tequila, Aperol, cointreau, strawberry, grapefruit, lemon, rosé, and bitters. 220 Rose Ave., Venice.
No shame in sipping away the pain of 2020 in this Beverley Grove bar’s classic environs with the Palomo, a fizzy mix of CAZADORES, Pamplemousse, lime, and soda that’s almost too drinkable. 8480 W. 3rd St., Los Angeles.
What goes better with sunshine and tacos than an ice-cold Margarita? This light and airy, beach-ready restaurant in downtown Santa Monica serves the tequila cocktail with CAZADORES, fresh lime, demerara sugar, and orange liqueur. Surf’s up. 217 Broadway, Santa Monica, CA 90401.
Pair this Venice spot’s quirky dishes like Gnarly mushrooms, Rico Suave gnocchi, and the Tremendous burger with an equally good-times lovin’ Margarita. Order up the house version with CAZADORES for the just-right tequila bite. 80 Windward Ave., Venice.
What was once a cathedral is now a chic downtown restaurant home to fancy plates from chef Neal Fraser. Start off the meal with the Fountain of Youth, an expert mix of GREY GOOSE L’Orange, Lillet Blanc, Giffard peche de vigne, lemon, housemade tonic, strawberry, and cucumber. 114 E 2nd St, Los Angeles.
What’s more Southern California than a sports bar by the beach? The pub fare at this Hermosa Beach bar matches well with the Mango-Jalapeño Margarita, a mix of the two headliners, plus CAZADORES, sour mix, and lime. 68 Pier Ave., Hermosa Beach.
Ah, the Spicy Cucumber Margarita, the perfect mix of soothing-cool cucumber, spicy-prickly jalapeño, and a tequila rush. This Pasadena Mexican restaurant does them right with CAZADORES, cucumber, kumquat liqueur, and house jalapeño purée, with a chipotle-salted rim. 140 S. Lake Ave., Ste. 101, Pasadena.
This Hermosa Beach restaurant does beachy Mexican food just right, with dishes like fried fish tacos that are a perfect match for the Pepino Diablo. The drink’s muddled jalapeño and cucumber add a kick to CAZADORES Blanco Tequila, agave, and lime juice. 39 Pier Ave., Hermosa Beach.
Make it a date night at this Studio City charmer with inventive cocktails, like the Chi-Chi. It’s a shareable sipper made with GREY GOOSE, coconut cream, pineapple, and lemon. 11915 Ventura Blvd., Studio City.
There’s no improving on the ocean views at this Malibu restaurant perched over the water. For all-day sipping this fall, try the Passion Flower, made from the divine combo of GREY GOOSE and ST~GERMAIN. 20356 Pacific Coast Hwy., Malibu.
Travel back in time via this Studio City lounge’s mid-century decor. Then, jump through space to a tropical paradise with its vacation-inducing cocktails like the G-Wagon, a bubbly mix of GREY GOOSE, ST~GERMAIN, grapefruit, and seltzer. 11838 Ventura Blvd., Studio City.
This Little Tokyo bar beckons patrons to dive in. It’s not quite a tiki bar, but the Drink Like a Fish party punch — made with several rums, including BACARDÍ Superior, and tempered by hibiscus, lime, and bergamot — flirts with the territory. 428 E. 2nd St., Los Angeles.
Escape your home and head to this fun-loving, casual pub on the Sunset Strip with a solid cocktail list. The easy-drinking Cucumber Caipirinha — made with LEBLON cachaça, cucumber, mint, lime juice, and simple syrup — is a good way to start your afternoon of drinking. 8782 Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood.
Part sports bar, part club, part restaurant, this Westchester spot wears many hats. No matter why you come, try the Pear of Tits cocktail — a potent combo of vodka, ST~GERMAIN, lime, apple juice, cucumber, and a splash of sour mix. 5630 W. Manchester Ave., Los Angeles.
The most appropriate drink to sip while sitting oceanside on a sunny day at this Playa Del Ray seafood spot is the appropriately named Del Ray. It’s a heat-tinged mix of CAZADORES Tequila Blanco, St. George Green Chile vodka, cucumber, jalapeño, lime, agave, and cayenne salt. 119 Culver Blvd., Playa Del Rey.
An upscale sports bar in Hollywood, the aptly named 3rd Base is a go-to for elevated bar food. Skip the beer and wash it all down with a craft cocktail like the Last Stop Before Home made with CAZADORES tequila. 1564 N. Cahuenga Blvd., Los Angeles.
