Raising the Bar

Local Mixologist Show off Their Take on Seasonal Ingredients

Once you see what they have come up with, there’s no doubt that you will be inspired to grab your friends and enjoy an evening out with one (or all!) of these delectable creations.

MIGUEL SANDOVAL

Lead Mixologist at Tanner’s Restaurant | Treehouse Rooftop Bar

STAIRWAY TO HEAVEN

Heaven Can Wait is a favorite of Sandoval. “This drink steps outside of the traditional way to craft/mix a cocktail. By using unique ingredients, we are able to achieve wild, refreshing flavors that balance out the mellow sweetness, citric, spice and aromatics from the spirits.”

KEEP YOUR SECRETS

Sandoval likes to surprise the guests at Tanner’s with “an unexpected cocktail experience that is not on the menu during our Thursday Mixology Night or when they ask for a Bartender’s Choice.”

BRANCHING OUT

Tanner’s Treehouse is a gorgeous rooftop bar with sweeping ocean views, fire pits and swinging chairs located atop the Pasea Hotel and Spa.

EAT THIS WITH THAT

• Sandoval believes the perfect pairing for Heaven Can Wait is the Tanner’s Fried Calamari. “The apricot jam breaks through the spice notes of the rum and the coconut milk cools your palate after a bite of the Sriracha, Shishito or Fresno Peppers.”

CALIFORNIA LOVE

• Sandoval was born in New York but moved to Mexico City with his mom at four years old. Returning to the US in 2012, Miguel came to California and “fell in love with it. It was the perfect balance between cultures in a paradisiac location. Immediately, I got myself a job in a restaurant and I haven’t had a bad day in this industry.”

Berry on Top

TANNER’S RESTAURANT | TREEHOUSE ROOFTOP BAR

Heaven Can Wait Ingredients

-Blackberries - Trinidad Rum - Extra Dry Vermouth - Creme de Coco - Citrus - Coconut Milk - Demerara Sugar

714.698.6130 www.tannershb.com

21080 Pacific Coast Hwy Huntington Beach, CA 92648

ZACH TWARDOWSKI

Mixologist and Bar Manager at Ola Mexican Kitchen

SWEET, SPICE, EVERYTHING NICE

Every Mexican restaurant has margaritas, but the Punta Negra Margarita, a delicious concoction served at Ola Mexican Kitchen, is totally unique and “a little bit spicy, a little bit sweet.” Twardoski adds, “The Punta Negra is one of our more delicious and refreshing margaritas. We love the color from the muddled blackberries. The pineapple juice and Sweet n’ Sour blend perfectly with the tequila to give that ‘I’m on vacation’ taste.”

MIX IT IN

Patrons of Ola love the views and the exceptional cocktails that compliment every dish. “Our margaritas feature the fresh muddled fruit as well as homemade Sweet n’ Sour and a chili lime salt rim that gives a truly unique sweet, fruity, spicy flavor.”

PUNTA NEGRA MARGARITA INGREDIENTS

• Muddled Blackberries • Fresh Jalapeño • Sauza Blue Tequila • Sweet n’ Sour • Fresh Pineapple Juice

EAT THIS WITH THAT

• “The fresh fish, tequila citrus vinaigrette and pineapple pico de gallo [of the Acapulco Ceviche] go well with the spicy, citrus flavors of the Punta Negra. The Pork Belly Tacos also work beautifully because the taco is savory and a little bit sweet and the Fresno chilis compliment the sweet and spicy Margarita.”

A FAMILY AFFAIR

• Twardowski has been in the industry for 25 years, bartending and managing several popular restaurants in Orange County and has spent 14 years with the Mahe and Ola family establishments.

PIER REVIEW

• Ola Mexican Kitchen serves authentic and unique Mexican food while giving patrons views of the ocean and the iconic Huntington Beach Pier from almost every seat in the house.

OLA MEXICAN KITCHEN 21040 Pacific Coast Hwy, F200 Huntington Beach, CA 92648 714.969.7300 www.olamexicankitchen.com

GRACE HELEN LAPOINTE

Bar Lead at Silver Trumpet Restaurant and Bar

ALL-ROUNDER

LaPointe’s Chai Latte was inspired by her Mexican and German heritage. “For this drink, I explored my love of tea which I drink daily. Sailor Jerry and Tuaca have similar flavor profiles as tea so, combined with the other ingredients, the alcohol taste is mellowed out, making the Chai Latte easy to sip and enjoy.”

THANKS A-LATTE

Keeping her patrons guessing is always a challenge that LaPointe enjoys. “Guests are always surprised that I can take a high proof liquor and make it palatable for sipping. Our Chai Latte is the perfect balance of having a strong cocktail base but not so liquor forward. Essentially, [it's] approachable, but not weak.”

EAT THIS WITH THAT

• For a delicious pairing, LaPointe recommends the Bacon-Wrapped Dates. “Flowing with sweet and savory elements, the flavors of the dates stand up well to the creamy craft cocktail. The maple glaze compliments the cinnamon and chai while the bacon and gorgonzola really balance out the sweetness of the dates.”

CHECKED OUT

• Silver Trumpet Restaurant and Bar is just steps away from Segerstrom Center for the Arts and offers a variety of craft cocktails on and off the menu. “We custom design drinks for each unique guest that sits in front of us. My staff and I strive to create drinks that cause guests to forget that they are in a hotel, but rather [in] a unique craft-style bar.”

