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Shochu may not be as well-known in the U.S. as sake or Japanese whisky, but this versatile, low-ABV spirit has been a staple in Japan for centuries. Typically distilled from ingredients like barley, sweet potato, or rice, shochu delivers a range of flavors—from earthy to floral to umami-rich. In LA, a handful of standout bars and restaurants have embraced shochu, serving it straight, on the rocks, or mixed into inventive cocktails. If you’re looking to get familiar with this under-the-radar spirit, these five LA spots are leading the way.
A legend in the cocktail world, Death & Company’s LA location brings the same creative energy it’s known for in NYC. Here, shochu isn’t just a quiet option on the back bar—it stars in complex, layered cocktails like the Vigo Rising, which pairs Mizu Lemongrass Shochu with blended scotch, cantaloupe, and lemon. Expect more shochu-forward creations as new menus roll out.
Source: Instagram
Blending Southern food with a globe-trotting drink list, Thunderbolt has carved out a unique niche in LA’s bar scene. The Fu Gwaa Falsetto is the standout here—a striking cocktail featuring Iichiko Saiten (a barley shochu) mixed with Oaxacan rum, bittermelon, Manzanilla, and Li Hing. It’s bright, savory, and unlike anything else in town.
Source: Instagram
Inside a repurposed firehouse, Kodo offers contemporary Japanese dishes in an industrial-chic setting. The bar team takes their shochu seriously, crafting cocktails like the Green Leaf Shochu Highball made with sweet potato shochu and pandan syrup. For something bolder, the Thoroughbred Tea uses a 41% ABV barley shochu to deliver depth and smoke with a green tea twist.
Source: Instagram
This cozy izakaya balances a laid-back vibe with a deep respect for Japanese drinking culture. Tsubaki often has 10 to 15 shochus on hand, ranging across a variety of bases like sweet potato and barley. While cocktails are seasonal, keep an eye out for chu-hai-style drinks and sours crafted with fresh market fruit when they make their return.
Source: TsubakiLA
High above the city in the tallest building in Los Angeles, Niku X delivers a luxury yakiniku dining experience with drinks to match. The La Shiruko cocktail, made with Nankai shochu (a vacuum-distilled spirit using black sugar and rice), showcases how well shochu pairs with modern Japanese cuisine. It’s the kind of place where both the food and the drinks are designed to impress.
Source: Instagram
Shochu’s rise in Los Angeles isn’t accidental—it’s the result of curious bartenders, culturally driven menus, and a growing appetite for lower-ABV spirits with depth. These bars are helping Angelenos rethink what they drink, introducing a nuanced spirit that’s versatile, food-friendly, and rich in tradition. The city may be known for tequila and mezcal, but shochu is carving out its own quiet, confident space.
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June in Los Angeles means one thing for drink lovers: a packed calendar of events celebrating craft beer, wine, and cocktails. This month, the city serves up everything from intimate tastings to large festivals. Here’s a curated list of the top 10 events to add to your calendar.
Where: California Science Center, Exposition Park, Los Angeles
This event transforms the Science Center into a lively wine tasting playground. Over 100 wines and spirits are poured alongside gourmet food trucks and live DJ sets. The museum’s exhibits provide an unexpected backdrop for a sophisticated yet fun night out, blending culture and libations.
Source: Uncorked Wine Festivals
Where: Multiple venues across West Hollywood and Downtown LA
Celebrate Pride month with a lively bar crawl through some of the city’s most iconic LGBTQ+ friendly bars and clubs. The event features drink specials, dancing, and a welcoming atmosphere that embodies the spirit of inclusion and celebration.
Source: Eventbrite
Where: Catch One, Mid-Wilshire, Los Angeles
An intersection of art and cocktails, this festival brings together 40+ pop-up bars, live performances, and a silent auction benefiting the LGBTQIA+ community. Expect inventive drinks and immersive art experiences in one of LA’s iconic nightlife venues.
Source: Art Beyond the Glass
Where: Hollywood Forever Cemetery, Los Angeles
Not your typical alcohol event, but an LA summer staple. Bring your own beverages and enjoy classic films under the stars. Food trucks and local vendors often set up, offering wine, beer, and cocktails to accompany the cinematic experience.
