Bars and indoor dining rooms remain closed across most of Southern California. But many LA mixologists are selling to-go cocktails and mixers to stay afloat. From Birdie G’s in Santa Monica, to Father’s Office in Culver City, to Redbird and Orsa & Winston in downtown LA, restaurants and bartenders are making cocktails for delivery or pick-up.
Good Food host Evan Kleiman shares her favorites.
Goodie Bags
Cedric Ransburg was the bar manager at The Prince Restaurant in Koreatown. He’s now known as Goodie Bags on Instagram , and customers can direct message him to order drinks that are delivered. His batch cocktails arrive in a Capri Sun-like drink pouch with ready-to-pour cocktails. His current menu includes a Strawberry Banana Daiquiri, Sriacharita (a take on a spicy margarita), Summer Old Fashioned (with peach), and a Cognac and Rosé cocktail that he calls Parisian Sands. The bags are $15 each and contain two cocktails. He delivers all over LA County.
Livewire Canned Cocktails
Bartender Aaron Polsky offers canned cocktails with recipes from famous local bartenders. For example, you can try a Honeydew Collins created by Joey Bernardo of Harvard & Stone. It’s a mix of gin, honeydew, coconut, lime leaf, and elderflower. Drinks are available on their website , DomaineLA , Thunderbolt and Bar Keeper .
Ma’am Sir
Head to Ma’am Sir in Silverlake for a Zombie Monster Slushie, a mix of mezcal, tequila, tepache, piña, and Don's mix and spices. If you prefer your booze in popsicle form, try the Frosé Ice Candy, a frozen concoction of rosé, gin, watermelon, lime leaf, and coconut.
Drinks from Ma’am Sir. Photo courtesy of Ma’am Sir.
Alta Baja Market
Alta Baja Market in Orange County is known for their Michelada Menu. But micheladas don’t travel well, so they’re selling a kit you can take home and make yourself. It includes a six-pack of El Sully Mexican Lager, a container of michelada mix, Tajin, lime and garnishes. You can choose from the Mera Mera (classic), Malandrina (serrano-green spicy), Bossona (guava), Chiquita (spicy-passionfruit), Nopalita (cactus fruit) or Bruja (charcoal/coconut water).