Highland Park: Cocktails at Sonny’s Hideaway

Recently I visited Sonny’s Hideaway to try out their cocktails. I’ll have to make a return trip for the intriguing sounding menu. Andouille stuffed squid, bone marrow hash, chicken fried sweetbreads and ricotta dumplings all sound great.

For my first cocktail, I tried the Ticket to Prague. It was a brown, bitter, stirred drink which meant it was perfect for me.

Ticket to Prague – bonded bourbon, Cio Ciaro, Becherovka

I moved on to the Croatoan. I almost didn’t get it at first since it also featured Cio Ciaro which isn’t listed on the menu but I asked. I didn’t want anything that was too much like my first drink. This one was definitely on the sweeter side. It’s apparently equal parts but I’d cut down on the Yellow Chartreuse. I wasn’t getting that much smoke from the mezcal but I did get a hint of the bitterness from the Campari every now and then.

Croatoan – Mezcal, Yellow Chartreuse, Campari, Cio Ciaro, lime oil

I really enjoyed the Tarantella. This one was well balanced. I’ve been enjoying gin cocktails this summer and also love the fact Calisaya is becoming popular. The Campari-like liqueur from Oregon isn’t as bitter as Campari but it has a better mouth feel (viscosity) than Aperol.

Tarantella – St. George Terroir gin, Calisaya, Cocchi Americano, Cocchi di Torino, Sorrel

When I ordered the Napali Death Toll I didn’t expect a flaming drink but that’s exactly what it was. This neo-tiki style cocktail also had a couple unusual ingredients including Acqua di Cedro, an Italian citrus liqueur. A touch of herbsaint kept it from being too sweet.

Napali Death Toll – rum, Acqua di Cedro, Legendre Herbsaint, passion fruit, all spice, lime

I particularly liked the “show” of sparking the cinnamon while the lime was on fire.

Sonny’s Hideaway is a great addition to the neighborhood. It’s a perfect stop after some street tacos.

Sonny’s Hideaway

5137 York Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90042  —  (323) 255-2000

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