Plates may lend themselves to sharing at this regional Mexican restaurant in Santa Monica, but you’ll want to order your own drink to sip outside. Try La Flaca. It’s a simple mix of CAZADORES, agave, and citrus that plays nicely with every dish on the menu. 1251 Third St. Promenade, Santa Monica.
Classic steakhouse offerings convene with more casual options at this Encino staple. Trade the standard martini for something lighter and ever so sweet with the Eastside Standard, a simple and refreshing mix of GREY GOOSE, cucumber, mint, lime, and the tiniest bit of sugar. 16120 Ventura Blvd., Encino.
This 1930s celebrity hangout reopened in 2016 with updated Chinese-American fare and throwback cocktails. The Matador hits the right note with a mix of CAZADORES Silver tequila, triple sec, pineapple, and fresh lemon and lime. 7156 Santa Monica Blvd., West Hollywood.
Caravan Swim Club at The Hotel June
Is there a right drink to sip when whiling away a fall Sunday at this poolside bar? There is, and it’s the Serious Moonlight made with SANTA TERESA 1796 rum, Mr. Black Coffee Liqueur, triple sec, and orange liqueur. 8639 Lincoln Blvd., Los Angeles.
Forego the urge to sip a stiff drink at this wood-walled bar designed to look like a whiskey barrel. Instead, order the sweet-and-spicy La Cuevita Love, made with CAZADORES, muddled blood orange, jalapeño, strawberry, and house ginger beer. 4824 Vineland Ave., Los Angeles.
Date night demands the right atmosphere, and this hilltop hideaway with city views is just that. Order the Wilde Sunset for a fall-friendly cocktail made of BACARDÍ Spiced Rum, blood orange purée, absinthe, lemon, and simple syrup. 1250 E. Harvard Rd., Burbank.
Perched above DTLA, this penthouse sushi spot is the kind of place you want to sip a cocktail called the Tokyo Mule. Lychee juice brings a bit of the East to the traditional Moscow Mule, blending seamlessly with GREY GOOSE, muddled ginger and lime, and ginger beer. 811 Wilshire Blvd., #2100, Los Angeles.
The Penthouse at Huntley Hotel
You may not be going on vacation in 2020, but you can visit this hotel hotspot with panoramic ocean views. Order the Watermelon-Cucumber Mojito made with BACARDÍ Superior and pressed lime and watermelon juice, and you’ll never know the difference. 1111 2nd St., Santa Monica.
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Truly one of Miami’s most stylish sipping spots, Baby Jane is once again open seven days a week and serving cocktails that are just the right mix of offbeat and sophisticated. Don’t miss the Spicy Passion Fruit Margarita, made with a healthy pour of CAZADORES — you might want to fortify yourself with its addictive pork buns or tonkotsu ramen first. 500 Brickell Ave., Unit 105E, Miami.
Bite into homemade pasta or fresh fish from this Coral Gables Italian restaurant and be transported to the restaurant’s namesake, a small marina in Sanremo. Toast the fast-approaching end of 2020 with the Rosso di Sera — GREY GOOSE, Aperol, homemade limoncello, and lemon. 2530 Ponce de Leon Blvd., Coral Gables.
This modern Cuban spot in Coral Gables gets inspiration from Havana. The Calle Mule — a fair-weather sipper of GREY GOOSE La Poire, ST~GERMAIN, sage, citrus, and ginger beer — sets the mood, and empanadas keep the good vibes going. 230 Miracle Mile, Coral Gables.
The Bellagio cocktail — GREY GOOSE Le Citron, Cocchi Rosa, elderflower, lemon, and a Prosecco splash — melts away cares and ushers in a raw-bar feast, bison steak tartare, bucatini carbonara with summer truffles, and other delights at this Coral Gables hotspot. 1500 San Ignacio Ave., Coral Gables.
An oasis in Upper Buena Vista, this Italian restaurant with Latin tinges boasts a rooftop, myriad hanging plants, and a banyan tree. Fare runs from pizza to pasta, and the Pinga Loca cocktail — LEBLON Cachaça, guava, coconut cream, and lime — ties everything together. 5020 NE 2nd Ave., Miami.
This Wynwood food hall hosts Asian food vendors ranging from Thai to Japanese, perfect for an undecided outing. There’s an outdoor bar too. Order up the Hiroshima Mon Amour cocktail, which borrows punch from SANTA TERESA 1796 Rum. 143 NW 23rd St., Miami.
