Batter up: Some baseball-themed drinks

San Diego is quickly becoming as known for its cocktail culture as for its craft beer dominance on the national stage. All-Star Week is your chance to try some of the local mixologists’ favorite twists on the baseball theme, while visiting a few mandatory cocktail havens near Petco Park.

So put down that boring Jack & Coke, and pick up one of these concoctions:

1845 Cocktail, Rustic Root: This downtown locale mixed up a drink named after the year baseball made its appearance in the U.S. The 1845 is made with Grand Marnier, Fernet-Branca (a San Diego favorite), simple syrup and lemon juice, with an orange peel. Bask in our glorious weather while sipping this cocktail on the rustic-American rooftop lounge, just a few blocks away from Petco Park.

Cooperstown Cocktail, Grant Grill: From one of San Diego’s swankiest hotel bars, the offering is inspired by the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York. Located in arguably the most gorgeous hotel in San Diego, Grant Grill’s delectable cocktail was invented by Cory Alberto, chef de bar, and contains bourbon, blackberry puree, mint, lemon and soda, and is topped with a blackberry and mint garnish. Take my word, you’ll want more than one.

All-Star specials, Redfield’s Sports Bar, Manchester Grand Hyatt: Located at the West Coast’s tallest waterfront hotel, Redfield’s is offering All-Star Game specials from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. July 10-12. Look for pitchers of beer for $19.92, the year Grand Hyatt San Diego opened and the last time San Diego hosted the All-Star Game. But take note, there will be a limit of three pitchers per check, the number of times the city has hosted the game.

They may not have a baseball-themed cocktail, but no visit to Petco Park is complete without heading to the adjacent Rare Form and/or Fairweather for some of the best cocktails in town. Head upstairs for a tiki drink that will blow your perceptions of sugary, cruise-ship, frozen cocktails out of the water, all while overlooking Petco and enjoying the San Diego sunshine. Or relax on the ground floor, with a variety of inventive and beautifully curated cocktails.

Local baseball fans take note: Petco Park will host CocktailFest on Aug. 5 in conjunction with the Philadelphia Phillies game. According to petcoparkinsider.com, “it starts at 5 p.m., there will be food, live music and cocktails, you need a ticket to that night’s game to enter, and you have to promise not to be a dumb drunk - find a safe ride home from the stadium. No exceptions.”

With 18 years in the restaurant and beverage industry and more than 850 reviews under her belt, Laurie Delk is a one-stop guide to all things craft beer, wine and spirits. You can follow Delk on Twitter @100beers30days or Instagram @sandiegobeer. Send ideas for featured drinks to lauriedelk101@gmail.com.

Source: DiscoverSD