Must-Try Cocktail Programs To Keep You Cool This Summer, San Diego!

It’s that time of year in San Diego when an uptick in panic purchases of fans and portable AC units occurs. It’s also a time to cool down with summertime cocktails ideal for warmer – (and all of a sudden humid?) weather imbibing.

Below are a few of our favorite San Diego venues serving up fresh cocktails that we know you are going to need to stay cool this summer!

CIVICO by the PARK’s new Aperol Spritz Bar

The Bankers Hill indoor and outdoor ode to the Italian seaside has just launched its new Aperol Spritz Bar, a program highlighting the less bitter amaro, which makes it a refreshing gateway to the more palate-challenging Amari of which Civico by the Park has an extensive selection.

Spritz like you mean it and savor the interlude between late afternoon and dinnertime during Civico’s aperitivo “hour,” Wednesday – Sunday from 4:30PM to 6PM. Guests can pair their Spritz with a special menu of aperitivo-sized bites from Chef Pietro Gallo and do as the Italians do.

Aperol Spritz Bar
Wednesday – Sunday, 4:30 – 9/10PM

Aperitivo “Hour”
Wednesday – Sunday, 4:30 – 6PM

Must try: The BERGAMOTTO Spritz
Italicus Italian Bergamont Liqueur, Montenegro Amaro, orange bitters, prosecco

JUNIPER and IVY

At acclaimed Juniper and Ivy in San Diego’s Little Italy, Beverage Director and sommelier, Nick Gergen, oversees a program of shaken and direct cocktails that complement the city’s year-round beach vibe.

Must try: MAZUNTE
La Luna Mezcal, Chareau, Luxardo Maraschino, Lime, Agave

This cocktail is aptly named after Juniper bartender, Alex’s favorite beach in Oaxaca — Mazunte — and based on what he’d like to drink while sitting on that beach. It features La Luna’s Cupreata Mezcal, which shows a more vegetal note than the traditional smoky one, which is enhanced by Chareau, an aloe and cucumber liqueur, also innately adding a freshness to the drink. Luxardo Maraschino Cherry liqueur plays into cherries being in season, while lime juice and agave syrup naturally fit in as two long-standing best friends to any agave spirit.

Click here for Juniper & Ivy’s complete summer cocktail menu.

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Ciao Ciao Piadina

Capturing that ‘oh-so-Italian’ way authentically outside of Italy is hard, but Ciao Caio Piadina has done it.

Billing itself as the Aperitivo Social Club, Ciao Ciao Piadina has the fun and flair that you’d expect to find at a charming little cafe in Italy. Close your eyes, listen to the DJ, and smell the salt air while you sip your spritz cocktail, and you can convince yourself that you’re back at your favorite caffè in Capri!

Must try: Pantalone

Freshly Squeezed Grapefruit Juice, Fever-Tree Tonic Water, Ciao Ciao Piadina Signature Prosecco DOCG Extra Dry, Filette Prime Sparkling Water, Fresh Rosemary, Grapefruit Wedge, Juniper Berries, $15

Click her for Ciao Ciao Padina’s menus.

La Valencia Hotel

Enjoy a new menu of summer sippers while perched high above La Jolla Cove – and, perhaps, you’ll even catch a (very apropos) pink-hued sunset.

New cocktail additions include: Hibiscus Royale (avissi prosecco, fruitlab hibiscus, hibiscus flower), Rhubarbie (green mark vodka, giffard rhubarb liqueur, lemonade and candied lemon rind), and more.

Plus, the historic property has partnered with illustrious French Champagne house, Piper-Heidsieck (the official bubbly of the Oscars!), for its iconic weekend brunch, available Saturday and Sunday from 9AM to 2PM. Diners can now experience a new, branded champagne cart to enjoy “Piper on the Patio, including specialty champagne cocktails.

Must try: The 1926 champagne cocktail

Piper-Heidsieck ‘Cuvee 1785’ Brut NV, angostura, brown sugar, $25.

Click here for a complete list of cocktails.

See you there….and stay cool, San Diego!