Set on the Rickenbacker Marina, this waterfront spot lures with its Miami views. Pair the seafood-heavy menu with a drink worthy of its perch, the Bay Blossom, a mix of GREY GOOSE, ST~GERMAIN, ginger syrup, lemon juice, and hibiscus leaf. 3201 Rickenbacker Causeway, Key Biscayne.
Beat the Miami heat with Summer Shade, an eminently drinkable cocktail that gets zip from GREY GOOSE and grapefruit and lemon juices and complexity from basil and bitters. Take it on the Midtown spot’s patio with some sushi or a burger. 3201 Buena Vista, Miami.
An energetic steakhouse with a modern vibe in the Brown’s Hotel, this Miami Beach eatery delivers the goods for a big night out. The bartenders mix up whatever is desired, perhaps a PATRÓN margarita in honor of Miami’s summer-like fall? 112 Ocean Dr., Miami Beach.
At the edge of Fort Lauderdale’s Victoria Park neighborhood sits this lounge with an inviting front patio. Florida calls for year-round tropical treats, like Tiki Tales, a cocktail of SANTA TERESA 1796 Rum, passion fruit liqueur, vanilla, orgeat, and lime. 702 East Broward Blvd., Fort Lauderdale.
The American tavern on Las Olas specializes in spiffed-up crowd-pleasers like hand-cut fries with truffle oil and a jerk chicken sandwich. Dive into the weekend with the Swimming Pool cocktail, with GREY GOOSE L’Orange, muddled strawberries, and lemon and lime juice. 609 E. Las Olas Blvd., Fort Lauderdale.
Whether you “dock and dine” at this Intracoastal seafood-heavy spot in Fort Lauderdale or arrive more conventionally, do sit on the dockside patio and gorge on food and pitchers of Ship-Faced Shelley (try saying that fast), a GREY GOOSE-spiked strawberry-lemonade. 1555 SE 17th St., Fort Lauderdale.
Perched atop the Dalmar hotel in Flagler Village, this rooftop bar provides views across Fort Lauderdale and solid warm-weather beverage options. The A1A pairs PATRÓN Reposado with sherry and doesn’t shy away from flavor with celery, lime, jalapeño, and salt. 299 N. Federal Hwy., Fort Lauderdale.
When you want special-occasion Italian, this Fort Lauderdale restaurant delivers with its handmade pastas and plates of veal chops and strip steak. For something different, there’s the Italicus Margarita, which uses PATRON Reposado to great effect. 1201 N. Federal Hwy., Fort Lauderdale.
Everything is eminently Instagramable at this Design District hotspot, but its namesake cocktail The Swan — an anytime drink made of SANTA TERESA 1796 Tum, curaçao, lychee, chamomile, and lemon — is particularly sippable. Order, drink, repeat. 90 NE 39th St., Miami.
Is there any cocktail that isn’t better frozen? Certainly not this BACARDÍ-laced Mojito. It’s the perfect partner when lounging at this waterfront seafood spot. 422 NW North River Dr., Miami.
If you can’t make it to Tulum this year, head to the next best thing in Wynwood. Stay late and keep the Blood Moons — a tequila-based cocktail made with PATRÒN REPOSADO, passion fruit liqueur, peanut, and Desert Pear syrup — flowing. 127 NW 23rd St., Miami.
Hidden behind a bodega in Little Havana is this tequila and mezcal-heavy speakeasy that’s just the thing your next night-out needs. Their handcrafted cocktails — like the Canta Rico, made with Tequila CAZADORES Reposado — are well-loved by locals, as is the fact that they’re newly open for brunch. 521 SW Eighth St., Miami.
This riverfront restaurant serves up Greek-inspired plates that will transport you to the blue waters of the Mediterranean. Complement them with the Kiki in Love, a GREY GOOSE-based cocktail mixed with ST~GERMAIN, pear, and lime. 450 NW North River Dr., Miami.
Sink into the white leather couches at this chic hangout, and order the St. Barths. With cucumber-infused GREY GOOSE, Pavan Liqueur, lime juice, mint, and cucumber, it’s a quick flight to the Caribbean. 309 23rd St., Miami Beach.
The French Riviera comes to Brickell at this upbeat take on Gallic food. Dining on the covered terrace is always a luxurious experience — equally transporting is the cocktail menu featuring inventive mixed drinks made with ABERFELDY 12. 1300 Brickell Bay Dr., Miami.
