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17 Smoky, Sophisticated Mezcal Cocktails in Los Angeles

Love Mezcal? Here's where to get the best cocktails.

by Keyla Vasconcellos Feb 19, 2015, 12:15pm PST

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Casino Royale at Pistola

by Keyla Vasconcellos Feb 19, 2015, 12:15pm PST

For some, mezcal might taste like you're drinking a campfire, however the bold and deep flavors are what draws people to it as well. For those who are unfamiliar, mezcal has been known as the "single malt of the agave world." Additionally, it can be compared to a scotch because of its smoky and intense flavors. Mezcal has gained popularity and this list shows how well it compliments other spirits and delicious ingredients. Here now, 17 places to find smoky and sophisticated mezcal cocktails around Los Angeles.

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Note: Restaurants on this map are listed geographically.

1. Bacari PDR

6805 Vista Del Mar Lane
Playa del Rey, CA 90293

Since Bacari opened in Playa Del Rey, it’s been a hit. If one likes their cocktail smoky and spicy, check out The Scorpion King. The drink is made using Scorpion mezcal, lime juice, house made jalapeño syrup, Grand Marnier, and orange juice, and served with a smoked salt rim and orange zest.

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2. Chaya Venice

110 Navy St
Venice, CA 90291

(310) 396-1179

Visit Website

Great for dinner, but known for it's diverse happy hour, Chaya Venice prides itself on its drink selection, including one drink in particular. The Smoky Sips is a smoky mezcal cocktail (finished with lava salt), including El Silencio mezcal, lime juice, agave nectar, and pomegranate molasses.

3. Harlowe

7321 Santa Monica Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90046

(323) 876-5839

Visit Website

A tribute to Hollywood's Golden Age, with vintage decor and custom fixtures, Harlowe in West Hollywood posesses a fantastic list of classic and original cocktails. The mezcal drink to try here is the Barrio Sour, with Tequila Cabeza, El Silencio Black Mezcal, Egg white, Demerara Syrup and a spiced Cabernet Float.

4. Hutchinson Cocktails & Grill

826 N. La Cienega Blvd.
West Hollywood, CA 90069

For Indonesian-inspired flavors, Hutchinson has a very distinct mezcal cocktail. They take Mezcal, Vodka, Coffee Liqueur, Coconut and Thai Basil and combine it into a fun concoction with bold flavors.

5. La Cuevita

5922 N Figueroa St
Los Angeles, CA 90042

(323) 255-6871

Visit Website

This must try spot in Highland Park, known as "A new, old world Mexican Grotto", features a variety of agave cocktails, tequilas, and mezcals. One mezcal libation known as Malditos Secretos, combines Mezcal El Silencio, Ancho Reyes, and Jamaica flower, along with lime and agave, for a sweet and smoky combination.

Open in Google Maps

6. Mexicano

3650 W Martin Luther King Jr Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90008

+32 3 296 07 98

+32 3 296 07 98

Mexicano resides a little off the beaten path, but if you’re ever in Baldwin Hills, Mexicano has a ton of interesting mezcal Drinks. Here are a few examples. Sereno is made with Mezcal, ginger and lime or try Placero, which consists of Mezcal, Cactus, Lime, Chicharron and salt. Lastly, Mezcapán is made with Mezcal, Mazapán, Orangeflower water and lime.

7. Now Boarding

7746 Santa Monica Blvd
West Hollywood, CA 90046

(323) 848-8447

Visit Website

Another mezcal drink that resides in West Hollywood is Now Boarding’s Puddle Jumper. Here, Espolon Blanco tequila and mezcal is used, featuring ginger, mint, lime and honey.

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8. Pez Cantina

401 South Grand Ave
Los Angeles, CA

(213) 258-2280

Visit Website

Pez Cantina has two compelling mezcal drinks. One is the Mezcalarita, which has a chipotle infused mezcal, house-made sour, angostura bitters and sea salt foam or the Dirty Mezcal which features mezcal, house made vinegar, nopal, dry vermouth, and chili oil, for a very bold and strong tasting mezcal drink.

