Nothing tastes quite like summer as watermelon does. This Saturday, Aug. 3, is officially National Watermelon Day and there are plenty of libations here in L.A. to celebrate with. From fruit-flavored beer to pretty pink cocktails, check out these refreshing drinks tailor-made for the holiday.
Cocomelon Fresh! at Toca Madera
Over at Third St.’s sexiest Mexican spot, Toca Madera, bartender Alisha Norris created the Cocomelon fresh! specially National Watermelon Day. Made with Jose Cuervo Traditional muddled watermelon, coconut milk, honey, fresh lime juice and garnished with a slice of watermelon and thyme, this tiki-inspired tequila cocktail will keep you feeling juicy all day!
8450 W. 3rd St., Los Angeles, tocamadera.com, @tocamaderala
Watermelon Le Twist at Katana
Cool off at Katana with a Watermelon Le Twist. This easy, breezy cocktail features CÎROC’s new Summer Watermelon mixed with lemonade, soda, splash of cranberry and garnished with a lime, fresh watermelon wheel and sprig of fresh mint.
8439 W. Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood, Innovativedining.com, @katanarobata
Jane’s Other Addiction at Venice Whaler
Jane’s Other Addiction is a standout watermelon mint mojito from iconic beach bar The Venice Whaler. A local institution since 1944, it was once a hangout for The Beach Boys, The Beatles, The Doors and others. The standout cocktail is made with Santa Teresa 1796 rum, fresh watermelon, lime and mint.
10 Washington Blvd., Venice, Venicewhaler.com, @thevenicewhaler
El Chapo at The Nice Guy
Celebrity hotspot The Nice Guy, a favorite of Kylie Jenner, Selena Gomez and Drake, is serving up the El Chapo this summer. Made with Casamigos Mezcal, Dimmi Liquore Di Milano, watermelon, lime and agave, the smokey sipper is certainly a standout.
401 N. La Cienega Blvd., Los Angeles, theniceguyla.com, @theniceguyla
Hearts and Diamonds at A.O.C.
Christiaan Röllich, one of L.A.’s most inventive bar stars, debuted imaginative new cocktails this summer at a.o.c. to welcome the warmer temperatures. To keep everyone cool in Los Angeles, one standout is the Hearts and Diamonds made with tequila, watermelon, strawberry and lime cordial.
8700 W. 3rd St., Los Angeles, aocwinebar.com, @aocla
Fellini Was Like a Watermelon at Conservatory
Open less than a year, Conservatory has quickly become one of West Hollywood most popular spots. On the menu since the beginning is the Fellini Was Like A Watermelon cocktail made with Campari, Dr. Zzyzx Rose Vodka, yellow Chartreuse, watermelon juice. Enjoy the drink on the open-air lounge and fire pit area or inside the restaurant.
8289 Santa Monica Blvd., West Hollywood, Conservatoryweho.com, @eatconservatory
Inko Spritz at Inko Nito
Inko Nito is the hip Arts District restaurant and bar specializing in a Japanese robatayaki meets Korean menu. It also happens to boast a killer cocktail program. Check out their signature Inko Spritz made with watermelon, Aperol, yuzu and sparkling wine.
225-227 Garey St., Los Angeles, inkonitorestaurant.com, @inkonitola
Melon Cart Beer at Golden Road Brewery
Golden Road Brewery, located near Griffith Park in Atwater Village, is one of the area’s most beloved local beer destinations. Open seven days a week, The Pub at Golden Road offers ample indoor and outdoor (dog-friendly) seating, games for the young (and young at heart) and, of course, over a dozen Golden Road beers on tap. For National Watermelon Day, try their Melon Cart beer, the second in a series inspired by the iconic fruit cart vendors of Los Angeles. This light, crisp Wheat Ale is bursting with watermelon, honeydew and cantaloupe flavors and finishes bright and refreshing. Tastes just like freshly cut melons and the California sun right in your hand.
5410 W. San Fernando Rd., Los Angeles, Goldenroad.la, @goldenroadbrew
Watermelon Mojito at Katsuya
Katsuya’s most popular specialty cocktail just happens to be in vogue. The Watermelon Cucumber Mojito is made with Bacardi Rum, crushed seedless watermelon, English cucumbers, fresh mint and freshly squeezed lime juice.
6300 Hollywood Blvd., Los Angeles, katsuyarestaurant.com/hollywood, @katsuyabysbe
Punk Evans at Preux & Proper
Preux & Proper, the preeminent Southern house on the West Coast has a cool cocktail on its menu that is a unique alternative to traditional watermelon drinks. The Punk Evans, created by Beverage Director Kassday Wiggins is comprised of Effen Vodka, lemongrass, ginger and frozen watermelon balls. The restaurant just launched its lunch program so beat the heat mid-day and pair the drink with its famous fried chicken.
Preux & Proper, 840 S. Spring St., Los Angeles, PreuxandProper.com, @PreuxandProper
Dos Rosas at Chulita
Venice’s mezcal-centric bar, Chulita certainly accommodates those looking for something sweet this summer. The Dos Rosas, made with mezcal, tequila blanco, watermelon-pomegranate, lime and rimmed with acai salt is the perfect fruit-forward refresher that complements the kitchen’s health-conscious dishes.
533 Rose Ave., Venice, Chulita.com, @chulitavenice
The Watermelon Drink at Joey DTLA
Opened just this week, JOEY DTLA is a new 8,870 square foot restaurant and bar located in The Bloc shopping center. The signature cocktail behind the bar is known simply as The Watermelon Drink. It’s made with Absolut Vodka, muddled watermelon, lime juice, agave juice and garnish with a mint bouquet and watermelon cube.
700 West 7th St., Los Angeles, Joeyrestaurants.com @joeyrestaurants
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