Source: Cinespia
Where: Barnsdall Art Park, East Hollywood, Los Angeles
Enjoy panoramic views of Los Angeles while sipping curated wines at this beloved weekly event. Each Friday evening, local wineries present their selections, complemented by live music and food trucks. It’s a perfect way to unwind and kick off the weekend.
Source: The Sought After
Where: Eataly Los Angeles, Century City, Los Angeles
Eataly LA hosts a special Vino Days tasting event featuring a curated selection of Italian wines. Attendees can sample various vintages while enjoying light bites from Eataly’s renowned kitchens. It’s an excellent opportunity to explore Italy’s rich wine heritage in a vibrant setting.
Source: Eataly
Where: Hollywood Bowl, Hollywood, Los Angeles
Celebrate summer’s arrival with live orchestral music and an array of beverage options from local craft breweries and wineries. The open-air venue makes it a great place to enjoy cocktails before or after the show.
Source: Hollywood Bowl
Where: Row DTLA, Downtown Los Angeles
Though primarily a food market, Smorgasburg features multiple craft beer vendors, local wineries, and cocktail pop-ups each Sunday. It’s the perfect casual Sunday outing with delicious drinks paired with LA’s best street food.
Source: Smorgasburg
Los Angeles keeps the drinks flowing and the atmosphere buzzing this June with a rich selection of events spread across the city. These events provide a true taste of LA’s dynamic alcohol scene — dive in, try something new, and enjoy the city’s unique flavor this summer.
06/08/2025 A dive bar so tiny it’s legendary
24/07/2025 Tried, Tasted, and Trusted
11/07/2025 LA’s Outdoor Bars That Get It Right
02/07/2025 Five spots with compelling lists and wine-first vibes
18/06/2025 Celebrating diversity, history, and unforgettable nights across L.A.
30/05/2025 Inside LA’s Oldest Mexican Bar
23/05/2025 Discover LA’s top June alcohol happenings
16/05/2025 Love Shochu? Head to these spots!
09/05/2025 Where to Drink Japanese in Los Angeles
24/04/2025 A cocktail crawl through LA’s most talked-about drinks
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March in LA is all about great drinks and unforgettable experiences. With a lineup of exciting events to keep your glass full and your taste buds satisfied, there’s no shortage of ways to sip, savor, and celebrate. Get ready to explore the best beverage events happening across the city!\
March 6
The Exhibition Room – Long Beach Craft Cocktails
Discover the depth of Irish whiskey beyond Jameson at this exclusive tasting event. Hosted by Hotaling & Co., you’ll sample expressions from brands like Writers’ Tears, Irishmen, and Dingle while learning about their unique characteristics.
Source: Hotaling & Co.
March 7
Vintage Wine & Spirits
Be among the first to experience Beverly Spirits, an emerging American whiskey brand. Taste their expertly crafted bourbon-rye blends and a limited-release American Single Malt at this special tasting event.
Source: Beverly Spirits
March 13
The Nitecap
Expand your palate beyond Tequila and Mezcal with a guided tasting of five heritage agave spirits, each paired with handmade craft chocolates. Hosted by Lou Bank, this event offers a unique blend of education, flavor, and laughs.
Source: GoFundMe
March 12
Broken Spirits Distillery
Celebrate the Spring Release of a 4-year-old Wheated Bourbon with a curated experience that includes a distillery tour, a five-course dinner, three handcrafted cocktails, and the opportunity to purchase an exclusive bottle.
Source: Longbeachize
March 16
Valley Relics Museum
Raise a glass in honor of Tony McNulty and support veterans and first responders at this St. Patrick’s Day celebration. Expect a full day of live entertainment, specialty cocktails, great food, and a meaningful tribute to those who serve.
Source: EventBrite
March 22
Venice Blvd
Join this vibrant community festival featuring live music, food trucks, over 400 local artists, beer gardens, and family-friendly activities. All proceeds from 21+ Social Garden tickets go toward supporting families affected by the fires.