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Talk Story at McCarren Hotel Rooftop
Head to this cocktail bar perched atop Williamsburg’s McCarren Hotel for the best place to take in views of the Manhattan skyline. Try its namesake cocktail, a smoky mix of DEWAR’S Illegal Mezcal, pineapple rum, elote liqueur, and tiki bitters. Sounds good, doesn’t it? 160 N 12th St., Brooklyn.
Renaissance Hotels: Midtown and Times Square
You can’t go wrong saying “meet me at the Renaissance.” The boutique-style hotel boasts two luxe Manhattan locations, each serving up stellar food, drinks, and city views. Head to Times Square’s R Lounge to see Broadway’s lights or the 35th Street location for one of NYC’s largest roof decks. Both proudly serve GREY GOOSE kegs. Midtown: 218 West 35th St., New York; Times Square: 714 Seventh Ave., New York.
Wake yourself up at this Irish-style pub with Santa’s Coffee, a mix of cacao nib-infused CAZADORES, dark-roast coffee, turbinado syrup, and saffron. It’s the cold-weather cure for your quarantine-weary soul. 56 Greenwich Ave., New York.
Super-fresh Mexican is the name of the game at Fresco’s Cantina in Astoria. A plate of tacos is an excellent choice for a light lunch, and while you can’t go wrong with a margarita, a Cantina Mule — GREY GOOSE Vodka, lime juice, and ginger beer — is a fun way to mix it up. 12-14 31st Ave., Astoria.
The newly reopened Scarpetta feels like an escape in the heart of Manhattan, thanks to its copious Mediterranean-inspired florals, trees, and ivy. The great pairing here is the Beau Arts Beauty made with GREY GOOSE, Yuzuri Yuzu, Pamplemousse, lemongrass, and Prosecco. 88 Madison Ave. at The James Hotel, New York.
A brisk fall evening is ideal for a strong cocktail, and this 100-year-old Greenwich Village cafe knows just how to make them. Try the Silver Bullet, which uses vodka (GREY GOOSE), gin (BOMBAY Sapphire), and vermouth (NOILLY PRAT) to balance out Kümmel, lemon bitters, and Italian caviar. 79-81 MacDougal St., New York.
The casual fish shack on the Bronx’s City Island gives off summer-vacation vibes year-round, both in its food menu — fried shrimp is a favorite — and its cocktail list. Sip a BACARDÍ-based Mojito at the outdoor tiki bar if it’s open. 459 City Island Ave., Bronx.
Dishes and drinks borrow from Latin America and Spain at this East Village bar that’s perfected chill drinks, with sippers like the BACARDÍ Lime-based Mojito standing out. 111 Avenue A, New York.
Enjoy the taste of Brazil without the plane trip at this Carroll Gardens favorite. Its Berry Sangria gets a kick from LEBLON Cachaça, rosé, acai liqueur, and berries. 548 Court St., Brooklyn.
With a focus on tequila and mezcal, this Lower East Side hangout does margaritas right, but that doesn’t mean pretentious. Indulge your wild side with the CAZADORES-based frozen Agave Margarita swirl. Then soak up the booze with street tacos. 63 Carmine St., New York.
Who says you need to order wine at a wine bar? Not when the House Margarita is made with CAZADORES, and you can choose from plain, passion fruit, or strawberry. No, you won’t be disappointed at this welcoming Washington Heights stop. 4463 Broadway, New York.
The extra virgin olive oil from Peloponnese and the fish flown in from the Mediterranean leave no doubt about this restaurant’s Greek roots. Wash all that flavor (opa!) down with an Espresso Martini, expertly made here with GREY GOOSE Vodka. 15 W. 18th St., New York.
Whether to celebrate passion or seek it out, there’s no topping this Chelsea gin joint’s spin on the negroni, Passion of the Negroni, which puts BOMBAY SAPPHIRE Gin up against amaro, vermouth, ST~GERMAIN, and the flavors of passion fruit. 132 9th Ave, New York.
A restaurant can’t win nods for brunch in Williamsburg without having its cocktail game on point. Case in point, the Sucka Punch, which gets its kick from BACARDÍ Añejo Cuatro and SANTA TERESA 1796 Rum. 79 Berry St., Brooklyn.
