Locals' Top Picks: Best Cool Spots for Refreshing Cocktails in Palm Springs (Summer 2016)
Discover tree-shaded patios, poolside cabanas, mist-cooled palapas, and air-conditioned terraces—ideal havens to savor innovative icy cocktails across Palm Springs this summer. Join savvy locals at these trusted spots for refreshing libations.
Cool and Colorful Cocktails at Lulu California Bistro
In the heart of downtown Palm Springs, Lulu California Bistro buzzes with energy, but its drinks stay cool, creative, and generously poured.
Amid midcentury modern décor, opt for air-conditioned mezzanine seating, the lively bar, or the vibrant street-side terrace. Enjoy a 12-hour daily happy hour in the bar, an award-winning three-course menu from 11 a.m., and a weekend late-night menu.
Sip standout options like the LuLu Blue, Classic Manhattan, Don Julio Reposado, or Million Dollar Maggie Margarita in this festive atmosphere.
Innovative Summer Cocktails at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino
Fantasy Springs' mixologists craft nearly a dozen new summer drinks, many featuring Barenjager Honey Tea liqueur—like the tart Apple & Honey Tea Margarita or the Cucumber Mint Honey Tea Margarita with sugared rim, lime, and Tabasco splash.
Try the balanced Jalapeno Margarita with reposado tequila, muddled jalapeño, lime, Grand Marnier, bitters, and agave. The icy Rock Lobster blends rums with banana, pomegranate, coconut, orange, and a dark rum float.
Savor them at POM, The Bistro, Joy Asian Cuisine, LIT Ultra Lounge, Sports Bar, 12th Floor Cocktail and Wine Bar, or Springs Bar.
New Palm Springs Cocktails at ARRIVE
Palm Springs' newest Uptown boutique hotel, ARRIVE, welcomes you with summery sippers: Palm Springs Punch (rum, ruby port, orgeat, citrus) and Swan Dive (vodka, pamplemousse, grapefruit).
This Chris Pardo-designed midcentury gem features a courtyard pool, oversized Jacuzzi, private cabanas with fire pits, and communal lounges—perfect for cocktails. Reservoir restaurant anchors the 32-room property with modernist southern California fare.
Retro Tiki Classics at The Saguaro
Weekend bistro Rocco's Electric at The Saguaro specializes in shared plates and classic cocktails with house syrups and fresh juices, like the Junglebird (rum, Campari, pineapple, lime).
Other favorites: Mai Tais (lime, orgeat, Gifford triple sec), Old Fashioned (demerara syrup, bitters), and Sazerac (rye, demerara, bitters, absinthe). Enjoy at El Jefe taco-tequila bar or poolside.
Signature Miramosa at Miramonte Resort & Spa
The Miramosa evokes sunny Tuscany: muddled kumquats with Pavan liqueur, ice, blueberries, raspberries, and champagne topper.
Sip from Vineyard Lounge overlooking Mediterranean architecture and gardens, or poolside at the main, serenity, or spa saline pools. Grove Artisan Kitchen uses local and on-site herbs and citrus.
Craft Cocktails at SO•PA, L'Horizon Resort & Spa
L'Horizon's alfresco SO.PA delights with seasonal breakfast, lunch, and dinner on a tree-shaded patio.
Highlights: Expresar Piña (rye, mezcal, pineapple cordial, barrel-aged bitters, muddled pineapple, rosemary) and L'Horizon Classic (Purity vodka, apricot liqueur, muddled thyme, peach bitters, Peat Monster rinse).
Communal Hour (Sunday-Thursday early evenings) offers craft cocktails, wines, and beers at the garden table.
Skinny Margarita at Las Casuelas Terraza
Under 200 calories: Cazadores Blanco Tequila, agave nectar, fresh lime—served icy at this iconic spot.
Relax under grand palapas or on the downtown Palm Canyon terrace for prime people-watching. A 57-year Delgado family tradition with awards for food, hospitality, and service.
Modern Tiki at Elixir, V Palm Springs Hotel
At the Palm Canyon curve, V Palm Springs' Elixir pool bar & grill offers Polynesian-Asian fusion snacks like green curry guacamole and tuna tartare cigars.
Modern tiki stars: Elixir Sling (gin, cherry/orange liqueurs, charred pineapple, lime, bitters). Fall brings Solstice for farm-to-table dining.
Desert Heat Cocktail at Omni Rancho Las Palmas
Historic Rancho Mirage resort's R Bar serves the Desert Heat: tequila, lime, cucumber, jalapeño, agave—garnished with jalapeño and cucumber.
Healthy Avocado Margarita at JW Marriott Desert Springs
Blue Star Lounge's frozen blend: tequila, triple sec, avocado, cilantro, lime, agave. Lower sugar, fiber-rich, with low-glycemic agave.
Blueberry Lemon Drops at Fleming's
Fleming's Steakhouse at The River hosts Five Six Seven (5-7 p.m.): $6 cocktails, wines, apps. Try Pinnacle blueberry vodka Lemon Drop.
The Wexler at The Purple Palm
Colony Palms' Moroccan poolside Purple Palm features chef Nick Tall's sustainable tasting menus. Wexler's Vision: Hendrick's gin, acai liqueur, lime, cucumber, black truffle salt.
