San Diego’s Most Creative Cocktails: Sip in Style

            It’s no surprise that some of San Diego’s fanciest bars also serve some of the city’s fanciest cocktails. But these days, when it seems that every possible version of the cosmopolitan or appletini has already been created, it is surprising to discover some discerning palates still working behind the scenes, inventing a whole new generation of flavored concoctions.

            Some are fruity, some are sophisticated, and others are outright bizarre! But almost all of the adventurous new drinks on San Diego’s nightlife menu are decidedly delectable. The only way to try them, of course, is to slap on your heels (or loafers) and hit the pavement.

Stingaree

            First stop: Stingaree. Yes, San Diego’s current nightclub of nightclubs—big surprise here—has some pretty tasty drink choices on its alternative martini menu.

            The London Gentleman is a surprisingly refreshing sparkler of a drink that consists of Bombay Sapphire, Galliano, Blue Curacao, Sprite, and lemonade. It tastes light and summery, yet it’s still full of alcohol. Plus, the name gives you a great excuse to strike up a conversation should a handsome English gentleman happen to ask what you’re drinking.

            Another summer-inspired Stingaree drink, is the Berry Manilow. We haven’t figured out what this drink has to do with “Berry” himself, but if he tastes anything like his drink, well, he better be careful. This stinging martini is made of Finlandia Wild Berry, Absolut Mandarin, Sweet & Sour, a splash of lemonade, complemented with fresh lemon and strawberries.

Side Bar

            If you’re ready for more liquid desserts, head on over to Side Bar on Market Street. Here you’ll find a few unusual treats to make you feel like a kid again…for the most part!

            Though it doesn’t come from an ice cream truck, and probably costs a bit more than a Popsicle, Side Bar’s Creamsicle cocktail is hard to put down. Made of Stoli Vanilla, Tuaca, orange juice, and whipped cream, this drink is the real thing—like an alcoholic Orange Julius!

            The Finding Nemo is just as fun, made with Malibu Rum, Hypnotiq, DeKuyper Blue Curacao, Pineapple Juice, Sweet & Sour, and a gummy fish for garnish. Blue as can be, this cocktail tastes nothing like saltwater and I guarantee that if he were of age, Nemo himself would approve.

The Bitter End

            Now we’re nearing the end—The Bitter End, that is.

             Rejoice, for the Almond Joy is just one of the many mouth-watering cocktails available at The Bitter End. This choco-tropic treat is a great—and stronger—alternative to the piña colada. The Almond Joy is flavored with Malibu Rum, Frangelico, and DeKuyper White Crème de Cacao, with a splash of Half & Half and toasted coconut. It’s almost better than the beach.

            One of the bar’s more sultry cocktails is the Purple Orchid. This lavender delight is actually quite uplifting, likely due to a winning combination of chocolate and berry liqueurs. The “Purple Orchid” is VOX Raspberry Vodka, DeKuyper Razzmatazz Liqueur, and Frangelico, with a whisk of cream.

Confidential

            Are you still able to stand? Our last stop for the night is Confidential, which has, perhaps, the most creative cocktails in San Diego.  It’s hard not to mistake the drink menu for the dinner menu, with items like the Honeydew Basil Martini and the Citrus Candied Ginger Lemon Drop to choose from. But these drinks are a truly meal all their own.

            The Honeydew Basil Martini is a medley of fresh herbs and homemade brews, made of Skyy Vodka, Honeydew Basil Juice, and basil leaves, while the Citrus Candied Ginger Lemon Drop is a mouthful of complex flavors, including Candied Ginger Infused Skyy Citrus Vodka, Limoncello, fresh lemon, and candied ginger.

            In fact, Confidential has several house infused vodkas to try, including Apricot Orange, Lychee Lemon Grass, and Strawberry Rhubarb. This last vodka is the main ingredient to one of the bar’s strongest and most spectacular drinks, the Strawberry Rhubarb Pie. After sipping this blend of Confidential’s Strawberry Rhubarb Infused Skyy Vodka, Skyy Vanilla Vodka, crushed Graham Crackers, strawberries, and whipped cream, you’ll never think about baking an actual pie again.