Is jalapeño, with its refreshing zip, the ultimate cocktail veg? It certainly lends itself to a top-shelf drink at this East Village restaurant. Here the bartenders use CAZADORES to complement the pepper as well as calamansi, lime, and spicy Palawan salt. 190 Avenue B, New York.
Mixologist Dick Bradsell created the Espresso Martini after a model requested something to “wake her up and f*ck her up.” The East Village cafe’s frozen version of the cocktail — GREY GOOSE Vodka, espresso concentrate, coffee liqueur, and cola syrup — is this season’s slurpable reply. 94 Avenue A, New York.
Come for the party vibes at this fun-loving Bronx bar and restaurant, and stay for the cocktail list where the Rum Punch, made with BACARDÍ Coconut, grabs your attention. 170 W 231 St, Bronx.
The cellar this Flatiron bar occupies has a history — as a Prohibition-era gambling den and speakeasy. That provenance has seeped into the first-rate cocktails, like the Health Bloom, a pleasantly unusual mix of GREY GOOSE, La Poire, blueberry kombucha, beet syrup, lime, and mint. 20 W. 23rd St., New York.
This restaurant located in the former Limelight pleases with upscale Chinese fare and dim sum — a menu that finds a sweet-tart foil in the Lychee Martini that’s boosted by GREY GOOSE. 49 W 20th St., New York.
This place in Astoria has been named one of the best whiskey bars in the U.S. by Whiskey Advocate. Take advantage of that expertise with the Old Friend, a twist on the negroni that’s made with barrel-aged ABERFELDY 12. 30-13 Broadway, Astoria.
Craving a Mexicano roll with a side of Hawaiian salad? Why not toss in a cocktail. If you’re in Harlem, try the D’USSÉ Colada, a fruity frozen concoction made with D’USSÉ VSOP. In the Brox? Try the Mamacolada, a tropical drink made with BACARDÍ Superior Rum and served in a pineapple. Harlem location: 3569 Broadway, New York. Bronx location: 3478 East Tremont Ave., Bronx.
Get lured in by this Meatpacking District hang\out’s Lush Lemonade, a drink made with GREY GOOSE, brandy, lemon, vanilla, and fresh-pressed apple juice. Throw in spicy tuna rolls, sashimi, and roasted branzino for a picnic extravaganza. 88 9th Ave., New York.
With its live DJ sets and bar food from a James Beard-award-winning chef, the Lobby bar at Ace Hotel is a cozy wood-paneled dream. Every cocktail is a winner, but try The Grove made with BACARDÍ Reserva Ocho, mandarin and bergamot liqueurs, and lemon. 20 W. 29th St., New York.
Authentic Brazilian food, joyful vibes, and to-die-for autumn cocktails? Have a Fall for Frida — Tequila CAZADORES Reposado, pineapple and lime juice, cinnamon-agave syrup — and enjoy New York’s first caipirinha bar. 43 Carmine St., New York.
If a classic diner is what you’re in the mood for, you can’t go wrong with this Brooklyn institution. Grab a slice of cheesecake and a diner fave, The Wood Rum Punch made with BACARDÍ Banana Rum. 2870 Linden Blvd., Brooklyn.
Don’t let the name fool you; this is not your grandfather’s steak house. It features standard chop house fair as well as dim sum worth the train ride from Manhattan and a standout cocktail menu. Try the Sour Diesel: D’USSÉ VSOP cognac, fresh lemon juice, peach schnapps, grapefruit juice, and agave syrup. 150 Nassau St, Brooklyn.
A cabaret/restaurant/piano bar right in the heart of the Theater District? Sounds like a perfect place to sing your heart out while sipping its storied ABERFELDY 12 Old-Fashioned. And it is. 343 W. 46th St., New York.
Stop by this Asian-influenced Mexican spot downtown for a Classico Margarita with CAZADORES tequila and a stroll through the incredible street murals of the artsy Lower East Side. 253 Broome St., New York.
Named for the traditional sailboats of Ireland, this lively spot is anything but. Head to the four-story pub and cozy up with a Winter Old-Fashioned made with SANTA TERESA 1796 Rum, allspice dram, cardamom, and bitters. 133 7th Ave. S, New York.
The laid-back Brooklyn vibe and classic Mexican staples make this the perfect place to put on your favorite fall flannel and grab a CAZADORES Paloma with grapefruit soda and lime. 140 St. Nicholas Ave., Brooklyn.
