Mixology Magic: Great Drinks in Los Cabos

By Janine S. Pouliot

You simply cannot be in Los Cabos and not try one of its delicious cocktails. Order a fantastic concoction, sit back, relax and watch a blazing orange sun set beneath a silvery gray ocean. Or get into the groove at a high-energy nightspot with exotic and fun liquid blends. Either way, Cabo is famous for its gallery of libations that showcase the very best of the region.

For starters, since this is Mexico, there must be tequila. But think outside the box… or in this case, the margarita. Tequila is also a fine sipping liquor, much like cognac. Every bar in Los Cabos has a staggering lineup of tequilas — and there is one for every taste. Blanco is clear like water and is often preferred by sophisticated drinkers because of its pure flavor. Reposado or rested tequila is aged in oak barrels for months, tending to have a woody color and smoother essence. Añejo or aged remains in the barrel for at least a year. The longer the aging process the fuller the flavor, just like fine wine.

Trendy bars serve tequila with sangrita, a mixture of tomato juice, orange juice, pepper and lime. Sip the tequila, letting it hit the palate. Then immediately follow with a sip of sangrita. That’s what makes it an experience.

But tequila also holds its own in the margarita, and nothing is as tempting as a huge frosty goblet filled with this alluring mixture. Top bartenders create variations on this classic with their own secret ingredients, but the results are always the same: an outstanding cocktail that represents the excitement of Los Cabos’ famous nightlife.

Also not be missed is the martini, which reigns supreme here as well. Stylish lounges and ultracool clubs offer an astonishing variety of this ubiquitous drink. Distinctive and delicious ingredients find their way into the martini glass in Los Cabos. In fact, the name martini has become a catchword for any flavored cocktail, and bar menus cover the gamut from sweet and fruity to rich or chocolate-y. Most visitors quickly find their favorite Mixology Master and eagerly anticipate an evening of luscious combinations amid friendly camaraderie.

Click here for a quick list of bars and restaurants in Los Cabos to help you plan where to eat, dine, party and drink.