Around the World in 80 Sips
Summer is all about traveling, but even if you can’t leave Los Angeles it doesn’t mean you can’t explore the globe. Here is a look at the best places to go around the world in 80 sips right in your own backyard.
Brazil
H&H Brazilian Steakhouse in Downtown Los Angeles is your spot for all-you-can-eat Churrasco and some serious cocktails. Visit on a Tuesday night for live music and Happy Hour from 5 to 7 p.m. when specialty cocktails are just $11.
What you’ll be drinking: The H&H Caipirinha; made with freshly squeezed limes, organic cachaça, and
organic sugar. ($11)
Finland
Have you ever tasted a Finnish Long Drink before? It’s similar to a Greyhound as it’s made with grapefruit and gin, but this “Lonkero” is more of a grapefruit soda – and it’s seriously delicious! The Loncaro brand was founded by Finnish-American Janne Kouri, who was paralyzed from an accident and has since gone on to start the non-profit NextStep to help make rehab and fitness accessible to individuals with paralysis. A portion of each Loncaro sale goes to help open more NextStep facilities. These beverages are currently exclusive to Los Angeles and can be purchased mainly in Hermosa Beach, select grocery stores, or through their website.
What you’ll be drinking: It’s called a Loncaro instead of a Lonkero because of the C in California. You’ll call it your new favorite drink.
France
Reservations at the bistro Bicyclette from Chefs Margarita and Walter Manzke are still très difficile, but bar walk-ins are welcome. They have an entire book of cocktails to choose from so really, it’s about your spirit of choice. They’ve also got a nice array of alcohol-free beverages like the Passionfruit with basil soda ($11).
What you’ll be drinking: Favorites include a classic Kir Royale to begin ($15) and heavy hitters like the Calvarac with bourbon and absinthe ($18).
Germany
For the best selection of beers and brats, head to The Red Lion Tavern in Silverlake, where there is a pub for everyone. If you find yourself entering on the street level, you might forget the sun still shines, but hey that’s why most people go to bars. Luckily when you’re ready to come up for air, they have an outdoor beer garden upstairs!
What you’ll be drinking: It’s hard to choose among the fantastic beers on draft, so go with a flight instead. 4 pours of beers like Hefeweizen and Bitburger Pilsner are $11.50.
Italy
One of the most authentic spots for Neapolitan Pizza in Los Angeles is also one of the most beautiful restaurant spaces in the city. Dine on the outdoor patio at L’Antica Pizzeria Da Michele or take a seat in the bar area which features a similar indoor/outdoor flow.
What you’ll be drinking: They have a menu for digestives which includes an authentic Limoncello ($12). For cocktails, go with Michele’s Paper Plane with Monk’s Tea infused rye, Amaro Montenegro, and grapefruit bitters ($17). Lastly, they also have a Kickback CBD menu with hemp-infused lemonades ($9). While those don’t necessarily make me think of Italy, it is reminiscent of a laid-back lifestyle that we Americans could use more of.
Japan
Did you know there are more than 1500 sake breweries in Japan and less than 50 are led by female Tojis, or master brewers? Well, of those 50, you can find only 1 that is headquartered in Los Angeles and imported from Nagano, Japan, called Moon Bloom Sake. It’s an all-female brand with an exquisite taste and affordable price. You just might find yourself hosting sake and cheese parties over wine.
What you’ll be drinking: Moon Bloom Sake is available for purchase at Vinovore and offers several varietals for around $35 a bottle.
Mexico
Peru
Ricardo Zarate’s restaurant Causita in Silverlake is known for its Japanese/Peruvian fusion, so it’s only fitting that the cocktails be a perfect mix of those two cultures. Instead of a traditional Pisco Sour, you’ll find a Kero Pisco Sour with lychee and lime-yuzu ($16).
What you’ll be drinking: Favorites include the Kero Pisco Sour and the Mamalucha Margarita with tequila, prickly pear, kumquat, and yerba mate salt ($15).
Scotland
The Tam O’ Shanter in Atwater Village is celebrating its 100th birthday this year with Whisky Tastings, Monthly Speakeasies, and Live Music. Stop in for yourself and visit the Great Wall O’ Scotch for memorable pours you can’t find just anywhere.
What you’ll be drinking: The Centurion offers a rare macallan with ultra-lux house bitters and truffled chocolate orange ($100), but if it’s a little too rich for your blood, you can’t go wrong with a Los Feliz Boulevard-ier with bourbon, Aperol, Campari, and apricot ($16).
Spain
If you’re craving a taste of the Basque country, head to Otoño, from Chef/Owner Teresa Montaño in Highland Park. The spotlight of the beverage program is on Gin and Tonics and local Spanish Craft Beers, along with the traditional wine and sherries you already appreciate. Visit during the daily Siesta Hour, which starts as early as 2:30 p.m. on weekends and at 4:30 p.m. on weekdays for a descuento.
What you’ll be drinking: Try a Classico gin and tonic with rosemary, citrus, and star anise ($15).
