By Maria del Cisne Vital
“When life gives you lemons, make a daiquiri.” This common phrase used in the South is a motto to live by, since July 19 is National Daiquiri Day. Made with rum, citrus juice and any sort of sweetener, a daiquiri is bound to make your summer day better. SoCal brings this sweet drink to life with different, colorful variations, adding a twist to the classic drink. Gather your closest friends, take an Uber or Lyft, and enjoy a daiquiri-filled day!
Preux and Proper, an L.A. restaurant and bar, offers delicious food with a southern flare. Some New Orleans cuisine includes hush puppies and po’ boys. Unlike most bars, Preux and Proper has a frozen daiquiri dispenser machine. Yes, you read correctly. You’ll feel as if you’re walking down Bourbon Street during Mardi Gras with your frozen daiquiri. Different flavors are on rotation in the machine, but you are always in for a treat. You can sample a flight of daiquiris, or choose a combo of flavors to make your own multi-colored daiquiri. Think of it as an adult Slurpee.
Address: 840 S Spring St, Los Angeles, CA 90014
(213) 896-0090
Poolhouse San Diego is the perfect place to enjoy a refreshing frozen strawberry daiquiri. What sets it apart from the rest? You can enjoy your frozen beverage poolside among your friends and other SD locals while listening to great music. On top of great company and drinks, you also get an amazing view of San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter. Poolhouse is located on the rooftop of the Pendry Hotel, and has indoor and outdoor seating. Their menu also features other fun drinks like Frosé, pineapple mojitos, and raspberry margaritas.
Address: 550 J St, San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 738-7030
Five0Four Hollywood is a sister restaurant of Preaux and Proper, which was mentioned earlier on. Located right on Hollywood Boulevard, this joint gives you authentic SoCal vibes as well as authentic New Orleans vibes. In an attempt to mimic New Orleans dive bars, Five0Four serves up beignets, cocktail bowls, and, of course, frozen daiquiris straight from a dispenser machine. Last month, they had a special rainbow daiquiri in honor of pride month. Stay tuned on their social media for their special daiquiri of the day!
Address: 6541 Hollywood Blvd. #102, Los Angeles, CA 90028
(323) 471-4882
The Blind Rabbit is an experience, to say the least. Located inside of the Anaheim Packing District, it is hidden on the first floor with an entrance through the sake barrels. The speakeasy bar has a huge array of beverages that will impress anyone looking for a drink. Be sure to make a reservation and check the dress code and other rules before arrival on their website. Of course, Ernest Hemingway, who was a daiquiri connoisseur, inspires their best daiquiri. “The Headless Hemingway” consists of aged rum, maraschino liqueur, grapefruit, lime and cane. The experience is 90 minutes, so be sure to enjoy your drink and the speakeasy itself.
Address: 440 S Anaheim Blvd, Anaheim, CA 92805
theblindrabbit.com/
Bootlegger Tiki in Palm Springs is the perfect summer spot if you can’t have a lavish tropical vacation. Instead, Bootlegger brings the beautiful tiki vibes from afar right to SoCal. With tropical drinks overload, it’s hard to choose just one— so you might as well treat yo’ self on this national holiday. The “(Straw)Barry White” is a classic with Carta Blanca & Jamaican Overproof-rums, lime, orgeat, green chartreuse, strawberries, and soda. For a stronger beverage (there’s a two-drink limit for this one), order the “Seven Hells.” It has Five R(h)um Blend, Fruit de la Passion Liqueur, Maraschino Liqueur, Lime, Orange, Orgeat, and Bitters.
Address: 1101 N Palm Canyon Dr., Palm Springs, CA 92262
(760) 318-4154
Photo Credit: Preux and Proper & Bootlegger Tiki
