Where to Get Your Favorite Classic Cocktails In Palm Springs

Palm Springs: the mere mention of this beautiful paradise conjures images of hiking, golfing, and tennis in the sunny outdoors. And while every hour of the day is a special time in this desert oasis, none is more celebrated than cocktail hour. Whether you have a penchant for the perfect martini or prefer a refreshing margarita, we’ve got the scoop on where to find your favorite classic cocktails in Palm Springs!

Manhattan

Originating in the 1800s in New York City, the recipe for this spirit-based cocktail has remained consistent throughout the decades. The perfect blend of rye whiskey, sweet vermouth, and bitters, it’s as elegant as it is complex, offering aromatic fruit and vanilla notes and a subtle sweetness that’s hard to resist. 

Where to Get it: Paul Bar/Food

Locals wait in line for happy hour at this watering hole, where they can step up to the mahogany bar and enjoy an assortment of delicious beverages, namely the perfect Manhattan.

Martini

Like many classic cocktails, the martini's origins remain cloudy. First published in the Bartender’s Manual in the late 1800s, it gained immense popularity in the mid-50s and '60s, solidified when James Bond noted he preferred his “shaken, not stirred.” With the perfect balance of gin, vermouth, and bitters, the martini remains a sophisticated and enduring choice for discerning drinkers.

Where to Get it: Melvyn’s

Noted among the ‘25 Best Places to Eat and Drink in Palm Springs,’ this posh eatery is renowned for incredible cuisine and perfectly chilled martinis.

Old Fashioned

The Old Fashioned’s popularity likely grew during Prohibition as people sought to enjoy classic cocktails at home. Though not as complex as other mixed drinks of its era, its appeal is just as pronounced. Bourbon takes center stage, shining through with its rich flavor profile, while sugar and bitters lend additional interest. Often served in a rocks glass with an orange twist, this timeless classic belongs in every cocktail lover’s repertoire.

Where to Get it: Blackbook Bar & Kitchen

Whether ordering the two-handed burgers or the Nashville chicken, we suggest you go all in with the $47 Old Fashioned, featuring twice-barrelled Balmorhea whiskey!

Sazerac

Named after its inventors' preferred French brandy, Sazerac-de-Forge et fils, this beloved cocktail was pronounced the official cocktail of New Orleans in 2008. While cognac was initially the spirit of choice, rye whiskey eventually replaced it, giving this classic cocktail its distinct flavor. Generally lesser known than other popular drinks served during the mid-1800s, its nuanced flavors have garnered a dedicated following among classic cocktail enthusiasts.

Where to Get it: Boozehounds

You won’t need to leave your faithful companion at home to enjoy your favorite classic cocktail. Boozehounds is dog-friendly and offers beautiful spaces in the atrium and patio to sip and savor!

Margarita

One of Mexico’s most famed exports, this tangy elixir is a bold blend of tequila, lime juice, and orange liqueur. Typically served in a distinctive glass with a salted rim, its popularity surged during the 19th Century. The frozen margarita machine, invented in 1971, revolutionized how we enjoy this iconic drink, often enjoyed at backyard barbecues and Cinco de Mayo parties worldwide. Although its birthplace remains a mystery, we can all appreciate the flavorful and refreshing concoction best enjoyed with friends.

Where to Get it: Tac/Quila

With two Michelin nods, this casual eatery on Palm Canyon Drive offers a sizeable menu with delicious eats, the perfect complement to your classic Margarita.

Sidecar

The Sidecar’s roots can be traced back to Paris and London, with both cities claiming the birthplace of this classic cocktail. Whether you believe it originated at Harry’s New York Bar in Paris or Buck’s Club in London, this moody beverage is a testament to the inventive cocktail culture that emerged around this time. While the French often prefer equal parts brandy, orange liqueur, and lemon juice, the English favor a 2:1:1 ratio, allowing the brandy to shine as the heart and soul of the drink.

Where to Get it: Mr. Lyons

Whether you're swinging by for a happy hour or settling in for a bone-in ribeye at dinner, this historic steakhouse is the place to be seen, preferably sipping a delicious Sidecar.

Mai Tai

The Mai Tai, with its harmonious blend of rum, citrus, and almond notes, was introduced to the world in the 1940s. Victor Bergeron, known as ‘Trader Vic,’ claims bragging rights for inventing this classic cocktail served in his Oakland, California restaurant. The unique mix of Polynesian and American cuisine brought patrons in droves, but there can be no doubt his rum-based cocktails were the star of the show. The Mai Tai's popularity remains today as bartenders continue reimagining this classic cocktail.

Where to Get it: Bootlegger Tiki

While other establishments offer versions laden with juices and syrups, you’ll find the original recipe at this famed tiki lounge renowned for delicious cocktails.

Negroni

Introduced in a Florence cafe, this boozy concoction originally consisted of gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth. While numerous iterations have surfaced, including the sparkling Prosecco-based version we know today, the classic remains a mainstay for many. National Negroni Week celebrates this iconic drink each September with thousands of bars and restaurants offering different variations, but you can get one anytime in Palm Springs!

Where to Get it: High Bar at The Rowan

There’s nothing like a rooftop bar with incredible views, gorgeous sunsets, and a late-night happy hour to get things rolling—other than a toast to the best Negroni in town!

French 75

The French 75, a delightfully sippable and boozy cocktail, is a timeless classic popularized in France in the late 1800s. Named after the French 75 mm light field gun used during WWI, this elegant drink merges gin, champagne, lemon juice, and powdered sugar. Its refreshing citrus notes and sparkling bubbly make it a delightful choice for celebratory occasions, but it’s equally welcome at casual gatherings. While the recipe sees mild variations, the French 75 remains a staple, embodying the spirit of Parisian sophistication.

Where to Get it: Bar Cecil

Whether seated in the velvet banquettes flanked by modern art in the dining room or the swanky bar, you’ll have no problem enjoying your classic cocktail alongside the sumptuous fare, which is ideal for sharing. 

There’s no doubt that Palm Springs offers a classic cocktail for every occasion. Lucky for you, you can enjoy them year-round in Palm Springs or whip them up in your gorgeous vacation rental to enjoy poolside!

ABOUT ACME HOUSE COMPANY: ACME manages Luxury Vacation Rental Homes & Condos in Greater Palm Springs and the surrounding desert cities, catering to those looking to travel to the world-renowned destination for the season, week-long stays and extended weekends. Fabulous pool homes for when you and your peeps want some together time. Visit ACME's Website to explore more Palm Springs Vacation Rentals. 

Images courtesy of Visit Greater Palm Springs, Visit Palm Springs, Bar Cecil, Paul Bar/Food, & Balmorhea Whiskey

Published by Matthew Bruce
Monday, August 26, 2024