If the specially carved pumpkins and delicious Latin-inspired menu weren’t reason enough to visit this Brooklyn lounge, then its incredible cocktail menu certainly is. Try the Thug Passion with D’USSÉ cognac, passion fruit liqueur, fresh lemon juice, and gold glitter. 128 Metropolitan Ave., Brooklyn.
There is something very glamorous and old Hollywood about meeting for a drink at a hotel bar, and the Hoxton lives up to every expectation. Take in the equally glamorous view of Manhattan while you sip an ABERFELDY Old-Fashioned on the rooftop. 97 Wythe Ave., Brooklyn.
Described as the soul of Havana in the Bronx, this Michelin-rated restaurant is an experience from beginning to end. Treat yourself to a Millionaire Mojito with BACARDÍ Reserva Ocho Rum, muddled lime and mint, and simple syrup topped with club soda. 3151 East Tremont Ave., Bronx.
Come for the classic fall cocktail; stay for the stunning views of the city. This rooftop bar serves one of the best ABERFELDY 12 Old-Fashioneds in the city. 145 E. 50th St., New York.
Nothing says late fall like Kokomo’s I’m in Love With the Cocoa cocktail. It’s hot chocolate spiked with red wine and SANTA TERESA 1796 rum and flavored with cinnamon and a nutmeg cordial. 65 Kent Ave., Brooklyn.
Enjoy one of New York’s most spectacular views from high above the Bronx at this local favorite. Taste a Cuban autumn with the Morir Sonando made with DEWAR’S, orange, coconut water, and coconut cream, served in a Collins glass crushed with an orange slice. 558 Grand Concourse, Bronx.
Located at the very edge of Manhattan, this classic American-style destination has spectacular views of the Statue of Liberty and a drink menu that fits the scene. Try the Phoenix Down with ABERFELDY 12, ginger, honey, lemon, and bitters. 375 South End Ave., New York.
Specialty cocktails have always been the draw at this classic Harlem haunt. To get in a fall mood, try its Cove Martini with GREY GOOSE, peach schnapps, mint, lemon juice, agave nectar, and Prosecco. 325 Malcolm X Blvd., New York.
For an uptown-lounge vibe, you can’t beat this neighborhood fave in Inwood. Enjoy the DJ spinning Spanish sets and relax with a Lavender Mule of GREY GOOSE, local lavender and honey, lime, and Pellegrino ginger beer. 417 W. 202nd St., New York.
Named for the bustling thoroughfare in Peru, this Astoria hotspot is the perfect place to enjoy an authentic South American dish and wash it down with a That Ish Is Bananas — a cocktail made CAZADORES Reposado tequila, LEBLON Reserva, banana liqueur, ginger syrup, grapefruit and lime juice, and ginger beer. 35-02 Ditmars Blvd., Queens.
This mix of New England seafood dishes cooked in the Mexican-style would be worth the trip even without the amazing drink menu, but with the cocktails, it’s a can’t-miss. Treat yourself to the Sharktail, a BOMBAY SAPPHIRE-infused stunner made with strawberries, maraschino liqueur, lime juice, and tonic. 35-01 36th St., Astoria.
The Haven rooftop bar inside this classic NYC hotel is the perfect place to wear your fluffiest blanket scarf, watch the lights of Midtown turn the city into a wonderland, and sip the Orbit, a BOMBAY gin cocktail flavored with thyme syrup, basil, and lemon juice. 132 W. 47th St. New York.
Looking for an enclosed rooftop in the sky? A curated cocktail list? Stunning views of Manhattan? Then this safari-themed bar in Long Island City is for you. Order the seasonal delight Pumpking made with Rye, ABERFELDY 12, all-spice, passion fruit, pineapple, and lime and topped with pumpkin-spiced whipped cream. 11-01 43rd Ave. 12th fl. Long Island City.
This Hell’s Kitchen taco joint is gourmet without being pretentious. Come for the burritos and stay for the La Sandia, a CAZADORES Blanco cocktail dressed up with ST~GERMAIN, orange-flavored triple sec, and watermelon muddled with fresh lime juice. 802 9th Ave., New York.
Perfectly cozy and autumnal, this is an ideal spot to grab a drink. Try the fall-esque Honey Bear: ABERFELDY, New York honey, peach, and lemon. It’s also available in a large size to share. 61-04 Woodside Ave., Woodside.
The romance and charm of old Havana right in the center of Greenwich Village make this neighborhood favorite a can’t-miss. Sit back, relax, and sip a Tiki Borracho made with BACARDÍ Anejo Cuatro, passion fruit, lime juice, mint leaves, raspberry syrup, and orange bitters. 222 Thompson St., New York.
