La Jolla

La Jolla is a San Diego neighborhood known for high end houses and beautiful beaches. It kind of makes sense that this tropical cocktail has a brandy base. It makes even more sense to use cognac when suggesting luxury. For this cocktail I used Remy Martin's 1738 cognac blend.

The cocktail also calls for creme de bananes, which I don't use and refuse to buy. Instead, I grabbed MurLarkey's banana whiskey and added a half tsp. of sugar to sweeten the drink since banana whiskey doesn't have sugar like creme de bananes.

It worked out well. I especially liked how much stronger La Jolla tasted with the banana whiskey and the whiskey notes it gave off. You can't miss the cognac either.

• 2 oz. brandy (Remy Martin 1738 used)
• 1 oz. creme de bananes (MurLarkey banana whiskey and 1/2 tsp. sugar used)
• 1 tbsp. lime juice
• 1 tsp. orange juice

Combine all ingredients in a shaker with ice. Shake and strain into a chilled cocktail glass. 

California Lemonade

So-named California cocktails usually have rye or blended whiskey and a combination of lemon and lime juice. I don't know why, but it seems to be a thing. Check out the Frisco Sour and the Los Angles Cocktail if you don't believe me.

For this drink, I wanted to land somewhere between rye and bourbon with my whiskey choice. Luckily Filibuster Distillery from Virginia makes The Boondoggler. It's a blend of their dual cask bourbon and rye. This drink goes down easily, and is made even prettier with that orange slice.

• 2 oz. blended whiskey (Filibuster Boondoggler used)
• 1 oz. lemon juice
• 1 oz. lime juice
• 1 tsp. bar sugar
• sparkling water 
• orange slice

Combine juices, whiskey and sugar in a shaker with ice. Shake and strain into a chilled highball glass full of fresh ice. Top with sparkling water and stir. Garnish with the orange slice. 

California Smoothie (Non-Alcoholic)

Everyone loves a good smoothie. It turns out that this tropical non-alcoholic drink is fairly sweet with lots of fruits that lend texture. The recipe calls for one and a half ounces of honey to sweeten the drink, but I don't think that this is necessary. It is plenty sweet already with strawberries, orange juice and bananas.

Dates are a nice touch, and also add sweetness and texture when blended into this smoothie.

• 1 banana sliced thin
• 1/2 cup strawberries
• 1/2 cup dates
• 1 1/2 oz. honey (or to taste)
• 8 oz. orange juice

Combine all ingredients with cracked ice in a blender. Blend until smooth and pour into a chilled pint glass.