In honor of National Bartenders Day (Dec. 8), some of San Diego’s local bartenders shared their picks for the best drinks in San Diego.
Recommendation: Casero Margarita from Casero Taqueria and bartender’s choice from Clara
Caleb Vallez, Bartender at Casero Taqueria in Carlsbad, shares “There’s a great balance in our Casero Margarita, sweet from the homemade orange rind syrup and sour from fresh lime juice and Grand Marnier, and the 100% blue agave tequila we use it compliments very well, making it a house, and personal, favorite. Usually when I go out to enjoy a new cocktail bar I tend to stay away from the menu. I love to be challenged and creative when I’m behind the bar, so I like to ask for bartenders to create something with a few descriptive notes, and usually a certain bartender is recommended to me, which is how I’ve met some great, creative bartenders like Danny at Clara.
Recommendation: The Felicita or Kokoro from Madison or a Boilermaker from Lancers
Dean Pryor, Beverage Saucier at Madison in University Heights, shares “I’m partial to the Felicita on [Madison’s menu] because it’s a shaken drink, which almost always utilizes citrus as the acid, but all the acid in the Felicita is from vinegar and the natural acidity in the tomatoes, so that’s pretty cool. The umami syrup in the Kokoro is pretty rad too; how many drinks can you name with wasabi, seaweed & miso. They also make a hell of a boilermaker at Lancers, it’s damn good.
Recommendation: Thai Me Up from 619 Spirits or Exotic Pigeon from URBN North Park
Justin Greenwood, Bartender at 619 Spirits in North Park, shares “My favorite cocktail from our menu is the Thai Me Up. This cocktail’s unique combo of curry powder, coconut cream, pineapple juice, and our 619 scorpion peppered vodka balances well and is completely unexpected. Locally, I would have to say my other favorite drink is the Exotic Pigeon at URBN North Park. I am a huge tequila fan, and this cocktail has a little bit of bitter and a little bit of spice that goes along with the tropical flavors.”
Recommendation: Hightop at Blade 1936 or Bourbon and Soda using Buffalo Trace
Griffin Sikes, Bar Manager at Blade 1936 in Oceanside, shares “The Hightop at Blade gets top billing in my book. The dryness of the Sherry goes great with the freshness of the cucumber and mint, and the sweetness of the cane sugar. The lime juice adds the right balance, and it goes well with just about anything that comes out of the kitchen. On top of that, the drink looks sexy too; the Lambrusco on top and the mint crown gives it a great contrast. Otherwise, I’m pretty simple when I go out for a drink. I lean towards a Bourbon and Soda, definitely on the stronger side. Buffalo Trace has always been my go to, and it hasn’t let me down yet.”