This New York City landmark has been in continuous operation since the 1880s, and it’s the ideal place to grab a drink and stroll along the waterfront enjoying the changing leaves and crisp autumn air. Ask for a GREY GOOSE Espresso Martini (on draft) and take it go. 567 Hudson St., New York.
Water Tower Bar at the Williamsburg Hotel
As the days get shorter and the nights get colder, treat yourself to a cocktail tasting menu based in the Water Tower Bar atop the Williamsburg Hotel. The Main Course cocktail is a standout, featuring GREY GOOSE truffle-infused vodka, Lillet Blanc, and rosemary smoke from a bong. 96 Wythe Ave., Brooklyn.
A coffee shop with a liquor license is the right place to go if you’d like to make your coffee a little more Irish. The SweetLeaf in Long Island City will do just, adding just the right whiskey, cream, and sugar to yours. 4615 Center Blvd., Long Island City.
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This tropical-inspired bar serves up cocktails and punches by the bowlful in digs that could best be described as “surf shack, but make it chic.” In other words, Del Mar is always a great time. Be sure to order up their holiday cocktail, Drink Up Grinches — made with jalapeno-infused CAZADORES with pomegranate juice, rosemary simple syrup, lime juice, and club soda. 2125 Lombard St, San Francisco.
Toast one of humankind’s greatest inventions, the Monkey Wrench cocktail — White Cap’s features oak-aged HAVANA CLUB Añejo Blanco, creamy coconut milk, lime, and seaweed simple syrup. 3608 Taraval St., San Francisco.
This Cow Hollow restaurant serves Peruvian Nikkei, a Peruvian-Japanese cuisine mashup. On the plate that means scallop tiradito (ceviche). In the cup, it’s the Ceres, Rayearth & Windham — an effervescent cocktail that blends MARTINI & ROSSI Bitters, joto yuzu sake, and cava. 1838 Union St., San Francisco.
You don’t come to this Lower Haight cocktail and small plates bar looking for something ordinary. Spice up your fall with the Five Spot made with aged BACARDÍ rums, a basil-infused brandy, maple, ginger, lime, and Chinese five-spice powder. 598 Haight St., San Francisco.
This downtown spot made the transformation from underground lair to outdoor drinking and dining garden to great effect. Salute the pandemic-appropriate digs with the patio-perfect Cafecito Marinero, a caffeine-spiked mix of SANTA TERESA 1796 rum, coffee liqueur, and coffee bitters. 555 California St., San Francisco.
You wouldn’t expect anything less than pitch-perfect mojitos at this Cuban restaurant in Evergreen Park. Plenty of BACARDÍ Limon Rum, mint, sugar, lemon, lime go into making the tropical drink. In the mood for something a little less classic, but just as sippable? Try the Havana Sling — with HAVANA CLUB Classico Rum, BACARDÍ Limon, house cherry syrup, magdala liquor, pineapple, lime, and bitters. The fare (empanadas, ceviche) is equally praise-worthy. 463 California Ave., Palo Alto.
The bartenders at this Castro bar are known for their creative cocktails, but a simple twist on the humble Old-Fashioned — swapping whiskey for SANTA TERESA 1796 Rum — is a show of masterful restraint. 2124 Market St., San Francisco.
Grab a waterfront seat at this Embarcadero seafood spot, and order the Bahía Zapata, a mix of CAZADORES Reposado Tequila, strawberry-makrut lime, and a habanero tincture. It’s the perfect addition to your fall drink rotation. 399 The Embarcadero, San Francisco.
Given the soothing flavors in this Marina bar’s Espresso Martini, you’d be forgiven for forgetting what 2020 has wrought. Dive into the GREY GOOSE-based cocktail, accented by Illy espresso, vanilla, and black walnut. 2001 Chestnut St., San Francisco.
This swanky, 1960s-themed Mission District bar proudly pays tribute to the last great era of cocktail culture. Every mix on the menu is a winner, but the Miami Nice, featuring SANTA TERESA 1796 Rum, pink guava, coconut, and lime is an ideal weekend pick-me-up, and the Green Emmanuelle, which mixes GREY GOOSE Vodka, kiwi, and ST~GERMAIN is just as winning. 842 Valencia St., San Francisco.