2 Bark With a Bite

Chai Latte Ingredients

- Cinnamon Stick - Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum - Tuaca - Chai Simple Syrup - Half & Half - Cinnamon Sugar -Orange Twist

SILVER TRUMPET RESTAURANT AND BAR 3350 Avenue f the Arts Costa Mesa, CA 92626

NICOLE BRADFORD

Bartender at Wild Goose Tavern

GARDEN OF EDEN

One of Wild Goose Tavern’s signature cocktails, Eden’s Apple, is a major favorite and Bradford knows just why. “Our guests love that we stuck with the roots of Wild Goose Tavern being known as a whiskey bar and that all of our juices and syrups are made in-house to maximize freshness.”

STAY BY MY CIDER

The special flavors of Eden’s Apple are a delicious blend. “Monkey Shoulder is the perfect mixing scotch for this cocktail. The subtle vanilla notes and aroma paired with our house-made apple cider and a dash of cinnamon make this drink the perfect blend of sweet and savory.”

Eden's Apple

EDEN'S APPLE Ingredients

• Freshly-Grated Cinnamon • Monkey Shoulder Malt Scotch • Averna Amaro • House-Made Apple Cider • Fresh Lemon Juice • Angostura Bitters • Orange Slice Garnish

EAT THIS WITH THAT

• “Our Wild Boar Sausage Sandwich is the perfect pairing for this cocktail. The bacon aioli adds a level of smokiness that helps bring out the flavor of the whiskey. The acidity from the apple walnut mostarda helps to clear the palate between eating each bite and each sip of the cocktail. Apple, cinnamon and walnut are a trio made in heaven.”

BAR-HOPPING

• Bradford has been bartending for eight years in a diverse range of bars from high-volume clubs to Irish Pubs to craft cocktail bars. “What I love most about my job is the connections I get to make with our guests and creating delicious cocktails that people enjoy.”

EMILY DELICCE

Bar Director at Hello Kitty Cafe

ONE AND ONLY

According to Managing Partner Allan Tea, “The Bow Room is more than a Hello Kitty-themed bar— we offer uniquely crafted cocktails in the only Hello Kitty Bar in the world.”

GREEN TEA MACHINE

Guests at the Bow Room love the Japanese-inspired flavors of premium green tea, Japanese whiskey and Yuzu and adore the signature Hello Kitty cup stenciled with a bow on top. A green tea macaron sweetens the deal.

SWEET DISPOSITION

“Everyone expects that we’re going to have really sweet, cloying drinks,” explains Delicce, “but we actually have cool, complex cocktails that are strong and really awesomely-balanced.”

EAT THIS WITH THAT

• Served in a Hello Kittythemed teacup and paired with a green tea macaron, the Hello Kit-Tea is one of the most requested cocktails in the Bow Room. “Pro tip: dip the macaron in the salted cream on top of the drink,” says Delicce. “It’s really good!

TAKE A BOW

• Hello Kitty Cafe began with the Hello Kitty Truck in 2014. The Irvine location is the first and only permanent location in the U.S. The Bow Room is a separate 600 squarefoot space and is available only through reservation, Wednesday through Sunday. Dress to impress!

3 To the Sea

Hello Kit-Tea Ingredients

- Jasmine Tea - Japanese Whiskey - Depaz Syrup - Yuzu - Cream

HELLO KITTY CAFE 860 Irvine Center, Irvine CA 92618

CHRIS ADAMS

Principal of Ellis Adams Group at Hive and Honey Rooftop Bar

BEAR-Y SWEET

Adams wanted to have fun when coming up with the concept of Hey Boo Boo Too—an homage to the beloved “Yogi Bear” cartoon. “We use honey to sweeten the cocktails as we balance the flavors. Yogi Bear evoked great memories for us so naming the cocktail ‘Hey Boo Boo Too’—was something cheeky and fun and a great way to showcase the personality of our team.”

HEY, SWEE-TEA

The Hey Boo Boo Too is the perfect choice to relax and unwind in a gorgeous rooftop setting. “The iced tea and lemonade work so well together to refresh the palate. It made sense to add the vodka, and our signature twist of honey turns a simple recipe into a delicious signature cocktail.”

Hey Boo Boo Too

Hey Boo Too Ingredients

- Iced Tea - Ketel One Vodka - Lemonade -Local Honey

EAT THIS WITH THAT

• According to Adams, Hey Boo Boo Too is so versatile you can pair anything with it but adds, “My personal favorites are the House-Cut French Fries and Chef’s Jalapeño Ketchup. Our Charcuterie and Cheeses are also a great choice.”

REACHING NEW HIVES

• One of the few rooftop bars in Orange County, Adams believes that “the energy at Hive and Honey is magnetic. We have a great location with excellent views and an artful sunset. Our cocktails are well thought out and the menu was designed to offer drinks that can please all preferences. We offer a little something different frequently so that we can keep our guests interested.”

HIVE AND HONEY ROOFTOP BAR 7905 Irvine Center Dr Irvine, CA 92618 949.759.0200 www.hhrooftopbar.com

WRITTEN BY: ERICA JOHNSON PHOTOGRAPHED

BY: DAVID ALONZO HERNANDEZ, ED VISIONS, LEE WALTERS & JEN STROMAN