Dive into fruit-forward cocktails this summer

When summer rolls around, the tastebuds (and waistline) crave a lighter, more vibrant cocktail to pair with those beach days and warm, breezy evenings. Bartenders around San Diego County have created inventive and delicious fruit-based cocktails to answer the siren call of summer.

Packed with vitamins, minerals, fiber and antioxidants, like beta-carotene, anthocyanins, and flavonols, fruit contains zero fat and keeps the body and skin looking fresh and healthy. So why not dive into these fruit cocktails this summer and hold on to that beach bod?

Jalisco Cantina

After a day of surfing, refresh and recharge with the Mango Serrano Margarita with mango puree, 100% blue agave tequila, Ancho Reyes chile liqueur, fresh lime and orange curacao. Or for less spice, try the Oceanside Refresh, made with fresh strawberry puree, grapefruit vodka and fresh squeezed lemon.

213 N. Coast Hwy, Oceanside, 760.429.1679, thejaliscocantina.com

Catania

It’s hard to beat looking over the Pacific Ocean while sipping on a cocktail. Head to La Jolla and sample a few fruity cocktails from Bar Manager Cesar Sandoval’s cocktail list, including the Fortunella with kumquat purée, vodka, orange blossom and prosecco, or the Barrio Italiano with strawberry, lemon, mezcal, Averna, mint and ginger beer.

7863 Girard Ave. #301, La Jolla, 858.551.5105, cataniasd.com

Barbusa

It’s all about the fruits this season from Bar Manager Wendy McGlinnen’s summer list, with her Paradiso crafted with white peach, rum, rhubarb bitters, vanilla and ginger beer, the Inferno with fresh strawberry and lemon juice, tequila, and Serrano peppers, and the Tropicale with guava purée, vodka, fresh mint, lime and sparkling water.

1917 India St., Little Italy, 619.238.1917, barbusa.com

Sycamore Den

This neighborhood favorite rolls out the fruits with a range of cocktails including the Desert Crossing with watermelon, mezcal, sotol, chamoy and lemon; the Crime of Passion with passionfruit, gin, L’Orgeat, lemon and cayenne; a House Verdita with pineapple, mint, cilantro and Serrano pepper; and the House Sangrita with pomegranate, grapefruit, tangerine, Clamato, roasted bell peppers, tomato and jalapeno.

3391 Adams Ave., Normal Heights, 619. 563.9019, sycamoreden.com

Charles and Dinorah

Try the most interesting fruit cocktail of the summer courtesy of Bar Manager TJ Majeske and his So Pitted cocktail with avocado (yes, it’s a fruit), vodka, Ancho Reyes Verde, agave, cilantro and a Tajin rim. If you like to keep your avocado on toast, try the Spice of My Life with honeydew melon, arbol infused gin, lime, cucumber and soda.

1410 Rosecrans St., Point Loma, 619.226.6100, thepearlsd.com

Greystone Prime Steakhouse & Seafood

For a little bit of pampering to end a perfect sun-filled day, head downtown and try the Luxe Mule, with black cherry puree, bourbon, angostura bitters, lime juice, ginger beer and sage.

658 Fifth Ave., downtown, greystonesteakhouse.com