Signature LA Cocktails You Can Mix at Home

Here in LA, the nightlife is practically a way of life. There are so many bars and nightclubs here that you can't possibly have gone to all of them in a span of a month, even if you're one to party every night. From Hollywood soirees to friends' chill sessions, part of being a Los Angeles resident is going out and having a ball. It's no wonder why the city has had its own signature cocktails through the years. If you don't live in the 'City of Angels' yet you want to get a taste of the nightlife here, try mixing these signature LA cocktails at home.

 

Ray’s Mistake

Back in 1961, a Filipino immigrant named Ray Buhen opened up Tiki-Ti, a bar slightly inspired by his Hawaii’s tropical lifestyle. To this day, this hotspot remains one of the go-to bars of any LA resident who wants to experience the city's authentic nightlife. And their signature cocktail is "Ray's Mistake." It's a blend of passion fruit with dark Corub rum and other secret flavours. In 1968, while mixing a cocktail for a customer, Ray accidentally used the wrong syrups, leading to the current signature drink. And since the customer found it delicious, it has become one of there most in-demand concoctions ever. 

Source: Flickr.com/ Justin S. Campbell

Get the recipe by clicking here! 

 

Irish Coffee

With LA as one of the cocktail capitals in the world, it's no surprise that the Irish Coffee has become one of the city's favourite drinks. Who wouldn't want a strong buzz in the morning? Surely a lot of celebrities do, which is why it's become one of the most ordered concoctions in a number of high-profile establishments in the city. But what exactly is in an Irish coffee cocktail? It's a melodious mix of whiskey coffee, cream and demerara sugar for some sweetness. It might look like your ordinary frappuccino at first, but once you taste it, you'll know that it's far from the latter! 

Source: Wikimedia Commons

Get the recipe by clicking here! 

 

Moscow Mule

What's a signature LA cocktail without a little vodka? The Russian-originated liqueur has become one of the most in-demand in this city of dreams and sin. So much so that praise for the many concoctions enthused with it has gone through the roof. A definitive classic is the Moscow Mule. A mixture of ginger ale, citrus juice, and base spirit, it used to be one of those rare cocktails that contained vodka, especially in the 1940s when it was first introduced. Now, it's one of the city's indelible classics. A favourite among the rich and famous in the Sunset Strip. 

Source: Wikimedia Commons

Get the recipe by clicking here! 

 

Charcoal Midnight Margarita

When you think of a Margarita, you're probably picturing a tall glass with clear liqueur and a slice of lime for taste. Some creative bars and nightclubs will have theirs coloured in the brightest neon hues for a more visually appealing cocktail. However, here in LA, there is one that's actually coloured in a deep dark shade of black, a result of the charcoal essence enthused in the drink. And this is none other than the Charcoal Midnight Margarita. An eerily beautiful take on the classic cocktail, it gives the same amount of kick as your regular margarita. Save for the intoxicating black aesthetic. 

Source: Wikimedia Commons

Get the recipe by clicking here! 

 

Old Hollywood

If there's one crowd that knows how to party, it's Hollywood! Celebrities from the past to the present have always been the best in having a ball, and in enjoying cocktails too. One that has remained a favourite among this elite group is the Old Hollywood cocktail. A pin of citrus here, a dash of bourbon there, and a tinge of almond syrup and you'll get this decades-old Tinsel Town favourite. It's not a particularly strong cocktail, but it has enough of a kick to get you going all night long. And just like the celebrities who enjoy it, its bright orange hue is as showstopping as ever! 

Source: Wikimedia Commons

Get the recipe by clicking here! 

 

If there's one thing LA knows how to get right—apart from movies—it's a signature cocktail. This city has plenty of famous and iconic concoctions just waiting to be enjoyed and devoured by the people who want to experience the best in life. Mix them at home to be part of this crowd too!