First Look: Cocktails at La Cuevita, Los Angeles

[Photographs: Christine Merson]

After months of renovating the "Little Cave" that gave La Cuevita its name, the opening of this Mexican-themed bar from the group behind the acclaimed Thirsty Crow and Bigfoot Lodge has been hotly anticipated in Highland Park. Bar manager Jason Mort has watched mezcal gain in popularity in recent years. "We wanted to create a menu that plays on the classic cocktail while adding smoke and heat," he told us. Mort and acclaimed bartender Copper Gillespie worked together to give well-known mixed drinks just the right mezcal twist for a bar that aims to transport its patrons to a Mexico of generations past.

Prefer to sip your spirits straight? La Cuevita's menu also includes over 50 different tequilas and 37 different bottles of mezcal from 15 different distilleries. "We plan to constantly do tastings," adds Mort. We're guessing La Cuevita will become a destination for agave lovers in the neighborhood and beyond.

Check out the cocktails in the slideshow above, or swing by La Cuevita at the address below.

La Cuevita

5922 N. Figueroa Street, Los Angeles 90042 (map) 323-255-6871; lacuevitabar.com

About the Author: Madisen Treu is a Los Angeles based writer who loves all things beer and food. She can be found to frequent any local spot with a quality selection of beers on tap and a tasty burger on the menu.

All products linked here have been independently selected by our editors. We may earn a commission on purchases, as described in our affiliate policy.