Commissary’s vegetable-centric menu is reflected in Matthew Biancaniello’s highly seasonal cocktail program. A summertime staple is the tomato and okra, with okra-infused cachaça, zebra heirloom tomatoes, and lovage. Fresh and herbal, nothing is more reminiscent of garden on a hot summer day. [Photo: Audrey Ma]

The extraordinary cocktail program helmed by Michael Lay pays homage to the classic recipes of the 19th and early 20th centuries. While the cocktails demonstrate true mastery of craft, the Vaudeville is a seasonal gem. With vodka, raspberry gum, house-made aromatic bitters, and topped with Italian merengue; the sweet, slightly viscous concoction could begin or end a perfect summertime meal.

Josh Goldman and Julian Cox are at it again at their newly opened Santa Monica saloon. The duo demonstrates their cocktail expertise in a tight list of cocktails. Their fermented strawberry, with vodka, Amaro Sibona, pisco, lemon, and salt is light and fresh, with a hint of bitterness and salinity on the backend.

One of the trendiest additions to the blossoming Arts Districts, the Ace Hotel gives its guests some of LA's best offerings. Enjoy a poolside Sherpa, refreshing and citrusy with pisco, Kronan Swedish Punsch, and grapefruit, while taking in sweeping views of downtown and the 1920’s architecture of the storied United Artists building.

The gorgeous old world design of Melrose Umbrella Co makes it an ideal place to enjoy a well-crafted cocktail. A standout summer offering is the Croatian Vacation, with vodka, strawberries, lime, Lillet Rouge, rose water, and a cherry tomato will make you feel as if you are dancing on a beach in Hvar.

This new, old world Mexican grotto set in the heart of the Highland Park features traditional agave spirits through its extensive selection of tequilas and mezcals. Their Malditos Secretos, comprised of Mezcal El Silencio, Ancho Reyes, Jamaica flower, lime, and agave, is smoky and slightly sweet, with notes of dried chili to tie it all together.

Acclaimed mixologist duo Josh Goldman and Julian Cox transport guests to the tropics with their classic rum drink. Served in Acabar’s seductive surroundings, the colorful Demerara Rum Swizzle, a pungent mix of fragrant Demerara rum, lime, grapefruit, falernum, and pomegranate, gives guests a taste of the exotic in the heart of LA.

Nothing is more iconic of summertime than sipping cold lemonade while taking in ocean views. Café del Rey spikes theirs with cherry-infused bourbon, orange liqueur, and Bing cherry purée.

It just doesn’t get more refreshing than Fig & Olive’s namesake cocktail. Cucumber-infused vodka and blood orange olive oil are made light with frothy egg white, crisp with muddled celery, and citrusy with blood orange purée. Paired with a few Mediterranean bites, the cocktail can transport you to a sunny day on the French Riviera.

ink’s well-rounded cocktail menu features a drink for every palate. Their summertime specialty is a blend of mezcal, tequila, amontillado sherry, rosewater verjus, and strawberry lambic for a smoky, slightly sweet libation.

Hyde Sunset’s Shiso Sexy is a fresh and soothing summer cocktail with innovative Asian flair. West Hollywood’s hottest digs muddles shiso leaves and lime with vodka and yellow chartreuse. Topped with green tea, this refreshing cocktail will literally have you seeing stars.

Prolific and perfectionist barman Beau du Bois is adding a tiki twist to his summer menu with this tequila-infused Pinky Gonzalez, made with reposado tequila, lime, orgeat and curacao over crushed ice. Make it happen today.

Steve Livigni and Pablo Moix are making sure the denizens of Santa Monica are getting the best cocktails of their life at this sleek drink den. Try the Chestnut Cup, a variant on the Pimm's cup made with gin, campari, orgeat, lemon and bitters. Sip carefully, my friends.