Santa Cruz Fall Cocktail Guide

Elizabeth Hodges

As the daylight hours shorten, the nights get longer and the air turns cool and crisp, Santa Cruz slips into autumn. What better way to celebrate the changing seasons and coming holidays than by sipping a fancy drink with a few friends? Santa Cruz is home to a growing scene of cocktail bars and restaurants expanding their menus to include cocktails. In this guide, we highlight some of the very best places to find artisan cocktails in Santa Cruz, plus a recipe for an Autumn Manhattan that you can make at home.

515 Kitchen & Cocktails

Downtown Santa Cruz

Hands down the go-to spot for artisan cocktails in Santa Cruz, the 515 is home to the best bartenders in town. Sure, you can order any of the delicious drinks off the menu, perhaps beginning with the happy hour Ain’t Life Grand – buffalo trace bourbon, peach liqueur, lemon juice, saffron bitters, apple bitters, angostura bitters and ginger beer – but why not have the alchemists behind the bar craft you something extra special? You might even get a free show.

More Info
Red Restaurant and Bar

Downtown Santa Cruz

With the same owners as 515, it would be silly to leave the Red off this list. Perhaps more appealing to the “Lost Boys” than its hipster sibling down the road, the Red Room serves up equally tasty and creative cocktails suited to any occasion or taste. One hundred types of whiskey can’t possibly disappoint, nor do the signature creations. Try the Jean Grey, made with earl grey infused gin, fresh squeezed lemon and simple syrup with a sugar rim – can be served hot with honey.

More Info
The Reef Bar at Pono

Downtown Santa Cruz

In Santa Cruz, it really is possible to live an Endless Summer. Lounging on a sunny, luscious back patio, it’s easy to forget it’s October, so don’t feel bad about getting a summery drink. Live Hawaiian music is usually an added perk around here, providing the perfect island ambiance to pair with the best Mai Tai in town. This can be found for only $5 during their happy hour, along with the Dark and Stormy for those among us feeling a little less sunny.

More Info
Motiv Upstairs

Downtown Santa Cruz

Whether you’re planning on shaking your bootie later in the evening or just want a nightcap, Motiv has a few pleasant surprises in store upstairs. This spot is great for groups, as the bar is often not too crowded (shhh…) and the cocktails are quite creative and tasty to boot. If you’re looking to warm up, try the Pearl Alley Old Fashioned: single barrel rye, brandied cherries, an orange slice and cherry and rhubarb bitters.

More Info
Hoffman’s

Downtown Santa Cruz

For a post-dinner signature drink at an intimate bar, Hoffman’s is a top-notch choice. Check out their latest and greatest cocktail menu, featuring an extensive list of classic cocktails with a “fresh twist.” Their Lucid Dreams, made with Lucid absinthe, lemon, ginger liqueur, honey, warm chamomile tea and nutmeg, won the 2015 National Lucid Absinthe competition. Sounds like a surefire way to warm up and maybe even have a few interesting dreams as well.

More Info
Home

Why not make your own craft cocktail? This autumn twist on a classic Manhattan is made with rye, champagne, bitters, blood orange rind and maple syrup. Ingredients: 1 1/2 ounces applejack, 1 1/2 ounces rye whiskey, 1 tablespoon maple syrup, A few dashes orange bitters, About 2 ounces Champagne, Blood-orange rind cut into strips for garnish. Directions: Combine applejack, whiskey, maple syrup, and bitters in a cocktail shaker, and shake over ice. Strain into a 6-ounce martini glass, and top with Champagne. Garnish with orange rind, and serve.

More Info