Summer Refreshments in WeHo: Cocktails, Menus, Music & Events

Los Angeles is famous for its full-on sunshine and this year’s heat is shattering records. As temps soar and AC cranks like never before, here’s a guide to cool spots in West Hollywood to sit back, relax and chill.

Boxwood at The London West Hollywood

The London West Hollywood is a perfect place to start. Head up to Boxwood on the Roof restaurant and bar for rosé specials all day on Tuesdays. At the Boxwood’s Game On Friday nights, you can play games like UNO and Connect Four. Sweeten your winning strategy on Friday, July 21, from 4-8 p.m., when Boxwood partners with Salt & Straw to offer a sampling of delightful, Portland-cool ice cream.

Hotel Ziggy

Enjoy poolside service, DJ sets and live music at Hotel Ziggy. Be sure to sample Hotel Ziggy’s Free Bird, which is made with vodka, ginger, lemon, raspberries, and honey.

Andaz West Hollywood

Or amble over to The Andaz, where you can sip in celeb-worthy style. The Marilyn Monroe is pink lemonade and vodka. There’s also a Piña Colada that changes weekly.

Mondrian Los Angeles

Summer hours, anyone? Join the Mondrian Skybar for Just Ditch! Pick this sexy poolside over work on Friday afternoons from 1-6 p.m. Sit, sip and listen to DJ Aaron Colbert (and friends). DJs also spin on Thursdays and Saturdays from 1-6 p.m. And on Sundays, Skybar hosts the XIV Summer Sessions daytime pool party. The Mondrian’s recommended summer cocktails are the frozen Piña Coladas and Strawberry Daiquiri. Yum!

Petit Ermitage

Another way to step it up: the Petit Ermitage’s new Mile High Club. Three mezcals are served from a small suitcase and poured tableside, along with citrus slices and sal de gusano (salt that incorporates the worms found on agave).

Ramada Plaza Hotel & Suites

The trendy eatery kitchen24 is the food and beverage provider for the Ramada Plaza Hotel so be sure to stop by for the Saturday specials: the $15 Bottomless Bloody Mary and Mimosa, every weekend. (Note to stomach: There is also a kitchen24 restaurant at 8575 Santa Monica Blvd. located right next to the hotel!)

Connie and Ted’s

Enjoy fish and shellfish, inspired by classic clam shacks, oyster bars and fish houses, at Connie and Ted’s. Their new seasonal cocktail program features unique ingredients and flavors from around the globe. For instance, By Land or Sea is made of Edinburgh Seaside Gin, Caperitif, grapefruit and thyme. Hailing from South Africa, Caperitif is a floral, wine-based aperitif with 35 botanicals.

Laurel Hardware

Laurel Hardware is a see-and-be-seen place, to be sure. A brunch-cocktail option: “I hear she does car commercials…in Japan” (sparkling wine, fresh-squeezed blood orange juice, Fortaleza blanco tequila and Cynar). A former hardware store, Laurel Hardware is a great spot to meet for drinks and shared food made with local and organic produce.

Harlowe

For vintage charm with a Southern accent, check out Harlowe, where you’ll find much to entice, including: Day at the Zoo (Square One botanical vodka, Velvet falernum, Angostura bitters, green tea, cucumber, apple, celery, lime and dill) and Steeped in Desire–a Hennessy-Curacao-Earl Grey combo.

Zinque

The Francophiles at Zinqué recommend ordering a glass of Minuty rosé with a side of ice as the ultimate summer refresher. A lovely choice for a light and cooling meal: plancha-grilled branzino with lemon-chimichurri sauce.