Surfing is California’s official state sport, and now it has its own holiday: Sept. 20. Whether you are hitting the waves in your wetsuit or staying on dry land, you can get into the hang ten spirit at bars all over Los Angeles and Orange County. If you’re just starting out and need surf gear for beginners, catch a refresher after a serious swell sess’ or just watch the waves from a patio bar with one of these gnarly drinks.
Riptide at Pacific Hideaway
Pacific Hideaway is a Latin and Asian fusion restaurant and craft cocktail bar in Huntington Beach (aka Surf City U.S.A.). Lead Bartender Tanner Johnson specially crafted Riptide to make every surfer’s day complete after an epic surf session. It’s made with rye whiskey, Amaro Montenegro, Campari, lemon juice and blood orange.
500 Pacific Coast Hwy., Huntington Beach, pacifichideawayhb.com, @pacifichideaway
Sex Wax at Upstairs at Ace DTLA
Ace DTLA’s sunny spot Upstairs recently revamped its cocktail selection with colorful tipples, perfect for sipping by the venue’s concrete pool inspired by Donald Judd’s pool in Marfa or underneath the shade of the patterned canopies by local artist Alia Penner. Check out the Sex Wax made with matcha tea, citrusy premium vodka, lemon, matcha, cacao and coconut.
929 S. Broadway, Los Angeles, acehotel.com/losangeles/upstairs, @acehotel
Paradise City at Venice Whaler
The Venice Whaler is a local oceanside institution since 1944 that was once a hangout for The Beach Boys. The spacious, two-story setting offers awesome views of the boardwalk and beach. Watch the surfers catching waves while sipping the Paradise City made with Svedka Vodka, coconut water, pineapple, salted vanilla and lime served in a real coconut.
10 Washington Blvd., Venice, Venicewhaler.com, @thevenicewhaler
Topside Margarita at Topside Roof Deck
Drop in to Newport Beach’s only rooftop bar, Topside at Lido House which offers stunning views of the waves. The space is a true social scene built for residents and guests in a setting that frames both the harbor and beach. Order the Topside Margarita which encompasses the flavors of summer in Newport Beach, comprised of Patron Roca, hellfire (a flavorful – but not spicy – shrubb of strawberry and habanero), Grand Marnier, fresh juice and a spiced rim, accompanied by a seasonal fruit popsicle.
3300 Newport Blvd., Newport Beach, lidohousehotel.com, @lido_house
Milobu at Shorebar
Sip along the shoreline at SHOREbar where the drinks are inspired by the California lifestyle and maritime climate. Not far from iconic surf hotspot Malibu, this Santa Monica space offers the MiloBu cocktail made with Casamigos Mezcal, Dimmi Liqueur, watermelon, basil, agave, lime and a spicy rim.
112 W. Channel Rd., Santa Monica, Shorebarsm.com, @shorebar_sm
Mai Tai at Las Brisas
A Southern California landmark perched above the scenic Laguna Beach coastline, Las Brisas has a strong sense of history stretching back to the Victor Hugo Inn, a world-class eatery and celebrity getaway that debuted in 1938. The breezy retreat overlooking the Pacific transformed to Las Brisas in 1979 and is now a popular Mexican inspired seafood restaurant. Here, enjoy a surfer’s classic cocktail, the Mai Tai which is made with Plantation Pineapple Rum, Curaçao, lime, orgeat and bitters.
361 Cliff Dr. Laguna Beach, lasbrisaslagunabeach.com, @LasBrisasRestaurants
Pebble Beach at Cafe Birdie
Although far from the beach, Cafe Birdie in Highland Park channels ocean vibes with its Pebble Beach cocktail. The colorful drink is made with sherry, rum, pineapple and falernum.
5631 N. Figueroa St., Los Angeles, cafebirdiela.com, @cafebirdiela
Kona Big Wave Golden Ale at Venice Ale House
Venice Ale House is the beach town’s quintessential gastropub right on the boardwalk. Founded by two locals, the team aimed to create a space where locals and tourists alike could relax and enjoy craft beers just steps from the beach. Sticking with the surfing spirit, the bar pours Kona Brewing Co. Big Wave Golden Ale, which is a lighter-bodied golden ale from Hawaii with a tropical hop aroma.
2 Rose Ave., Venice, Venicealehouse.com, @venicealehouse
Common Room Roasters X Hurleys Coffee at Common Roasters
Taking a break from booze? Common Room Roasters in Newport Beach has joined forces with best-selling surf apparel and accessories brand Hurley, creating a custom coffee for an exciting partnership with the non-profit organization Waves for Water. Waves for Water works on the frontlines to help provide and aid clean water solutions for communities in need around the world. Produced by Oscar and Francisca Chacon of Sabanilla Las Lajas, Costa Rica, the single-origin naturally processed bean is roasted at Common Room in Newport Beach, Calif. The limited-edition medium roast beans are packed with flavors such as toffee, raspberry, cherry and lime. 100% of the proceeds from the special coffee will be directly donated toward the cause and customers will receive an exclusive Hurley t-shirt with each purchase.
882 Production Pl, Newport Beach, Commonroomroasters.com, @commonroomroasters
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