Sure you could stay home and drink a whole bottle of wine for what you’d pay for one glass in any L.A. bar, but what fun would that be? The Los Angeles landscape is dotted with bars ancient and new, classy and dive-y, kitschy and chic. No matter your tastes or purpose – people-watching, hooking up, drunken conversations with strangers, you can find one to suit your needs, often within a mile radius of your front door.

But let’s say that you’re in the mood for a specialty concoction that you can’t get at any other bar. A really good house drink somehow makes that steep tab at the end of the night all the more worth it. So here are the places where you can sample L.A.’s top five drinks. (Note: This list will reflect the fact that I don’t often leave the confines of Los Feliz/Silverlake/Atwater Village. Feel free to weigh in with your own favorites.)

1. “The Sasquatch” – Bigfoot Lodge

How could you not love a drink called the Sasquatch? Big and powerful as its name implies, this blend of Wild Turkey, ginger brandy, ginger ale, and bitters goes down a lot easier than it should. Don’t be fooled, though. As the menu warns, the Sasquatch will stomp your ass. I recommend the equally delicious Girl Scout Cookie for the easily intimidated.

2. “Blood and Sand” – The Dresden Room

Thanks to the movie Swingers, I was familiar with the Dresden’s house act, Marty and Elaine, far before I moved to L.A. What I don’t remember is if Vince Vaughn and his pals drank Blood and Sand while they were there. They certainly should have. A lot more appealing than it sounds, this “secret recipe” concoction tastes just like fruit punch. If you drink too many, it’s only the next morning when you wake up with bloodshot eyes, feeling like you’ve been hit in the head with a sandbag that the name makes sense.

3. “Ray’s Mistake” – Tiki Ti

Tiki Ti serves 86 specialty tropical drinks, but if you’ve never been before, try Ray’s Mistake. This dark rum and passion fruit delight, named after original owner Ray Buhen, who opened the Ti in 1961, is the bar’s most popular. Even if you have to stand in line to get into this tiny bar, “Ray” will make your wait worthwhile.

4. “100% Organic Margarita” – Malo

The 100% Organic Margarita is only one on a list of fantastic specialty drinks at Malo, but this mix of 4 Copas Blanco Tequila, 4 Copas Agave Nectar, and Organic Lime is the most refreshing margarita you’ll likely come across. And don’t worry — organic will definitely still get you buzzing.

5. “The Edison” – The Edison

The Edison would be worth visiting for its historical value alone. Located downtown, this building used to be L.A.’s first private power plant and many of its art-deco artifacts are still in tact. Another bonus? The menu of truly unique and delicious cocktails. One sip of their namesake drink, a concoction of lavender-honey infused liquor, pear liqueur, and pear nectar will make you feel as grand as Daisy Buchanan.

Photo by Fibroblast, via Flicker.

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