Source: The Venice Fest
March 9
DTLA
Indulge in a curated pairing of fine wines, artisanal cheeses, and decadent chocolates at this exclusive event hosted by Sommelier Ian Todd Blackburn. A must-attend for those with a love for gourmet experiences.
Source: Viator
March 30
Truly LA
Celebrate baseball’s opening weekend with a 75-minute mixology experience. Enjoy two crafted cocktails, a Blue Rizz Seltzer, fun food pairings, and take-home recipes—all while toasting to the new season.
Source: Archello
March 22
COMUNITYmade
Blind taste three wines at a time in this interactive class that hones your tasting skills. With trivia, competitive elements, and expert guidance, this is a fun and engaging way to sharpen your wine knowledge—whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned taster.
Source: Learn About Wine
March 5
Far Bar
Join Suntory and Far Bar for an intimate tasting of the 2024 Tsukuriwake Whisky, led by West Coast Brand Ambassador Jonathan Armstrong. The experience includes a welcome cocktail, two pre-plated appetizers, and a guided tasting of Suntory’s latest whisky expressions.
Source: Suntory Global Spirits
Los Angeles is buzzing with energy this March, and what better way to celebrate than by experiencing the events this city has to offer? So grab your friends, mark your calendars, and get ready to raise a glass to a month of delicious discoveries!
My name is Adam George Fournier. I’ve been a hospitality professional for 15+ years. I’m currently the Bar Director at Wolfsglenn in Westwood, CA. I’m also the USBG Presents World Class Sponsored by Diageo 2021 US Bartender of the Year. I finished in the Top 5 for the Global World Class competition. I was also fortunate to be named one of Imbibe 75 for 2022 for my work with Non-Alcoholic cocktails.
I’m also a beverage consultant, writer, and spirits educator running BottledInBondLA and having contributed to numerous trade publications over the years.
Every bartender is going to have a different rhythm, and there is a lot that goes into my position that falls outside what the common perception of “bartender” is. I always make time in my day for my mental and physical health with a trip to the gym. Depending on the day of the week my working hours are going to be filled with ordering, inventory, copsting, P&L’s, cocktail R&D, menu development, staff training, and cleaning the bar. But ultimately at the end of every day is our service. Hospitality is the art of creating experiences for guests and all of this work behind the scenes and off camera is about creating the best experience that we can.
I’m an equal opportunity spirit user in cocktails. I build towards flavors and styles. Ultimately flavor is king and some spirits work better for some flavors and styles than others. I do love to find ways to make the drinks that I build more sustainable and reduce our waste. Sometimes this is even just partnering with a fair trade or sustainable brand but it often involves finding some way to use part of a fruit or juice in a less familiar way.
I also like to build drinks that are in someway unique to the venue. There was to be a reason why you left your house to spend time at our bar this evening. And there has to be a reason why you choose to sit at my bar versus the one down the street. Sometimes that reason can be as simple as the house recipe for a classic cocktail.
I stay on top of trends by reading a lot and by watching and learning from fellow bartenders. There are so many talented, intelligent, and giving people in our industry. I am where I am today because other people were willing to share what they’ve learned and I strive to do the same now.
I’m currently excited about the new people joining our industry. There’s a phenomenal opportunity right now after the difficulties of the past years to invite new people who might not have had the opportunity before into places of leadership and give them the tools to shape the future of our industry. New ideas and new ways of looking at things always excite me.
I’m also excited by the interest in Mindful drinking. This can mean more Low-ABV or completely Non-Alcoholic serves for guests. There’s such great opportunity to create drink experiences that deliver more than just a dram of alcohol. For a long time non-alcoholic drinks were often an afterthought we’re seeing more and more places think about these serves as thoughtfully as any classic cocktail. We certainly are at any program that I run.
People should feel free to order whatever they’d like at my bar! I’d love for them to explore the cocktail menu, a lot of thought and creativity has gone into it, but the same can be said for the back bar, the wine list, and the beer offerings. It’s a holistic but very curated offering. Because it is curated every thing on the back bar is there for a reason so if we don’t have it, or can’t make something there’s a reason why and we’ll be able to offer you something just as excellent but might be slightly off the beaten path.
