It’s no secret that Yolo County is an up-and-coming wine region in California. In fact, it produces some of the best wines in the state. But Yolo County offers much more than wine. It also has a vibrant craft cocktail scene inspired by the bounty of local farms and orchards.
Yolo County restaurants, bars, and tasting rooms are turning out innovative cocktails that incorporate seasonal flavors. Long gone are the basic soda-and-spirit drinks of yore; today’s cocktails are multi-layered, well-balanced, and made with top-tier ingredients. So, whether you prefer the smooth, aromatic taste of gin or the rich, smokey flavor of bourbon, following are some of the top spots in Yolo County for craft cocktails.
Patio 29 Spirits | Winters
Patio 29 Spirits is a craft distillery that produces a variety of spirits, from vodka and gin to whiskey and rum. At their Winters tasting room, you can sample them in cocktail form. The Smokey Lemon Maple is made from lemon maple whiskey, hickory smoke-infused simple syrup, and lemon, with a bacon salt rim; and the Backyard Beach is made with rum, pineapple, orgeat, lime, and peach. If you prefer to design your own cocktail, you can choose your own spirit and mixer of choice.
Paesano’s | Davis
Paesano’s is a longstanding restaurant in Davis that’s known for its rustic Italian cuisine. They also have an impressive and varied cocktail list. Some to try include the Pantera Rose, made from gin, limoncello and raspberries; the Mockingbird, with tequila, watermelon and jalapeño; and the Lavender Lemon Drop, with local vodka, lemon, and lavender syrup. Many of their specialty cocktails change with the seasons and they have a selection of non-alcoholic cocktails as well.
Shipwrecked Tiki Bar | Davis
Located in Davis, Shipwrecked Tiki Bar features imaginative cocktails with a tropical vibe. One of the most popular is the Zombie Jet Pilot, a potent blend of rums, Caribbean spices, and citrus. Another favorite cocktail is the Hawaiian Hula Blossom, with vodka, rum, elderflower liqueur, blue Curaçao and pineapple juice. They have dozens of rums on the menu so you’re sure to find your favorite.
Preserve | Winters
Preserve in Winters is renowned for its innovative, farm-to-table cuisine. But the cocktail menu is equally creative. Sure, you can order classic cocktails such as a Manhattan or G&T, but they also have a selection of one-of-a-kind concoctions using local ingredients. Pretty in Pink has vodka, Aperol, yuzu, lemon and cucumber, while Voodoo Child has tequila, elderflower, lime, jalapeño and hibiscus foam. Enjoying Preserve at breakfast? The Italian Speedball drink has Averna, cold brew, honey, bitters and cream.
Drake’s: The Barn | West Sacramento
Think Drake’s in West Sacramento and beer is usually what comes to mind. After all, Drake’s is a regional brewery with a varied selection of craft beer. But their West Sacramento location has an expanded menu that includes wine and cocktails. Popular choices include the Hibiscus Gin Spritz, with hibiscus-infused gin, elderflower, lemon and soda, and the Tropical Rum Punch, with rum, triple sec, passionfruit, pineapple, lime and soda. Come summer, there’s nothing more refreshing than a “Lushie,” a frozen cocktail swirled with white peach and lemon.
Sofia’s Thai Kitchen | Davis
Sofia’s Thai Kitchen in Davis is a popular restaurant featuring traditional Thai cuisine. But after hours, it turns into a lively hangout with a full bar. They specialize in fruity drinks with an island twist, such as the Mango Tango and Lava Lamp. They also have a large selection of bourbon and scotch, which they incorporate into cocktails such as the Penicillin and Thai Breaker. You can enjoy your cocktails on the cozy outdoor patio and enjoy live music on weekends.
Sample Craft Cocktails in Yolo County
Although Yolo County is known for wine, it also has a thriving craft cocktail scene. Whether you’re craving something sweet or savory, there are plenty of options out there. With so many choices, you may not want to limit yourself to just one, so why not embark on a cocktail journey through Yolo County? Check out the many lodging specials in Yolo County and book your getaway today.
