A Latin gem in the heart of Downtown Los Angeles, barcito celebrates a traditional day-to-night experience transforming from a local neighborhood cafe by day to lively Latin social club at night. Just in time for those lazy days of summer, Barcito has debuted a New Draft, Classic & Craft Cocktail Menu, a collaborative effort between General Manager Andrea Borgen and Bar Manager Jamie Amos. Both worked together to collaborate and create diverse, seasonal flavor profiles that showcase a robust and striking balance.
Guests can start their evening by enjoying a variety of Draft Cocktails with their very own Latin-centric twist, starting with the Paloma prepared with Cimarron Blanco Tequila and mixed with habanero, grapefruit, and agave for balanced flavor, or the Pink Sangria is a twist on the classic featuring rosé, Caña Brava Light Rum and mix of stone fruit. Go old school with the Old Fatshioned made with fat-washed bourbon intensified by cinnamon and Cynar, or celebrate with the Chegroni comprised of Campari, Livenza Americano and gin.
The Classic Cocktails are a reveler’s delight evoking a sense of nostalgia starting with the (Mi)Chelada which can be customized for guests who want either a classic Michelada made with spicy tomato, lime and a lager or the Chelada made with just lager, lime, and salt; the Whiskey Sour crafted with Buffalo Trace Bourbon, lemon, egg white and Angostura Bitters, or what better libation to enjoy in the heart of DTLA than the native Moscow Mule featuring Tito’s Vodka, fresh ginger, lime and club soda. For the seasoned gin drinker, barcito offers the Last Word made with City of London Gin, green chartreuse and lime, finished with Maraschino liqueur.
The Craft Cocktails begin with the Fine + Brandy using Copper & Kings Brandy mixed with yellow chartreuse and orange bitters for a fresh citrus taste. The flavor-packed Maple Manhattan features Rittenhouse Rye, Averna Amaro, barrel-aged bitters and a decadent touch of maple. Borgen’s favorite cocktail is the Yerba Brava, a special cocktail made with Apostoles Argentine Gin, house-made yerba mate syrup adding authentic Argentinian flavors balanced by a mixture of lemon and mint for a refreshing summer pop.
For the adventurous spirit, try the The Banana Stand named for Arrested Development fans. With a “light, tropical flare” The Banana Stand is a modern twist on the original tiki cocktail featuring Smith & Cross Rum and its rich flavor is balanced by a house-made banana liquor and amaro served in a Pearl Diver glass, topped with a banana chip. The Federal Fizz, inspired by a trip to Distrito Federal in Mexico City where all mezcal is served with orange and chapulin salt,is made specially for tequila enthusiasts, utilizing Los Javis Mezcal, orange, club soda, and the iconic Latin flavor of Tajin, while the Eastside Bramble explores the balance between bitter and sweet made withFord’s Gin, blackberry balsamic, cucumber and a touch of lemon.
In line with the neighborhood’s friendly aesthetic, barcito offers two libations celebrating the local community; the Pisco Boulevard, a refreshing, herbaceous delight utilizing Capurro Pisco, St. Germain, basil and tang of lemon, and the Flower Street featuring Loft & Bear Vodka, house-made lavender-vanilla syrup, lemon and egg white.
Whether you want to swing by barcito for a cup of locally roasted coffee to jump start their day, sip a Moscow Mule with house-made ginger beer or meet up with friends for evening Draft, Classic or Craft Cocktails; barcito is your new favorite spot to heat up summer!
By Kinya Claiborne, STYLE & SOCIETY
Photo Credit: Acuna-Hansen & Ryan Tanaka
