Sour Power: Vinegar Cocktails in L.A.
By Mar Yvette, Senior Editor
Vinegar has long been known for its versatility. After all, what else can serve as a main ingredient for salad dressing, laundry brightener, kitchen cleaner and even weed killer? Now you can add tasty cocktail to the list. From Downtown L.A. to Santa Monica and beyond, vinegar cocktails are making a splash at a bar near you.
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Blue Velvet
750 Garland St, Los Angeles, CA
The creative Cal-French dishes aren't the only unusual menu items at this sexy downtown indoor/outdoor spot. The kumquat marmalade martini ($14) is made with honey, champagne vinegar, freshly squeezed orange juice, kumquats, vanilla bean, cinnamon, Absolut Mandarin and Cointreau. Served on the rocks, it's garnished with a fresh kumquat. -
Cameo Bar
1819 Ocean Ave, Santa Monica, CA
The Great 8 cocktail ($17) served at this swanky hotel bar is made with--you guessed it--eight different ingredients. A flavorful combo of Saint Germain elderflower liquor, Blueberry Stoli vodka, amaretto, blueberries, raspberries and a splash of two types of vinegar (apple and Minus 8), the ingredients are shaken together with ice and served on the rocks with a splash of champagne. -
Kumo
8360 Melrose Ave, West Hollywood, CA
West Hollywood’s industry-heavy hot spot contrasts its Euro-Japanese small plates with specialty cocktails that use haute ingredients not likely seen on other menus. Mixologist James Bobby’s special Black Margarita ($14) is made with Patron tequila, Citronage and homemade sour. The concoction is shaken with black vinegar and served in a martini glass with a fragrant lavender salt rim. -
Amaranta Cocina Mexicana
6600 Topanga Canyon Road Ste 1029, Canoga Park, CA
Escape the mall madness of the Topanga shopping center inside this comfy on-site Mexican restaurant serving a signature Blood of the Strawberry margarita ($12). Made with balsamic syrup, basil leaves, strawberries, Cointreau and tequila, the red-hued favorite is garnished with a fresh strawberry.