9. Pistola

8022 W 3rd Street
Los Angeles, CA 90048

(323) 951-9800

At Pistola, Beverage Director Aaron Melendrez created a mezcal drink named Casino Royale. Get excited, this cocktail is now available on Pistola’s new secret cocktail menu “Riserva Pistola.” Interesting ingredients include El Silencio Mezcal, Ancho Chili-Infused Oloroso Sherry, Black Walnut Nocino, Smoke and salt.

10. Tart

115 S Fairfax Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90036

(323) 973-3930

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Located in LA’s Fairfax District, Tart is a homey place to sit by the fire pit and enjoy a mezcal drink. The Smoky Paloma is made with Espolon Tequila, El Silencio Mezcal, Agave Nectar, Lime, Grapefruit, and Egg White.

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11. The Bazaar by José Andrés

465 S La Cienega Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90048

(310) 246-5555

Visit Website

The Bazaar by Jose Andres, boasts a vast collection of mouthwatering cocktails. The mezcal drink here is the Truffle Noir which incorporates mezcal, lime, Drambuie, blueberry, blood orange, truffle salt and truffle.

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12. The District by Hannah An

8722 W 3rd St
Los Angeles, CA 90048

Freshly opened just two weeks ago, The District by Hannah An already is known for one drink in particular. Face Down in Saigon features Don Amado reposado mezcal, organic Saigon cinnamon agave and lime juice over ice, and gets garnished with cinnamon dust and even a cinnamon stick. Come try the drink that celebrates the vibrant flavors of Southeast Asia.

Open in Google Maps

13. The Horn

8933 Santa Monica Blvd
West Hollywood, CA 90069

(310) 933-6678

Visit Website

The Horn in West Hollywood carries a refreshing mezcal drink with lots of flavor. El Silencio Espadin Mezcal is used for this drink, which definitely has an extra smoky smell and taste. Ingredients consist of lime juice, watermelon juice, jalapeno, and cilantro. They combine all the ingredients except the mezcal and muddle it together. After muddling, they add mezcal and ice and shake it and strain it into a rocks glass.

14. The Misfit Restaurant + Bar

225 Santa Monica Blvd
Santa Monica, CA 90401

(310) 656-9800

Visit Website

The Misfit in Santa Monica is pretty well known for their great happy hour, where you can get signature drinks for around half off. So, getting the Mezcal Yellow Jacket for $6 is super worth it. The drink is simple, consisting of lemon, honey and Serrano, but it is delicious, especially for the price. Happy Hour lasts until 7 p.m.

15. Tipple & Brine

14633 Ventura Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 91403

(818) 528-2550

Visit Website

If you’re ever in Sherman Oaks, Tipple & Brine is the place to go. Their mezcal drink is called Nectar of The Devil Margarita and it’s composed of Chamucos Tequila, mezcal, agave, fresh lime juice, muddled jalapeño and house-made orange curaçao and habanero sauce. This cocktail definitely packs a punch. Also, if you’re a mezcal overachiever, Tipple & Brine features a Spicy Oyster Shooter that is crafted with smoky mezcal, fresh lime juice, muddled Serrano chili, Tabasco and finished with a salt rim.

16. Venice Whaler Bar & Grill

10 Washington Blvd
Venice, CA 90292

(310) 821-8737

Visit Website

The Abelhinna is a beachside cocktail that incorporates of El Silencio mezcal, yellow chartreuse and honey syrup and is sure to cool you down during the warm winter days, here in LA.

17. Villains Tavern

1356 Palmetto St
Los Angeles, CA 90013

(213) 613-0766

Visit Website

Nestled in the Arts District of downtown, Villains Tavern pairs great food and drinks with live bands and a hip atmosphere. Lead bartender Trafton Barney just added a new smoky creation known as the Mezcal Smash. Featuring Memphis BBQ bitters, this drink combines Mina Real reposado mezcal and Los Altos reposado tequila with muddled lemon, basil, and sugar cane syrup.

