Fall Cocktail Guide: Five Places to Sip the Season in La Jolla
October 17, 2025
Around town, menus have quietly shifted from summer spritzes to maple-washed bourbon, spiced citrus, and honeyed amari. For guests at Orli, there is no better way to settle into the season than to wander from one local bar to the next, each one adding its own twist on fall flavor.
Start at Catania, where the view alone feels like an aperitif. Their Maple Old Fashioned, made with Buffalo Trace bourbon, smoked maple syrup, and walnut bitters, captures the warmth of the season without losing its coastal ease.
A short walk down to Marisi brings a different rhythm, one shaped by new age Italian hospitality and California soul. Here, the Apricot Old Fashioned blends fruit and spice in perfect balance, with apricot liqueur softening the edges of rye whiskey.
Across the way, Le Coq feels made for fall. Velvet banquettes, candlelight, and an amber glow seem to match every pour. The Paris Sour, made with brandy, apricot liqueur, lemon, and a touch of spice, bridges brightness and warmth.
For something with a touch more theater, Paradisaea in nearby Bird Rock offers cocktails that feel like art. Their Golden Hour, a mix of mezcal, passion fruit, lime, and chili honey, balances heat and sweetness.
If you are up for one more, end the night with a movie at The Lot La Jolla and enjoy a cocktail at their bar before. The Smoked Pear Manhattan, made with bourbon, pear brandy, and house-smoked syrup, is a crowd favorite for fall. Order it fireside or take it into the theater for a late showing.
Whether you make it to one or all five, this fall cocktail circuit is less about checking boxes and more about slowing down, about savoring the way La Jolla shifts into a new season.
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