Cocktails at this Sunset District bar get the fresh, hand-made treatment, and that extends to the margaritas. Ask for yours with CAZADORES and, perhaps, get the Mission Dolores treatment, which includes lime and pineapple, pineapple syrup, cilantro, and bird’s-eye chili. 1439 Taraval St., San Francisco.
When you’re craving sopes, enchiladas, and arroz con leche, you want a drink to go with it. And goes well with spicy food? A Mojito, of course. It’s expertly made at this restaurant on Santana Row in San Jose. Ask for one with BACARDÍ. Or, grab a more out-of-the-ordinary favorite: the Zazil Margarita with CAZADORES Reposado, fresh lime, and agave, or the Pintado de Rosa with Corzo, strawberry, lemon, and chili powder. 377 Santana Row No. 1120, San Jose.
Choices abound at 55 South — be sure to try the Cocogroni, made with OXLEY Gin, coconut oil-infused bitters, and cacao-infused vermouth. And the Painkiller with BACARDÍ Añejo Cuatro, coconut, pineapple, and orange. Still want more? Get the Bramble cocktail, capable of transporting you from a fall day in downtown San Jose to a field teeming with blackberries and scented with elderflower (aka ST~GERMAIN), one with jammy creme de mure and lemon. Oh, and plenty of OXLEY Gin, too. 55 S. 1st St., San Jose.
Escape to the tropics with this Mission Bar’s Hotel National cocktail that’s made for weekend days and nights, thanks to its base of a great rum (BANKS) and tropical fruit flavors, both sweet and tart (apricot, pineapple, and lime). 3464 19th St., San Francisco.
Conundrum: It’s a warm fall afternoon and you want a mojito but not the work. One fix: Head to this Irish pub in the Mission for an ace Mojito with BACARDÍ Superior Rum, muddled mint, fresh lime juice, and simple syrup. 3200 24th St., San Francisco.
Allow the ST~GERMAIN rosé spritz at this Lower Nob Hill restaurant to conjure visions of the Amalfi Coast and other faraway vacation destinations. The cocktail of ST~GERMAIN and rosé comes topped with sparkling water — it’s vacation in a glass. 620 Jones St., San Francisco.
Expand your idea of Indian food at this peacock-colored spot that brings much-needed color to the Civic Center stretch of Van Ness. Get a drink that’s just as bright like the Holi Cow, made with turmeric-infused BOMBAY SAPPHIRE, chartreuse, vermouth, black pepper, citrus, and ginger. 525 Van Ness Ave., San Francisco.
Transport yourself to a night out in Hong Kong at this dessert-forward cocktail bar in Uptown Oakland. Order a Grizzly Pear made with TEELING Irish whiskey, peaty Scotch, yuzu, and honey, and you won’t need a return ticket. 2216 Broadway, Oakland.
Oh, what else do you need in life but a North Beach tiki bar flowing with BACARDÍ Superior-spiked Piña Colada or Mango Slushies? Nothing. Exactly nothing. 479 Broadway, San Francisco.
This may be an old whiskey bar, but it’s not above mixing a fall-forward cocktail like the Red Heaven. Fresh Victor Cactus Pear and Pomegranate mixer finds fasts friends in GREY GOOSE and ST~GERMAIN, and the result is endlessly sippable. 3200 16th St., San Francisco.
What do you get when you mix BOMBAY gin, ST~GERMAIN, lime, cherries, and bird’s-eye chili? The Last Tango With Flora, a standout cocktail at this colorful, women-owned bar in Uptown Oakland. 468 25th St., Oakland.
Hook and Ladder Manufacturing Company
Ditch afternoon tea for the Notorious F.I.G., an Earl Grey-based cocktail made with fig- and orange-infused BOMBAY and grapefruit. It’s a perfectly respectable way to drink away an afternoon. 1630 S St., Sacramento.
Set one foot in Oakland’s lush, Afro-Latin cocktail lounge, and you’ll know you’re in no ordinary bar. But order the Zombie Reviver #2, a meticulous drink made with absinthe spritz, gin — ask for BOMBAY — coconut oil washed over proof rum, cream sherry, orange liqueur, passion, lemon, and lime, and there will be no going back. 1618 Franklin St., Oakland.
Settle into one of the many couches at this rooftop hotel bar in downtown Sacramento, and start your drink order with a classic Margarita. It’s made simply but precisely with lime, Contreau, and tequila — ask for CAZADORES. 500 J St., Sacramento.