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1. Bacari PDR

6805 Vista Del Mar Lane, Playa del Rey, CA 90293

Since Bacari opened in Playa Del Rey, it’s been a hit. If one likes their cocktail smoky and spicy, check out The Scorpion King. The drink is made using Scorpion mezcal, lime juice, house made jalapeño syrup, Grand Marnier, and orange juice, and served with a smoked salt rim and orange zest.

6805 Vista Del Mar Lane
Playa del Rey, CA 90293

Open in Google Maps

2. Chaya Venice

110 Navy St, Venice, CA 90291

Great for dinner, but known for it's diverse happy hour, Chaya Venice prides itself on its drink selection, including one drink in particular. The Smoky Sips is a smoky mezcal cocktail (finished with lava salt), including El Silencio mezcal, lime juice, agave nectar, and pomegranate molasses.

110 Navy St
Venice, CA 90291

Visit Website

3. Harlowe

7321 Santa Monica Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90046

A tribute to Hollywood's Golden Age, with vintage decor and custom fixtures, Harlowe in West Hollywood posesses a fantastic list of classic and original cocktails. The mezcal drink to try here is the Barrio Sour, with Tequila Cabeza, El Silencio Black Mezcal, Egg white, Demerara Syrup and a spiced Cabernet Float.

7321 Santa Monica Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90046

Visit Website

4. Hutchinson Cocktails & Grill

826 N. La Cienega Blvd., West Hollywood, CA 90069

For Indonesian-inspired flavors, Hutchinson has a very distinct mezcal cocktail. They take Mezcal, Vodka, Coffee Liqueur, Coconut and Thai Basil and combine it into a fun concoction with bold flavors.

826 N. La Cienega Blvd.
West Hollywood, CA 90069

5. La Cuevita

5922 N Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA 90042

This must try spot in Highland Park, known as "A new, old world Mexican Grotto", features a variety of agave cocktails, tequilas, and mezcals. One mezcal libation known as Malditos Secretos, combines Mezcal El Silencio, Ancho Reyes, and Jamaica flower, along with lime and agave, for a sweet and smoky combination.

5922 N Figueroa St
Los Angeles, CA 90042

Visit Website

Open in Google Maps

6. Mexicano

3650 W Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90008

Mexicano resides a little off the beaten path, but if you’re ever in Baldwin Hills, Mexicano has a ton of interesting mezcal Drinks. Here are a few examples. Sereno is made with Mezcal, ginger and lime or try Placero, which consists of Mezcal, Cactus, Lime, Chicharron and salt. Lastly, Mezcapán is made with Mezcal, Mazapán, Orangeflower water and lime.

3650 W Martin Luther King Jr Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90008

+32 3 296 07 98

7. Now Boarding

7746 Santa Monica Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90046

Another mezcal drink that resides in West Hollywood is Now Boarding’s Puddle Jumper. Here, Espolon Blanco tequila and mezcal is used, featuring ginger, mint, lime and honey.

7746 Santa Monica Blvd
West Hollywood, CA 90046

Visit Website

Open in Google Maps

8. Pez Cantina

401 South Grand Ave, Los Angeles, CA

Pez Cantina has two compelling mezcal drinks. One is the Mezcalarita, which has a chipotle infused mezcal, house-made sour, angostura bitters and sea salt foam or the Dirty Mezcal which features mezcal, house made vinegar, nopal, dry vermouth, and chili oil, for a very bold and strong tasting mezcal drink.

401 South Grand Ave
Los Angeles, CA

Visit Website

9. Pistola

8022 W 3rd Street, Los Angeles, CA 90048

At Pistola, Beverage Director Aaron Melendrez created a mezcal drink named Casino Royale. Get excited, this cocktail is now available on Pistola’s new secret cocktail menu “Riserva Pistola.” Interesting ingredients include El Silencio Mezcal, Ancho Chili-Infused Oloroso Sherry, Black Walnut Nocino, Smoke and salt.