I will say though that you should try to play along at whatever bar you end up at. Meaning take a look around, look at the back bar, look at the menu, get a sense for the style of the place and try to order something in their wheelhouse. Don’t go to the dive bar and start ordering Hemingway Daiquiris and on the flip side it might not be the best experience ordering a Long Island from the craft cocktail bar. Though to be fair I have had excellent versions of those drinks at both of those styles of bars.
Hopefully a writer. A writer who makes cameos in their own shows.
Interview by Stuti Khetan, Beverage Trade Network
As summer comes to an end and fall takes over, we’re gearing up for everything spooky and pumpkin-based. From hot toddy, spiked hot chocolate to buttered rum cocktails, here’s what to drink when the temperature drops.
Recipe by The Cookie Rookie
The Pumpkin Spice White Russian Cocktail is exactly what you need to be sipping on this season. This festive fall cocktail brings the perfect pumpkin flavor to a classic White Russian with the addition of pumpkin spice creamer.
Ingredients –
For the Rim –
Mix the ingredients for the rim together on a shallow plate. Dip the edge of two glasses in water and then dip into the graham mixture. Press to coat. Set the two glasses aside. Pour vodka, creamer, and Kahlua into a large cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake lightly until combined and cold. Pour into glasses and top with whipped cream and pumpkin pie spice. Enjoy!
Recipe by Wine Enthusiast
If you like your whiskey in a cocktail, then the Seaside Toddy is a must-try for you. A classic fall cocktail made with whiskey, Genièvre syrup, cranberry juice, and hot water.
Ingredients –
In a heat-safe mug, combine Scotch, Genièvre syrup, and cranberry juice, and stir to incorporate. Top with hot water, and garnish with a rosemary sprig and lemon zest. Enjoy!
**Genièvre Syrup –
Mix together the hot water and honey. Add the tea bags and allow them to steep for 5 minutes before removing them.
Recipe by Sip Dark
This spiked hot chocolate recipe has all the delicious chocolatey goodness of your youth, but with all the booze-y goodness to please the adult in you.
Ingredients –
Place the milk in a saucepan and heat at a low temperature, stirring frequently. When the milk begins to bubble and steam, reduce the heat and add the chocolate and a large dash of cinnamon. Stir until all the chocolate has melted and the mixture is creamy. Add the whiskey. Enjoy!
Recipe by Forbes
This drink is awesome in general: every ingredient contains alcohol so it’s perfect for the winter season.
Ingredients –
Mix all the ingredients in an old-fashioned glass. Stir well until all the ingredients are mixed well. Add some ice (if you wish) and garnish with a lemon twist. Cheers!
Recipe by Little Figgy
This cocktail is meant to be sophisticated. It’s made with tequila, bourbon, a hit of a warming winter mulled simple syrup, and elevated with the zest of orange.
Ingredients –
Add the bourbon, tequila, winter simple syrup, orange juice, and bitters to a mixing glass. Add ice and stir to chill. In a double old-fashioned glass, add ice, and strain the drink into the glass. Add a twist of orange zest. Using a lighter, ignite one end of a long cinnamon stick, then place in a glass with the ignited end up, and extinguish to create a bit of drama. Serve and enjoy!
Recipe by Delish
As it gets colder, rum is the only thing that’ll do. This cocktail is made from rum, apple cider, and buttered rum batter.
Ingredients –
Place about 2 tablespoons of buttered rum batter into each mug. Fill about 1/3 of the way up with rum, then top with hot apple cider. Garnish with a cinnamon stick and powder. Stir before serving. Enjoy!
**Buttered rum batter
Ingredients –
In a mixing bowl, beat butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in ice cream and cinnamon, then spoon into a mason jar or resealable container. Store in the freezer until mostly hardened, about 2 hours or until ready to serve.
Recipe by BBC Good Food
If you love coffee and cocktails, try the Turkish Coffee festive sour. The cocktail includes seasonal favorites like warming cinnamon, aromatic cloves, rum, and coffee of course.
Ingredients –