On March 15, 2020, LA Mayor Eric Garcetti ordered the closure of LA bars, nightclubs, restaurants (except takeout/delivery), entertainment venues, and gyms. This action severely impacted restaurants that are set up for dine-in-only business as they were forced to shut down or go into hibernation.
Soon after the closure was ordered, California’s Alcoholic Beverage Control eased alcohol delivery restrictions from restaurants allowing them to sell alcoholic beverages to go as long as the food was also ordered. Adding wine, beer and cocktails allowed some restaurants to gain extra revenue during a to-go-only operation.
Just prior to the pandemic, craft cocktails started taking off at LA restaurants. Every restaurant had its version of the Moscow Mule, Old Fashioned, Paloma, Gold Rush, and the Negroni. In fact, the White Negroni also began appearing on cocktails menus as well.
Legalizing to-go alcohol has allowed some restaurants to take in more revenue during this difficult time. It has caused bartenders to realize that they are able to deliver some of their craft cocktails as Ready-To-Drink (RTD) canned beverages.
The new breed of RTD beverages is superior to the canned Heublein Club Cocktails I remember in my youth. They include both a premium base, but also cutting-edge mixers and liqueurs. They are both tasty and smooth going down.
Here are some LA area eateries that featured canned craft cocktails.
Thunderbolt
Thunderbolt prides itself on having some of LA’s best drink makers. While the focus is on their beverages, their kitchen also prepares a modern Southern menu. Because they also serve food, they canned some of their craft cocktails and make them available to-go. An example is their HIghball of the Month ($12) featuring El Tesoro Blanco Tequila, Grapefruit Cordial, Gentian, and Lime.
Thunderbolt, 1263 W Temple St, Los Angeles, CA 90026; 213.372.5099; thunderboltla.com
Gracias Madre
The kitchen here is Mexican vegan with meat-free and dairy-free versions of Mexican comfort food. Once you visit Gracias Madre, you quickly realize that it’s all about their booze menu. To celebrate summer full swing they are offering 50% off on any canned cocktail 4-pack for the entire month of July. Orders must be placed on their website for takeout, curbside pickup or delivery. Use the code CANdemic2021.
Gracias Madre, 8905 Melrose Ave, West Hollywood, CA 90069; 323.978.2170
Or in the OC – 1617 Westcliff Dr, Newport Beach, CA 92660; 949.386.8100; graciasmadre.com
Lanea
Lanea is Santa Monica’s Premier Cocktail Bar & Taqueria. Leveraging the success of their signature cocktails, they made some of their boozy beverages available as canned cocktails. Since they are located a block away from the beach, they are the perfect destination for an outdoor picnic by the beach.
Due to the pandemic, they created several to-go cocktail options to accompany their food. That includes housemade craft canned 4-packs for $20. They include Margaritas, Moscow Mule, Oaxaca Mule, Palomas, Picante Coast Highway, and others.
Lanea, 217 Broadway, Santa Monica, CA 90401; 424.265.7437; gotolanea.com
Playa Provisions
Playa Provisions is the neighborhood hangout for the Playa Vista crowd. Under one roof, they feature four different dining experiences. My wife and I recently enjoyed a weekend brunch there and I was surprised at the amount of take-out business that day. Some of the their canned cocktails they sell include the Dey Rey – a spicy cucumber margarita. The Rum Me Over features Bacardi 8, Banana Liqueur, Vanilla, Falernum, Pineapple. A Shot in the Arm is their take on a Winter Paloma with tequila grapefruit, chai, and ginger.
Playa Provisions, 119 Culver Blvd, Playa Del Rey, CA 90293; 310.683.5019; playaprovisions.com
Billy’s at the Beach
Billy’s at the Beach recently debuted its signature World Famous Mai Tais in a canned format for guests on the go. Customers with sea-faring vessels can take advantage of their dockside valet to easily pick up takeout orders and canned cocktails. Billy’s canned Mai Tais are made in small batches fresh in house with the same recipe you’ll find in the bar. Each can is $15 and is served with a cup of crushed ice with a pineapple wedge and cherry garnish.
Billy’s at the Beach, 2751 West Coast Hwy, Newport Beach, CA 92663; 949.722.1100; billysatthebeach.net