5 Most Popular Cocktails in Los Angeles
Knowing what types of drinks are popular in different cities will always help ensure that you are curating the best menu’s for your events. Here are the most popular cocktails in Los Angeles as of 2024.
1. The Margarita
It goes without a doubt that LA is full of tequila fans.
The margarita is a hit for any occasion in Los Angeles.
What’s in a Margarita?
2 oz Tequila Blanco
1 oz Triple Sec
1 oz Lime Juice
.5 oz Agave Syrup
Lime Wedge for Garnish
Salt
How to Make a Margarita:
Pour tequila, triple sec, lime juice and agave in a cocktail shaker with ice.
Shake well for 12-15 seconds.
Dip the rim of your glass in lime juice, and finish the glass with salt.
Add ice to the glass.
Strain contents into your glass.
Add a lime wedge.
Served in a Margarita Glass or Rocks Glass.
The Margarita is known as the most popular beverage in LA, so it’s safe to say this cocktail is a winner for any cocktail menu.
2. The Old Fashioned
The Old Fashioned will always be a drink that showcases sophistication and refinement.
Whats in an Old Fashioned?
1 Sugar Cube
6 Dashes of Bitters
3 oz Bourbon
1 Luxardo Cherry
1 Orange Peel
How to make an Old Fashioned:
Grab a rocks glass
Put the sugar in the bottom, add the bitters, muddle.
Add an ice cube
Pour the bourbon
Stir
Add a cherry and orange peel into the glass
Served in a rocks glass
In LA, you'll find variations of the Old Fashioned served at all events.
Learn more about Old Fashioned’s here!
3. The Martini
The Martini is known for its elegance and simplicity, making it a favorite among the LA crowd.
What’s in a Martini
3 oz Gin or Vodka
1 Dash of Bitters
1 oz Dry Vermouth
Garnish with emon peel or olive
How to Make a Martini
Grab cocktail shaker and add ice, gin or vodka, bitters, vermouth.
Shake lightly for 15-20 seconds
Strain into martini glass and garnish with lemon peel or olive.
Whether you prefer it shaken or stirred, dry or dirty, the Martini is a classic cocktail thats often requested at luxury events.
4. The Moscow Mule
The Moscow Mule has been enjoying a resurgence in popularity in recent years, thanks to its refreshing combination of vodka, ginger beer, and lime juice.
Whats in a Moscow Mule
2 oz Vodka
1 oz Lime Juice
4 oz Ginger Beer
Garnish with lime wedge and mint
How to Make a Moscow Mule
Grab a copper mug and fill with ice
Add Vodka, Lime Juice, and top with Ginger Beer.
Stir for 5 seconds.
Garnish with lime wedge and mint.
Served in a copper mug or a rocks glass.
We have found that recently, Tequila Mules have become popular amongst the LA crowd as well!
Offer both at your event to cater to both Tequila and Vodka drinkers.
5. Gin and Tonic
The Gin and Tonic a drink loved for its simplicity and versatility.
Whats in a Gin and Tonic?
2 oz Gin
4 oz Tonic
Garnish with lime wheel
How to make a Gin and Tonic
Grab a high ball glass or a wine glass for elegance.
Fill with ice,
Add Gin and top with Tonic Water
Garnish with lime wheel in the glass
The gin and tonic is the perfect balance of crisp and refreshing flavors.
Whether enjoyed as a pre-dinner drink or a late night sip, the Gin and Tonic is a staple across Los Angeles.
What alcohol do people in LA drink the most?
Los Angeles is full of diverse drinkers. You can expect for 50% of your guests to drink Tequila, 30% Vodka, and the remaining 20% Whisky and Gin. We hope this helps as you plan your next event!