Sip Your Way Through Summer With These Refreshing Cocktails and Wines
Summer days bring about a flurry of activity in Newport Beach. From boating on the bay to wining and Summer days bring about a flurry of activity in Newport Beach. From boating on the bay to wining and dining al fresco, the opportunities to enjoy our sunny-and-75 climate are infinite! But perhaps one of the most popular summer activities is bellying up to the bar for a refreshing libation. This season, Newport Beach restaurants and bars are bringing their “A” game with crafty cocktails and crisp wines that’ll quench your thirst. Whether you prefer your beverage blended, on the rocks or uncorked, these eight beverages are sure to set your watch to summertime.
Drink: Summer Smash
Where to Sip: A+O Restaurant | Bar
Famous for its waterfront views and rotating list of seasonal cocktails, A+O Restaurant | Bar at Balboa Bay Resort offers a sweet taste of summer. The Summer Smash, made with Hendrick’s Gin, Cointreau, lemon juice, honey and basil, is sure to hit the spot on a warm day. Take in a sea breeze as you sip on this refreshing libation on the restaurant’s waterfront patio.
Drink: ZD Wines Chardonnay, Napa Valley
Where to Sip: Olea
Olea not only features stunning views of the pier, but it also has a stellar wine list! Sip back and relax on the restaurant’s expanded patio, and cheers to a splendid summer evening with a cold glass of ZD Wines Chardonnay. This full-bodied vino features notes of pineapple, Asian pear, and lemon rind that blend perfectly with the natural acidity and toasty oak. Pair this pick with a dozen of Olea’s fresh-shucked oysters, and you’re in for a treat.
Drink: Sundown on Sunset
Where to Sip: Sushi Roku
Tucked in Fashion Island, this premier sushi destination not only serves up some seriously fresh fish but also crafts some seriously amazing cocktails. Order the all-new Sundown on Sunset and sip a blend of Roku gin, Ozeki Nigori, Liquid Alchemist Blood Orange, apricot brandy, lime and grapefruit bitters. Pair this nifty concoction with the eight-piece Gensai roll made with cucumber, jalapeno and avocado, all topped with salmon and kizami wasabi for a fresh yet flavorful pairing.
Drink: Frosé
Where to Sip: Malibu Farm
The perfect post-beach beverage, Malibu Farm’s Frosé features a crafty blend of vodka, rosé and berry lemonade agave. Bring your sandy toes to this farm-to-table restaurant and sip the afternoon away as you relish sweeping views of Newport Harbor. This frozen cocktail is summer in a glass!
Drink: Bravante 2010 Merlot
Where to Sip: Lido Tasting Room
Whether you’re a red, white or rosé person, you’re sure to find something to sip on at the Lido Tasting Room. Featuring award-winning Bravante wine from Napa Valley, this charming destination is a wine-lover’s dream. Sit down and enjoy the relaxed lounge environment of this intimate wine bar and sip on a glass of 2010 Merlot with plush aromas and smooth tannins. Note: The Lido Tasting Room is open to the public on Fridays and Saturdays from 5 to 9 p.m.; an appointment is required during the rest of the week.
Drink: Captain’s Golden Pineapple
Where to Sip: The Mayor’s Table Pacific Pub + Kitchen
This summer, enjoy an expertly crafted cocktail at Lido House’s The Mayor’s Table Pacific Pub + Kitchen. Executive Chef Partner Riley Huddleston’s “Cocktails From the Kitchen” series features a rotating menu of seasonal drinks served in unique vessels using unconventional ingredients. Belly up to the bar and sip on the Captain’s Golden Pineapple made with coconut-washed Ron Zacapa rum, banana liqueur, lime and nitrogen pineapple. Now that’s what we call paradise!
Written By: Kaylin Waizinger