8022 W 3rd Street
Los Angeles, CA 90048

10. Tart

115 S Fairfax Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90036

Located in LA’s Fairfax District, Tart is a homey place to sit by the fire pit and enjoy a mezcal drink. The Smoky Paloma is made with Espolon Tequila, El Silencio Mezcal, Agave Nectar, Lime, Grapefruit, and Egg White.

115 S Fairfax Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90036

Visit Website

Open in Google Maps

11. The Bazaar by José Andrés

465 S La Cienega Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90048

The Bazaar by Jose Andres, boasts a vast collection of mouthwatering cocktails. The mezcal drink here is the Truffle Noir which incorporates mezcal, lime, Drambuie, blueberry, blood orange, truffle salt and truffle.

465 S La Cienega Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90048

Visit Website

12. The District by Hannah An

8722 W 3rd St, Los Angeles, CA 90048

Freshly opened just two weeks ago, The District by Hannah An already is known for one drink in particular. Face Down in Saigon features Don Amado reposado mezcal, organic Saigon cinnamon agave and lime juice over ice, and gets garnished with cinnamon dust and even a cinnamon stick. Come try the drink that celebrates the vibrant flavors of Southeast Asia.

8722 W 3rd St
Los Angeles, CA 90048

Open in Google Maps

13. The Horn

8933 Santa Monica Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069

The Horn in West Hollywood carries a refreshing mezcal drink with lots of flavor. El Silencio Espadin Mezcal is used for this drink, which definitely has an extra smoky smell and taste. Ingredients consist of lime juice, watermelon juice, jalapeno, and cilantro. They combine all the ingredients except the mezcal and muddle it together. After muddling, they add mezcal and ice and shake it and strain it into a rocks glass.

8933 Santa Monica Blvd
West Hollywood, CA 90069

Visit Website

14. The Misfit Restaurant + Bar

225 Santa Monica Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90401

The Misfit in Santa Monica is pretty well known for their great happy hour, where you can get signature drinks for around half off. So, getting the Mezcal Yellow Jacket for $6 is super worth it. The drink is simple, consisting of lemon, honey and Serrano, but it is delicious, especially for the price. Happy Hour lasts until 7 p.m.

225 Santa Monica Blvd
Santa Monica, CA 90401

Visit Website

15. Tipple & Brine

14633 Ventura Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 91403

If you’re ever in Sherman Oaks, Tipple & Brine is the place to go. Their mezcal drink is called Nectar of The Devil Margarita and it’s composed of Chamucos Tequila, mezcal, agave, fresh lime juice, muddled jalapeño and house-made orange curaçao and habanero sauce. This cocktail definitely packs a punch. Also, if you’re a mezcal overachiever, Tipple & Brine features a Spicy Oyster Shooter that is crafted with smoky mezcal, fresh lime juice, muddled Serrano chili, Tabasco and finished with a salt rim.

14633 Ventura Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 91403

Visit Website

Related Maps

16. Venice Whaler Bar & Grill

10 Washington Blvd, Venice, CA 90292

The Abelhinna is a beachside cocktail that incorporates of El Silencio mezcal, yellow chartreuse and honey syrup and is sure to cool you down during the warm winter days, here in LA.

10 Washington Blvd
Venice, CA 90292

Visit Website

17. Villains Tavern

1356 Palmetto St, Los Angeles, CA 90013

Nestled in the Arts District of downtown, Villains Tavern pairs great food and drinks with live bands and a hip atmosphere. Lead bartender Trafton Barney just added a new smoky creation known as the Mezcal Smash. Featuring Memphis BBQ bitters, this drink combines Mina Real reposado mezcal and Los Altos reposado tequila with muddled lemon, basil, and sugar cane syrup.

1356 Palmetto St
Los Angeles, CA 90013

Visit Website

Related Maps