Two hands holding cocktails; one adorned with rosemary and ice, the other with a chili rim and dried citrus. Both drinks, in textured glasses, are viewed from above—a perfect shot for any Costa Mesa travel blog.

Pour Choices, No Regrets: Costa Mesa’s Best Sips

Published Jun 26, 2025, 3:59pm

Did somebody say libations? Costa Mesa is a city of top-tier experiences, and that extends to our beverages—finding the right creative cocktail or craft brew is key for maximizing vibes. Whether you’re hunting for the best possible margarita, you want to savor a unique IPA, or you’re dancing the night away, drink in hand, you’ve come to the right place. Grab your drinking pals and channel your inner Moira Rose for a boozy tour of Costa Mesa’s best sips.

If you’re a SoCal native, Costa Mesa’s an easy jaunt; just tell your designated driver (or rideshare app) to head to Orange County, in between Los Angeles and San Diego. If you’re not local enough for a day-drinking trip, then fly into John Wayne Airport (SNA) and beat the crowds at LAX.

Hops and Dreams

Three cocktails on a wooden table: a clear drink with an olive in a coupe glass, a creamy martini with black garnish, and a tall yellow cocktail with ice, a straw, and a purple flower. — Photo by @blossomsandbrass

Green Cheek Beer Co. is a haven for beer lovers with some of the best craft beer in Costa Mesa. There are hoppy classics like pilsners and IPAs, but the brewery is full of tasty twists like Guava In Berlin (a Berliner-style Weisse with real guava) and Flying South, a Mexican-style lager with lime. If you’re not into beer, they have options like the lovely hard seltzer Lavender Lemonade, and some fun non-alcoholic options for your DD.

Spirited Away

A can of Green Cheek Beer Co. and One Drop Brewing’s “Checkmate” Cali IPA sits next to a glass of hazy golden beer on a wooden surface, with a blurred outdoor background. — Photo by @crafty_beer_baron

Wanna have the coolest speakeasy experience? Cowboys and Poodles at The CAMP is like if a saloon married a disco ball, with fun and innovative cocktails to match the vibe. Try the Whole Mood, a tiki-style cocktail with smoking sage, or the Gin Ne Sais Quois, with gin, yellow chartreuse, aperol, grapefruit, and passionfruit notes.

If you’re in the mood for a taste of Orange County history, then hit up Tin Lizzie, OC’s longest-standing lesbian bar with origins in the 1950s, and get immersed in the saloon of it all: velvet drapes, gold sconces, moody red lighting, and a well-curated menu of cocktail and tiki faves. We love the Black Magic cocktail with cold brew and espresso liquor, and nothing beats a Daiquiri with fresh juice.

A fancy cocktail served on a round tray with dry ice mist, featuring a copper mug with leaves, a glass with an amber drink and mint, and a small dish holding a dessert garnished with berries.

Pitcher Perfect

A green glass filled with a yellow cocktail, topped with crushed ice, garnish, and smoke rising from the drink, sits on a rustic wooden bar with warm lighting and blurred decor in the background.

Habana is an open-air experience at The LAB, Costa Mesa’s beloved anti-mall, and if you’re looking for distinct flavors, this Cuban hotspot has them. Their sangria is basically a local legend at this point—order the red, white, and pink varieties to decide which is your favorite. Also, the food here is divine: try some apps like the empanadas with your booze to keep you fueled.

Next Stop, Margaritas

A frosty yellow cocktail in a curved glass, garnished with a pink flower and toasted coconut on the rim, sits on a wooden table in a sunlit, rustic cafe setting with greenery in the background.

Playa Mesa has the distinction of being named as serving the best margarita in California, which is no small feat considering the competition! The flavors are innovative and fresh, like the Sandia Margarita, with fresh watermelon juice and a tajin rim. Don’t overlook Playa Mesa’s other cocktails and bevs, though: save room for a Tierra de Guayava.

Crafted to Perfection

Two colorful cocktails with chili powder rims and lime slices are on a table, next to a small potted cactus. The background shows chairs and a napkin, suggesting an outdoor café setting.

Sip in style at Blossoms & Brass, where Japanese flavors meet Italian flair. Every one of their specialty cocktails is a home run, but we’re especially fond of The Genovese for its dry vermouth and ponzu basil syrup. The wine and beer lists aren’t slouches either; everything at Blossoms & Brass is meant to evoke taste, in every sense of the word.

If you’re the type who wants to keep the party going all night, Costa Mesa’s nightlife scene has you covered. Just remember to hydrate! If you’re the go-to-bed-early type, we rec brunch the next morning. Remember, if you’re going to be drinking, it’s better to be safe than sorry. Book a room in one of Costa Mesa’s luxurious hotels to sleep off the damage from the night before.

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Four young adults smiling and walking together outside a modern building; one woman in a red hat leads the group, while the others chat and follow, carrying shopping bags.