Michael Bogner
Whether you’ve spent your day swimming with whale sharks, lazing on the spectacular white sands of Balandra Beach, or catching tonight’s dinner aboard a fishing boat, there’s no better way to toast your La Paz adventures than with a cocktail. And not just any cocktail...
Hold up...where in Mexico is La Paz?
La Paz is located in the state of Baja California Sur, a two-hour drive from Cabo San Lucas. This area, whose name translates to “The Peace”, is a tranquil getaway featuring miles of undisturbed white sand beaches and endless opportunities for active adventure tourism.
The La Paz region includes the areas of Todos Santos (“All Saints”), Espíritu Santo Island (“Holy Spirit”) and the Sea of Cortez, which was famously nicknamed “The Aquarium of the World” by Jacques Cousteau. This culturally and biologically diverse area is yours to explore and enjoy.
Doble Canala
The La Paz region, located on the Baja California peninsula, just an hour north of Los Cabos, has a vibrant cocktail culture for you to explore.
A La Paz original is the Doble Canala (meaning “double canal”) – a mash-up of a Michelada beer cocktail and a classic Bloody Mary. The original was made at Bar Mundos, but every bar in town now has their own version, typically with beer, vodka, tomato or Clamato juice, lime juice, a stick of celery, black pepper and something called “petrol” – a mix of black sauces including Maggi seasoning, Worcestershire and soy sauce. Right by the city’s waterfront Malecon, pull up a seat at the bar and try the version served at El Parnazo.
Enjoyment of the Doble Canala crosses all socio-economic and gender lines among the locals, but if you’re looking for something a little more refined to celebrate your day, here are three unique cocktail options from La Paz’s finest drinking establishments, and how you can make them at home.
The Dolores at La Miserable
The Dolores cocktail - La MiserableLa Paz’s best mezcaleria, La Miserable is a great choice for cheers-ing the day with friends. It offers a wide selection of mezcals to try straight-up, as well as a neat list of mezcal-based cocktails, such as The Dolores.
You'll need:
- 6 basil leaves
- 1 oz lime juice
- 2 oz orange juice
- 1 oz ginger syrup
- 2 oz espadin mezcal (this is a type of mezcal, not a brand)
- Ice
Instructions: Combine the mezcal, fruit juices, ginger syrup and 4 of the basil leaves in a shaker, and shake to combine. Strain and serve over ice with the other 2 basil leaves.
The Balandra at Steinbeck’s at CostaBaja
Jalapeño margarita - La Casita
Steinbeck’s, one of the restaurants at CostaBaja Resort, right next to the marina, is an excellent place for a celebratory drink, followed by an extravagant dinner. Their Balandra cocktail makes use of Damiana, a liqueur made from a local herbal plant.
You'll need:
- 1 oz whiskey
- 1 oz Damiana liqueur
- 4 oz ginger ale
- Mint leaf for garnish
Instructions: Put the whiskey and Damiana liqueur in a cocktail shaker with ice, and shake for 8 seconds. Strain into a hurricane glass with ice, top with the ginger ale, and garnish with a mint leaf.
Jalapeño Margarita at La Casita
Jalapeño margarita - La Casita
As a farm-to-table restaurant, La Casita offers a range of margaritas made from locally-sourced ingredients, from fruity passion fruit, to sour tamarind, and this fiery jalapeno version. Grab your family for a relaxed cocktail-hour drink and kick things off with one of their delicious margaritas.
You'll need:
- 1 oz lime juice
- 1.5 oz Cinco Perros tequila
- 1 oz Controy orange liqueur (also called Naranja liqueur)
- 2 smashed jalapeño slices
- Lime slice for garnish
Ingredients: Put all ingredients together and shake to combine. Serve strained over ice in a glass with a salt-and-pepper rim, and garnished with a slice of lime.