If every city has a flavor, LA’s is bold, a little eccentric, and never the same twice. You’ll find cocktails with cult followings, unlikely combos that somehow work, and drinks that feel more like a performance than a pour. This isn’t a list of safe picks—it’s a guide to the kind of cocktails that make LA, well… LA.

Death & Co.
Signature Drink: Year of the Trees

Nestled in the Arts District, Death & Co. brings its New York pedigree to LA with a menu that's both inventive and refined. The "Year of the Trees" is a smoky mezcal-based cocktail that showcases the bar's commitment to complex flavors and meticulous presentation.

Source: Instagram

Tom Bergin’s Public House
Signature Drink: Irish Coffee

A staple in LA since 1936, Tom Bergin’s is renowned for its Irish Coffee. This classic concoction combines Tullamore Dew Irish whiskey, simple syrup, and dark roast coffee, topped with chilled Irish cream. It's the perfect pick-me-up, offering warmth and a gentle kick.​

Source: LAist

Musso & Frank Grill
Signature Drink: Martini

Steeped in Hollywood history, Musso & Frank Grill has been serving its iconic martini since 1919. Favored by legends like Charlie Chaplin and Marilyn Monroe, their martini is a testament to timeless elegance. Served with two olives and a splash of vermouth upon request, it's a drink that transports you to a bygone era.​

Source: Los Angeles Times

The Flintridge Proper
Signature Drink: Gin Flight

Home to the world's largest gin selection, The Flintridge Proper offers an unparalleled gin tasting experience. With over 200 varieties, their gin flight allows patrons to explore a diverse range of botanicals and flavors, including their own Flintridge Native Botanical Gin.​

Source: Los Angeles Daily News

E.P. & L.P.
Signature Drink: Kickstart My Heart

This West Hollywood hotspot offers panoramic views and a dynamic atmosphere. The "Kickstart My Heart," blending Grey Goose, watermelon, agave, lemon, and rhubarb, is a vibrant cocktail that matches the venue's energy.

Source: Instagram

Bar Flores
Signature Drink: Clarified Coconut Punch

Located in Echo Park, Bar Flores exudes a beachy, cantina-inspired vibe. The Clarified Coconut Punch, infused with tarragon and almond, delivers a refreshing and easy-to-sip experience, perfect for LA's sunny days.

Source: Instagram

The Corner Door
Signature Drink: Mezcallin

Culver City's The Corner Door presents the Mezcallin, a creative spin on the classic Penicillin cocktail. This version incorporates mezcal and pineapple gomme, offering a smoky and sweet profile that's both complex and refreshing. It's a testament to the bar's innovative approach to mixology.​

Source: The Minty

Tiki-Ti
Signature Drink: Ray’s Mistake

A Los Feliz institution, Tiki-Ti is famed for its tropical drinks and vibrant atmosphere. Ray’s Mistake, the bar's most popular concoction, was born from an accidental mix-up in 1968. Featuring a "super secret flavor," botanical liqueurs, passion fruit, and dark Coruba rum, it's a delightful and mysterious tiki classic.​

Source: Los Angeles

In a city that reinvents itself by the minute, these drinks have earned their stripes. Each one tells a story—a little LA time capsule served up with ice. If you haven’t tried them yet, the city’s not done surprising you.